Three Sandy Springs schools stand to get building upgrades if Fulton County voters approve a $2.1 billion education sales tax on the Nov. 3 ballot.
North Springs High School, Riverwood International Charter School and Sandy Springs Middle School are all named in the official Call for Election as campuses eligible for capital improvements under the renewed tax. The measure would reimpose a one-cent sales tax for up to five years beginning July 1, 2027, when the current tax expires.
Voter registration closes Monday, Oct. 5. Early in-person voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 13. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Friday, Oct. 23.
What the tax would fund
The tax is known as ESPLOST, short for Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. It splits revenue between Fulton County Schools and the Atlanta Independent School System.
Fulton County Schools' share is capped at roughly $1.3 billion. The district's Capital Plan 2032 would spend that money on facility renovations, technology, safety systems, transportation and equipment across 101 schools serving a projected 85,000 students.
For North Springs, Riverwood and Sandy Springs Middle, the Call for Election lists eligible work including roofing, plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems, fire alarms, school security, kitchen equipment, generators and physical education facilities. The document does not assign dollar amounts to individual schools.
District-wide, the plan also covers two replacement elementary schools, career and technical education expansions, and special education program upgrades.
How the district got here
Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef presented preliminary cost estimates to the Fulton County Board of Education in May 2026, according to the board's bulletin. Those estimates totaled about $1.27 billion for construction, technology and other needs.
The board unanimously approved a resolution placing the question on the November ballot at its June 22 meeting, according to the district's funding options page.
Dereef told the board ESPLOST is a pay-as-you-go option that carries no interest costs, unlike bonds or millage rate increases. Fulton County voters have approved the tax for the last six capital programs, dating to 1997. Since then, ESPLOST revenue has funded 51 new or replacement schools and generated more than $3.2 billion, according to district records through approximately 2022.
What voters need to know
Polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at regular Fulton County voting precincts. Residents with questions can email [email protected] or call the district at 470-254-3600.
