An extension of the penny sales tax to fund Gwinnett County Schools’ construction and technology improvements faces organized opposition for the first time in years.
A grassroots group of parents and residents that calls itself the Citizens of Gwinnett County Action Alliance is encouraging voters on Nov. 8 to reject the $876 million capital plan, raising questions over the need for some projects and concern over the structure of the proposal. The group had hoped to speak at a Thursday night school board meeting, but couldn’t get on the agenda.
Gwinnett’s educational SPLOST is paired with short-term obligation bonds that would enable the district to borrow $275 million before sales tax proceeds are collected to expedite school construction, roof repairs and computer network upgrades.
“Our main concern is that we have not been able to trust the school board to do the right thing in the past, and we don’t want to trust them with five years worth of money in the future,” said Dianne Ogden, a parent and alliance member. “What is so pressing that we have to have the money up front? They are building new classrooms when we have empty classrooms waiting for kids.”
Proponents, however, have been able to pass extensions for the collection of sales tax dollars without fail over the past 15 years. Under SPLOST IV, the district has proposed building five new schools to relieve overcrowding. School officials say 1,845 students were added this year. They also point out that no land purchases will be necessary, and construction is not the primary focus of the extension.
“A big difference is that a little over 50 percent of the SPLOST funds we anticipate getting would be earmarked for technology,” said Sloan Roach, Gwinnett Schools spokeswoman. “As we look to the classes of the future, we think they will be using more digital content.”
The district wants to upgrade textbooks it couldn’t otherwise afford with digital books. Infrastructure improvements would enable classes to use laptops and other devices to enhance lessons and enable students to bring laptops from home to use.
Gwinnett parent Kevin Osborne said he will support passage of the education sales tax if air-conditioning additions to gyms and kitchens are energy efficient. “In my opinion, they have been good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” he said of school officials.
However, alliance members say the funding advance is a waste of tax dollars that will result in an interest bill the district can’t afford in tight economic times. The group has spoken out at meetings, commented on local blogs and sent emails urging neighbors to vote against the SPLOST. They say the district already has wasted millions of public dollars on questionable land deals in which Gwinnett Schools paid higher than appraised values for parcels to build schools.
While the penny sales tax has helped Gwinnett build 46 new schools and dozens of campus additions since 1997, district records show the school system will pay $92.3 million in interest on $425 million in companion bonds, money that alliance members say could be spent in classrooms.
Support for the SPLOST in Gwinnett peaked in 2001 with 79 percent of voters backing the plan, and then sharply declined in the weaker economy. In 2006, the penny sales tax approval rating had dropped to 66 percent.
The potential impact of the SPLOST to boost the local economy and bring jobs to Gwinnett will be the main focus for passing it in the final days before the vote, community campaign organizer Sean Murphy said.
“A strong school system is the key to keeping our local economy strong because people are going to want to move here and bring jobs here,” Murphy said. “Getting behind the SPLOST is the key to keeping the school system great.”
Still, some parents are wary of adding to the financial burden on taxpayers.
“I have always voted for every SPLOST referendum that went through. ... But until they can convince me that they have a handle on how they handle money, I’m reluctant to vote for it,” said Beverly Lougher, who has three sons who have graduated from Gwinnett schools.
GWINNETT SPLOST
Gwinnett County voters previously have extended the use of the penny sales tax three times to build new schools and make campus improvements over 15 years.
A board meeting will be held Thursday at 7 p.m., with a public forum at 6:15.
SPLOST IV could raise $858.9 million for the construction of five new Gwinnett schools, the installation of air conditioning in gyms and kitchens, and a technology upgrade allowing classrooms to use more digital content.
For more information on the SPLOST, visit www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us or the community campaign website www.gwinnettkidscount.com.
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