ESPLOST
Glynn County citizens overwhelmingly demonstrated their support for our schools by approving the continuation of the one-percent sales tax that directly funds our education projects.
Sixty-five percent of voters said “yes” to the ESPLOST IV (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) at the November 2020 election.
The new ESPLOST will be collected at the termination of the ESPLOST currently in effect (December 2020), and will raise no more than $112 million for a specific list of projects.
What is an ESPLOST?
ESPLOST or Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax is a referendum voted and approved by Glynn County voters in which 1% is added to the local sales tax. It is dedicated for use by our school system for school facility improvements, buildings, technology, safety, equipment, bus purchases, textbooks and to retire bond debt. It cannot be used for operating purchases, salaries or consumable instructional materials. It is anticipated that collections for the approved ESPLOST IV tax will continue through December 2025
Here are a few things to know about ESPLOST:
- E-SPLOST funds may only be used for capital projects (building new facilities, renovating existing structures), 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.
- E-SPLOST is not a property tax. Property taxes help meet the day-to-day operational needs of the district, including the maintenance/operations of facilities and instructional school improvements.
- E-SPLOST is not related to the Glynn County Government taxes or SPLOST 2022 referendum; each is a separate government entity.
- School systems must ask permission (through a referendum) to implement an E-SPLOST.
- By law, an E-SPLOST expires after five years unless citizens vote to renew it.
ESPLOST Citizens Oversight Committee
To ensure that ESPLOST projects are properly managed, financially transparent and accountable to the community, the Glynn County Board of Education established a Citizens Oversight Committee (COC) after passage of the school system’s first ESPLOST. Though the COC is not required by law, the board established it to provide an extra measure of accountability to the citizens of Glynn County regarding the timely and cost-effective expenditure of ESPLOST funds.
The COC meets monthly to review all ESPLOST-related projects. The school system’s Executive Director of Operations serves as the primary liaison between the COC and the Glynn County Board of Education. They, or their designee, is responsible for providing timely and accurate information to the COC, which will continue to operate until all ESPLOST projects are completed and all ESPLOST funds are dispersed.
The COC is confirmed annually by the Board of Education and consists of seven (7) citizens who are appointed to the committee. Each board member representing voting districts 1-5 in Glynn County appoints one member; the two at-large board members share one appointment; and the superintendent of schools appoints one member. The COC may establish subcommittees, if needed.
The COC annually elects a chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary. COC members serve a term of one year beginning on July 1 in the year they are appointed. Members may be appointed for additional terms.
Contact the Citizens Oversight Committee chairperson by emailing [email protected].
Thank you for your support and continued commitment as we work together to provide the highest quality education for all students.
