*Information is currently being updated*
Since 1997, ESPLOST has provided funds for:
- New school buildings
- New facilities (athletic, auditorium)
- Updated schools and facilities
- Renovated schools and facilities
- Added classrooms due to increase in student enrollment
- See 'Just the Facts' Video
- See Frequently Asked Questions
Before ESPLOST, the primary source of local revenue to most school systems for renovating and modifying existing facilities or construction of new facilities was property taxes. ESPLOST has paid for items that would otherwise have to be paid from property taxes. Items, such as the ones listed below, are all funded through ESPLOST:
- New school buses
- Playgrounds
- Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
- Building Repairs (such as leaking roofs)
- Desktop Computers
- Chromebooks
- Smartboards
- Technology Infrastructure
If ESPLOST was not voted in by Troup County residents, there would be no way to pay for those items without raising property taxes. (Currently, we have a property tax rate of 18.85 mills and it would require an additional +6.211 mills to cover the cost of items included in all ESPLOST's).
It is against the law for ESPLOST to be used for salaries or day-to-day operational expenses. ESPLOST dollars have provided the funds to build state-of-the art schools like EKES, CES, FFES, and CVES. Also, we have been able to make all of our buildings and facilities completely wireless; providing a learning environment that is conducive to being college, career, and work ready. Now, with the onset of Covid-19, we have had to shift to technology-driven learning where students and staff have depended on technology.
- Videos of ESPLOST Projects and How it Helps Students
- Frequently Asked Question Page and Printable Document
- ESPLOST External Audit Report
- Photos and List of Proposed ESPLOST VI Projects
Benefit
How ESPLOST Benefits Troup County
- Students will have up-to-date technology to compete in the 21st century
- Enhance safety and security measures at TCSS facilities
- Provides a five-year revenue stream for needed building updates and improvements
- 30% of revenue is provided from out-of-town guests visiting Troup County
- Funding will allow permanent facilities to be renovated or constructed
- Technology and associated curriculum improvements will ensure students get the best education possible
- A majority of the work is completed by local design and construction firms
- An educated, well prepared student ready for the strong labor market
