DeKalb Group Pushing for Renewed School Tax

DEKALB COUNTY, GA -- A pro-school tax group is urging voters throughout the community to renew a special local option sales tax for the DeKalb school system.

SPLOST for Schools says the E-SPLOST's renewal is vital for the county.

The measure, which will appear on DeKalb ballots on May 24, must pass county-wide in order for DeKalb County School District, City of Decatur Schools, and Atlanta Public Schools located in DeKalb to receive continued funding for capital improvements. Districts use SPLOST monies for new construction, facility improvements, technology upgrades, safety enhancements, and capital equipment.

Dr. Merrill White, president of the Charter School Parent Council, believes that SPLOST funding is necessary to avoid raising property taxes.

“Let DeKalb County visitors, shoppers, and all residents continue to pay the one cent sales tax to keep schools safe, build new schools, build additions to schools, secure new buses, replace outdated equipment, and bring the computer age to all public schools,” she said.

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Ernest Brown spoke in favor of the measure at last week’s board of education meeting. He explained that the schools belong to the community and citizens must take care of them by investing in facility improvements. “If we need. . . repairs to our homes, we are going to try to address them as quickly as possible so they don’t become a bigger problem. That is how we should look at SPLOST for schools.”

Roofing, heating/air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, ADA accessibility, athletic fields, paving, and restroom improvements will all be funded through SPLOST.

Because City of Decatur and Atlanta schools are impacted by the SPLOST vote, residents of those cities are encouraging their fellow residents, as well as friends throughout DeKalb, to vote YES. Decatur parent Christa Sobon believes there may be some who have been “generally dissatisfied with the direction of DeKalb County and may want to ‘send a message.’ Others may assume it does not affect Decatur. Potentially left in the balance are our teachers and kids.” She believes that DeKalb, Decatur, and Atlanta school districts are all three being led by strong superintendents who have demonstrated integrity and a desire to put students first. She hopes that “trust translates into more citizens supporting their schools with a yes vote.”