Skip to content
Join our Newsletter
  1. Home
  2. Local Government

Bulloch Schools unveil plans for $175 million ESPLOST VI initiative

With a potential $175 million at stake, Bulloch County Schools are presenting a comprehensive plan for ESPLOST VI. The proposed initiative seeks to fund essential projects, including a new high school and upgrades to existing facilities, as they prepare for a November vote.
DeWayne Grice
DeWayne Grice
072425-esplost

Bulloch County Schools are gearing up for the renewal of their Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST), a critical funding mechanism for the district's future growth and infrastructure needs.

During a recent Bulloch County Board of Education meeting, school officials outlined a comprehensive project list and a tight timeline for the upcoming ESPLOST VI referendum, anticipated to be on the November ballot.

The proposed ESPLOST VI cycle, which will run through 2033, is projected to generate up to $175 million, with a more likely collection around $120 million, according to bond underwriters. These funds, collected through a 1% sales tax, aim to alleviate pressure on local property taxes by funding significant capital improvements and ongoing operational necessities.

Critical Timeline for ESPLOST VI:

  • August 14, 2025 Board Meeting: The Board of Education is expected to vote on the resolution for the ESPLOST VI referendum. This resolution will include the final, approved project list and all necessary legal information for submission to the election superintendent.
  • September 5, 2025: Deadline for submitting Ballot
  • November 4, 2025: The ESPLOST VI referendum will be presented to Bulloch County voters on the general election ballot.
  • July 1, 2026 (projected): If approved, cash flow from ESPLOST VI collections would ideally begin, enabling the district to move forward with planned projects, particularly the new high school. If the ESPLOST fails, this date would be pushed back, potentially delaying critical projects by at least a year.

Key Projects and Priorities:

The extensive project list presented to the Board is designed to address current and future needs, focusing heavily on accommodating the county's rapid growth. While not in priority order, the list encompasses a wide range of initiatives:

  • New Southeast Bulloch High School and Reconfiguration of Schools: This is the cornerstone project of ESPLOST VI. The plan involves building a new high school, converting the existing high school into a middle school, and transforming the current middle school into K-3 schools, including Brooklet and Nevils. This ambitious undertaking aims to relieve overcrowding, particularly in the southern end of the county. Superintendent Charles Wilson stressed that without ESPLOST approval, this project would be significantly delayed, impacting the district's ability to manage increasing student enrollment.

  • Acquiring and Equipping Mobile Units: To manage immediate space needs while new construction is underway.
     
  • IT Infrastructure: Comprehensive upgrades to network, laptops, Chromebooks, and other technology essential for modern education.
     
  • Instructional Materials and Software: Funding for curriculum-related resources.
     
  • Nutrition Equipment: Enhancements for school nutrition programs.
     
  • Renovations and Repairs: Addressing essential needs such as roofs and painting across schools.
     
  • School Buses and Vehicles: Replenishing and expanding the district's transportation fleet.
     
  • Furniture and Equipment: Outfitting new and existing school facilities.
     
  • Multipurpose Facility at Southeast Bulloch High School: A dedicated facility for cheerleading, other sports, and various school activities.
     
  • New Gymnasium at Portal Middle High School: To address the current situation of one gymnasium serving two schools.
     
  • Constructing and Equipping Two New Pre-K through 8th Grade Facilities: These flexible K-8 facilities would provide additional capacity, with potential locations including Stilson or the Statesboro area.
     
  • Real Estate Acquisition: Securing land for future school sites to accommodate continued growth.

Superintendent Wilson emphasized that the project list is "extensive" and "all-encompassing," reflecting a strategy to cast a wide net and allow flexibility in project execution. While not all items may be accomplished within the ESPLOST cycle, it provides a roadmap for critical investments.

Community Engagement and Challenges:

They plan to engage with various community groups to disseminate information about the ESPLOST renewal. However, they highlighted the legal restriction against advocating for a "yes" vote, instead focusing on educating the public about the necessity and benefits of the ESPLOST.

A significant concern raised by board members was the potential for a property tax increase in December, coinciding with the November ESPLOST ballot initiative. Officials acknowledged this challenge but expressed confidence that Bulloch County citizens understand the importance of ESPLOST funding for school infrastructure thus relieving even more burden on property taxpayers.

The success of ESPLOST VI is crucial for Bulloch Schools to keep pace with the county's rapid development, particularly given thousands of new homes currently approved or under construction in the city and county. The November vote will determine the district's ability to move forward with these vital capital projects and manage its growing student population.