Sandy Springs schools eligible for upgrades under ESPLOST renewal

North Springs High School, Riverwood International Charter School and Sandy Springs Middle School are among the campuses eligible for improvements if Fulton County voters renew an education sales tax Nov. 3.

The referendum would continue the existing 1% Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, known as ESPLOST, for up to five years beginning July 1, 2027. The current tax expires June 30.

The measure would authorize collections of up to approximately $2.096 billion, divided between Fulton County Schools and the Atlanta Independent School District, according to the official election notice.

Fulton County Schools’ portion is capped at approximately $1.306 billion. Its Capital Plan 2032 covers facilities, technology, safety and security, transportation, and furniture and equipment.

As we reported Oct. 5, North Springs, Riverwood and Sandy Springs Middle appear in the election notice’s list of schools eligible for work as needed. Other Sandy Springs campuses are also included.

Authorized improvements range from roof and HVAC replacements to plumbing, electrical work, fire alarms, security systems, kitchen equipment and backup generators. The notice does not assign funding amounts or guarantee specific projects at individual schools.

Across the district, the plan also includes two replacement elementary schools and facility changes to support career and technical education and special education programs.

Fulton County Schools describes its approach as pay-as-you-go: sales-tax revenue would fund capital work without borrowing costs. Unlike property taxes, the sales tax is paid by residents and visitors making taxable purchases in the county, according to the district’s funding explanation.

The same ballot question would separately authorize up to $350 million in general-obligation debt for the Atlanta Independent School District. That borrowing authority is distinct from Fulton County Schools’ pay-as-you-go plan.

Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef presented preliminary capital-plan estimates in May. The school board subsequently approved placing the tax renewal before voters. District officials say ESPLOST has funded the previous six capital programs.

Early voting continues through Friday, Oct. 30, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Three Sandy Springs locations are available, according to Fulton County: