Next week’s primary: Big consequences for APS

Many voters in DeKalb, Decatur, Atlanta and Fulton are unaware that a critical vote occurs next week affecting their schools. Voters in those metro communities will be asked to extend the 1-cent education special-purpose local option sales tax, known as E-SPLOST. The E-SPLOST question will appear on primary ballots on May 24.

Atlanta education activist Ann W. Cramer explains why the is important to APS. “If the one penny sales tax is renewed, E-SPLOST would generate an estimated $546 million over the next five years to fund major capital projects for Atlanta’s schools, communities, and kids — all without raising taxes,” writes Cramer.

“Renewal of the E-SPLOST would fund construction and renovation projects across the city. Some will honor past commitments made to communities— like the renovations in the Mays, South Atlanta, and Jackson Clusters. Others, like the projects in the Grady Cluster, will help us solve long-standing challenges like overcrowding in communities that have seen rapid growth in recent years.”