Group asks voters to vote yes on sales tax

On May 24, ballots countywide and in DeKalb’s cities will include a question on reimposing a one-percent sales tax for educational purposes. A campaign calling itself “SPLOST for Schools” wants the penny sales tax renewed. Brookhaven Patch reports:

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the one cent sales tax to keep schools safe, build new schools, build additions to schools, secure new buses, replace outdated equipment, and bring the computer age to all public schools,” she said…

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… 

The AJC has reported that there is not a project list yet for how the revenues will be used, but that public hearings will be held and a detailed list will be adopted later in the year.