What is E-SPLOST?

The E-SPLOST is a one-cent sales tax on retail purchases in Gwinnett County that is dedicated to funding capital improvements for Gwinnett County Public Schools. It is a proposed renewal of an existing tax, not a new tax, that has been in place since 1997.

What does the E-SPLOST fund?

The funds from E-SPLOST are legally restricted and can only be used for capital projects, not for operational costs like teacher or staff salaries. If approved, the funds will be used for:

Safety and Security:

The penny sales tax provides critical funding for extensive safety and security upgrades across all campuses, including new cameras, secure entry systems, and weapons detection technology.

New Construction and Renovations:

Building new schools, adding classrooms, and modernizing existing facilities.

Facility Renovations:

Replacing roofs, upgrading HVAC systems, and installing new fire alarms to ensure safe and comfortable learning environments.

Technology and Transportation:

Investing in up-to-date technology for students and staff and replacing school buses.

Instructional Materials:

Providing necessary books, labs, and equipment for student learning.

How does E-SPLOST benefit Gwinnett’s students and community?

The E-SPLOST provides a dedicated funding stream that supports student success by ensuring they have modern, safe, and effective learning environments. It allows the district to keep pace with growth and technology without raising property taxes. Since the sales tax is paid by anyone who shops in Gwinnett, including visitors, it spreads the financial responsibility beyond just local homeowners.

What happens if the E-SPLOST is not approved?

Without the E-SPLOST, the school district would need to find alternative funding sources to pay for essential capital projects. This could lead to an increase in property taxes and a reduction in general fund spending, which is used for daily school operations and teacher salaries.

When Do I Vote?

Election Day for the E-SPLOST referendum is November 4th. You can also participate in early voting from October 14th to October 31st.