E‑SPLOST VII: What It Means for Our Schools and Why Community Engagement Matters

richardsond
Mar 27
3 min read

Over the past several weeks, Henry County Schools hosted a series of Cluster Conversations to help families learn more about the proposed E‑SPLOST VII and the long‑term vision for our schools. I hope every parent, family, and community member had the opportunity to attend at least one of these sessions.

I personally attended all three District 2 conversations — Dutchtown, Woodland, and Stockbridge — and I appreciated seeing so many engaged families, educators, and community partners. Both the Woodland and Stockbridge sessions were especially well attended, and it was clear that people care deeply about the future of our schools.

While the format encouraged one‑on‑one and small‑group conversations, it did not support a traditional forum‑style Q&A. Attendees were invited to write questions on sticky notes, but there was no clear communication about how those questions would be addressed or followed up on.

"Transparency and follow‑through matter, and I believe our community deserves clarity on how feedback will be used moving forward."

What E‑SPLOST Has Accomplished — and Why It Matters

One thing is undeniable: each previous E‑SPLOST has delivered major improvements across Henry County Schools. Many of the facilities, safety upgrades, technology enhancements, and transportation improvements we rely on today would have been difficult — if not impossible — to accomplish without this dedicated funding stream.

E‑SPLOST is not a new tax. It is a continuation of a one‑penny sales tax that has allowed our district to:

Build and renovate schools
Improve safety and security infrastructure
Upgrade technology
Replace aging buses
Expand classroom capacity
Modernize athletic and fine arts facilities

These are long‑term investments that benefit every student, every cluster, and every community.

What E‑SPLOST VII Includes for District 2

Here are the cluster‑specific projects included in the proposed E‑SPLOST VII for Dutchtown, Woodland, and Stockbridge:

Dutchtown Cluster

Facility upgrades and renovations
Safety and security enhancements
Technology improvements
Transportation and bus fleet updates

Woodland Cluster

Facility improvements and modernization
Safety and security upgrades
Technology refresh cycles
Transportation improvements

Stockbridge Cluster

Renovations and facility upgrades
Safety and security enhancements
Technology and equipment updates
Transportation and bus replacements

Districtwide Benefits for All Schools

Every school in Henry County — including all District 2 schools — would benefit from:

Safety and security upgrades
Technology refresh cycles
Bus fleet modernization
Facility maintenance and capital improvements
Fine arts and athletic facility improvements

These are foundational needs that support teaching, learning, and student well‑being.

What E‑SPLOST Can Legally Fund in Georgia

Georgia law is very clear about how E‑SPLOST dollars can be used. They can fund:

Facilities (construction, renovation, expansion)
Safety and security infrastructure
Technology and equipment
Transportation (buses)
Furniture and fixtures
Capital improvements

E‑SPLOST cannot fund:

Staffing
Salaries
Training
Operational costs
Programs or services

This distinction matters because it ensures transparency and accountability in how funds are used.

A Call for Stronger Safety Measures for Our Most Vulnerable Students

"E‑SPLOST VII includes important upgrades to make our schools safer. As part of that commitment, I advocate for the district to earmark a portion of these safety funds to install cameras in certain high‑needs special‑education classrooms, especially where safety concerns have been raised."

Georgia law allows districts to install cameras in self‑contained SPED classrooms. Cobb County is one example of a district that has already taken action to implement this measure.

Cameras protect:

Students
Teachers
Paraprofessionals
Families
The district itself

They create transparency, reduce incidents, and provide peace of mind.

"I encourage our current Board of Education members to prioritize the safety of our SPED students and educators by ensuring we are providing a supportive, accountable environment where every child is protected, and every family feels confident in the care their child receives."

A Better Path Forward - Together

E‑SPLOST VII represents an opportunity to continue strengthening our schools, modernizing our facilities, and improving safety across the district. Community engagement is essential, and I’m grateful to everyone who showed up, asked questions, and shared their perspectives.

"Our students deserve safe, modern, well‑equipped schools — and our families deserve transparency and accountability in how these investments are made."