Friday, November 16, 2001
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Friday, November 16, 2001 |
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Board ponders new sales tax vote By JOHN
THOMPSON If the Fulton County Board of Education decides to continue a special purpose local option sales tax next year, South Fulton residents could see construction projects headed their way. Mike Vanairsdale, assistant superintendent for support services, said the board is mulling over a proposal to continue the sales tax for another five years. The current SPLOST expires next June, and Vanairsdale said the system has collected about $490 million for capital projects. Current projections show the school system growing by nearly 12,000 students in the next five years. One of the interesting trends is the growth in South Fulton. "For the last few years, most of the new school construction has been in north Fulton, because that's where the growth has been. But our projections show new construction from this SPLOST would be evenly split," he said. School officials said a continuation of the penny sales tax would build 10 new schools, including two high schools and four middle schools. Additionally, the school system would do extensive renovation at all of its existing schools. Vanairsdale said the school system also is contemplating adding administrative facilities, but board members will ultimately decide what goes on the list. If the board decides to call for a referendum on continuing the SPLOST, it would probably occur in March. Board officials will examine the proposal at the December meeting, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at the board offices, 786 Cleveland Ave.
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