E-SPLOST History & Renewal
When it comes to its building program, the Columbia County School District has a record of meeting identified needs in a fiscally responsible manner.
E-SPLOST 2017-2022
SUMMARY
- Election held March 17, 2015
- 10,210 For ( 67.5%);
4,926 Against (32.5%) - Authorized up to $140,000,000 in collections
- Authorized $55,000,000 of general obligation bonds
- Issued November 17, 2015
- Last payment was October 2022
PROJECT SUMMARY
- 3 Elementary Schools (GTE, NHE, WES)
- 1 Middle School (HMS)
- 2 Additions (BPE, GTM)
- Lakeside Athletic Complex
- Athletic Improvements Phases 1-3
- High School Turf Field and Track Improvements
- Support Complex
- Intercoms, Fire Alarms, HVAC, Lighting,
Detention Ponds, Roofs, Buses, Technology - Bond Repayment
E-SPLOST 2022-2027
SUMMARY
- Election held March 15, 2019
- 5,192 For (83.7%); 1,009 Against ( 16.3%)
- Authorized up to $160,000,000 in collections
- Authorized $160,000,000 of general obligation bonds
- Issued $52,670,000 March 18, 2020. Last payment will be October 2027
- Issued $107,330,000 April 27, 2023. Last payment will be October 2036
PROJECT SUMMARY
- New North Columbia Elementary School
- New Westmont Elementary School
- 6 Additions (ECE, GTH, HHS, GMS, CMS, HMS)
- Support Department Complex
- Greenbrier High School HVAC and Lighting Upgrades
- Evans High School Additions and Renovations
- Lakeside High School Additions and Renovations
- Technology Infrastructure and Devices
- Security Vestibules
- Alternative School Renovation
- Intercoms, Fire Alarms, HVAC, Lighting, Parking, Roofs, Buses, Technology, Detention Pond Remediation
- Bond Repayment
2027-2032 E-SPLOST Renewal
An extension of the E-SPLOST program, coupled with general obligation or GO bonds, will appear on the ballot for our community on November 5, 2024. If approved, these will fund renovations and new classrooms, as well as provide additional technology improvements. Approval would ensure that the penny would continue to be collected and that there would not be gaps in the district’s ability to fund identified projects. Without these funding sources, the school district would be limited in its ability to modernize, update, and maintain its existing school facilities and upcoming projects would be placed on hold.
What would be funded if voters approve the ballot item on November 5?
- Renovate and add classrooms at six schools (Evans, Lakeside, Harlem, Greenbrier, and Grovetown high schools, Grovetown Middle School, and Grovetown Elementary School
- Address identified needs at all schools
- Upgrade student support facilities
- Enhance technology, including new devices and infrastructure improvements
- Provide safety and security upgrades
- Continue preventive maintenance of existing facilities
- Purchase new school buses
- Pay off existing GO bonds with previous building programs.