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2024 E-SPLOST Renewal

What is E-SPLOST?

The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for Education (E-SPLOST) is a one- penny sales tax that Georgia school systems may use for capital improvements and/or long-term debt reduction from previous bonds.

The one-penny sales tax is paid by all who shop, dine or receive services in Muscogee County, including outside visitors.

  • E-SPLOST funds may be used for capital projects (building new facilities, renovating existing structures, etc.), improving school bus fleets, upgrading HVAC systems, and paying debt from previous projects.
  • E-SPLOST funds cannot be used to pay operating expenses, such as staff salaries, raises, bonuses, etc. 
  • E-SPLOST is not  a property tax. Property taxes help meet the day-to-day operational needs of the district, including maintenance/operations of facilities and instructional school improvements.
  • E-SPLOST is a ballot referendum which lasts up to five years or until the max amount is collected, whichever comes first.
Informational graphic

2024 E-SPLOST Renewal Proposed Project: Enhanced Campus Safety Initiative

This initiative will impact all campuses. We will utilize the Five D's of Security with an emphasis on Deter, Detect, Deny and Delay.
We will achieve this through access control, campus enclosures, upgraded security cameras, and weapons detection.

2024 E-SPLOST Renewal Proposed Projects

Elementary School Level

  • Enhanced campus safety initiative
  • Computer refresh
  • Increase/ update technology infrastructure
  • Replace outdated buses
  • Replace classroom furniture

Middle/ High School Level

  • Enhanced campus safety initiative
  • Computer refresh
  • Increase/ update technology infrastructure
  • Replace outdated buses

As Needed Based on Prioritization

  • High-Demand Career Readiness Labs
  • Replace outdated printers and copiers
  • Library Upgrades
  • Museum Upgrades
  • FF&E- furniture, educational equipment, athletic equipment, etc.
  • Athletic facilities upgrades 
    • Collaboration with city to renovate Columbus HS athletic facilities at Lake Bottom Park
  • Upgrade elementary school gyms
  • Enclose campuses w/ multiple buildings and exposed breezeways*
  • Replace outdated white fleet
  • Facility Maintenance Upgrades
    • Replace outdated intercom systems*
    • Replace outdated fire alarms*
    • Replace outdated burglar alarms
    • Replace playgrounds on 10 year cycle
    • Roof replacements
    • Facility upgrades

*Part of the District's Enhanced Campus Safety Initiative 

School Specific Proposed E-SPLOST Projects

  • Richards Middle School- Gym and parking lot upgrades
  • Fort Middle School- Athletic fields upgrades
  • Rothschild Leadership Academy- Gym upgrades
  • Double Churches Elementary School- Upgraded school design and expansion
  • Forrest Road Elementary School and Wesley Heights Elementary School Combining
  • Upgraded Parking Lots
    • Brewer Elementary
    • Clubview Elementary 
    • Davis Elementary
    • Dimon Elementary 
    • Gentian Elementary 
    • Georgetown Elementary
    • Hannan Elementary
    • Johnson Elementary
    • Key Elementary
    • Mathews Elementary
    • Reese Road Elementary

Election date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Ballot referendum 

  • E-SPLOST renewal of  $290,000,000 for 60 calendar months or until max amount collected, whichever comes first.
  • General obligation debt not to exceed $90,000,000.
  • Interest rate not to exceed 6% 

For an extended presentation click HERE.