Dear Editor,
In November, Greene County voters will consider three one-percent sales-tax initiatives. The T-SPLOST renewal continues funding transportation projects, while FLOST uses proceeds to reduce property taxes.
The third, and the focus of this letter, is E-SPLOST, a renewal of the education sales tax.
E-SPLOST provides funding for capital needs that cannot be addressed through the school system’s normal operating budget. Proposed uses include addressing maintenance needs, replacing aging and temporary classrooms at Lake Oconee Academy, paying eligible school construction debt, and making other long-term investments in our schools. ESPLOST funds are restricted by law to eligible capital purposes and cannot be used for routine operating expenses such as salaries or utilities.
Just as important as what E-SPLOST can fund is how the school system manages the resources it already has.
Recently, Superintendent Dr. Aaryn Schmuhl and his administration identified unnecessary expenditures involving curriculum, subscriptions, software, courseware and equipment. Those expenses were eliminated or returned. The result was a significant improvement in the school system’s financial position, turning an anticipated budget shortfall into a year-end surplus.
The administration wants to attract new talent to Greene County by making faculty and administrative compensation more competitive with neighboring school systems.
That combination of identifying needs, controlling expenditures and planning for the future is important when considering long-term capital investments. It gives me confidence that Superintendent Schmuhl and the Board of Education will approach future E-SPLOST spending with the same care and accountability.
Eric Smith Greensboro