DeKalb County voters approved the renewal of a one-cent education sales tax Nov. 3, with approximately 81% voting yes, according to unofficial results.

The measure, known as E-SPLOST VII, authorizes up to $946,773,776 for DeKalb County School District capital projects. Collections begin July 1, 2027, and continue through June 30, 2032, or until the authorized maximum is reached, according to the district’s FAQ.

For families in Dunwoody, Brookhaven and other district communities, the renewal provides continued funding for school buildings, technology, safety improvements and transportation equipment. Individual project priorities remain under review.

What it pays for

E-SPLOST revenue can fund construction, renovations, major equipment and other eligible capital expenses. It cannot pay teacher salaries, employee benefits or daily operating costs.

Potential investments include roof and HVAC replacements, technology upgrades, school buses and improvements to existing facilities.

Decaturish reported in September that district leaders presented four planning options. Preliminary proposals included 14 roof replacements estimated at $50 million to $65 million and 20 HVAC replacements estimated at $100 million to $120 million.

Those proposals are not a final construction schedule. The district’s E-SPLOST page says the Board of Education is still considering projects.

Existing tax continues

E-SPLOST VII maintains the existing one-cent education sales tax rather than increasing the rate. Visitors making taxable purchases in DeKalb also contribute.

Revenue is shared among DCSD, City Schools of Decatur and Atlanta Public Schools. DCSD’s authorized share is approximately $946.8 million, while the measure provides up to $57.9 million for Decatur and $41.5 million for Atlanta school projects within DeKalb, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.

Actual collections may fall below those amounts. The Aha! Connection reported that DCSD expects revenue closer to $825 million.

Bonds could accelerate work

The ballot measure also authorizes DCSD to issue up to $500 million in general obligation bonds.

Borrowing would allow eligible projects to begin before sufficient sales tax revenue accumulates. The Board of Education must approve any bond issuance separately, according to the district FAQ.

Superintendent thanks voters

Superintendent Norman C. Sauce III thanked voters in a message posted by the district, calling the result “an investment in our children, our employees, our schools, and the communities we proudly serve.”

He pledged to prioritize critical needs and maintain transparency as the capital program moves forward.

DeKalb voters have approved every E-SPLOST referendum. The previous round, E-SPLOST VI, also received 81% support in November 2021. It continues through June 30, 2027, unless its authorized collection maximum is reached earlier.

The Nov. 3 results remain unofficial pending certification.