Schools

Creek View Elementary Would Add Classrooms in Schools' SPLOST Plan

The Fulton County Schools system plans to replace HVAC systems, floors, toilets, roofs and make other major and minor repairs in the Alpharetta and Milton clusters.

The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax that helps fund Fulton County Schools has been in place since 1997, but unless it's approved by voters again on Nov. 8, it could end next year, causing a giant funding gap for the school system.

The $913 million education SPLOST has been the source of funding for capital improvement needs within the county for over a decade. Under SPLOST - a one-cent sales tax - new schools are built, renovations on existing schools are completed, technology is advanced, buses are purchased, security is put in place and, finally, furniture and equipment are upgraded.

But, perhaps just as significantly, the sales tax revenue also goes to service bond debt, which was the primary method of funding capital needs prior to 1997, according to Fulton County Schools Board of Education Chairwoman Linda Schultz.

Find out what's happening in Alpharetta-Miltonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Everybody, including visitors to Atlanta, help fund our schools through the sales tax," she told Patch. "It is an alternative to using property tax to fund capital needs."

Though some have an issue with SPLOST funding in general, without this latest five-year SPLOST IV, local public school funding would only be possible through a bond referendum and increased property taxes, according to Shultz.

Find out what's happening in Alpharetta-Miltonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The sales tax is a pay-as-you-go method that does not incur interest," she said. "The sales tax is applied to the entire county, so Fulton County Schools benefits from visitors to the city of Atlanta."

Within Alpharetta, only Creek View Elementary is scheduled for classroom expansion. Another issue faced by most Fulton County Schools, including those within the Alpharetta and Milton clusters, is a lag in technological advancements.

"Fulton is behind other school systems in our use of technology to improve learning," said Shultz. "Not only can we achieve cost efficiencies with upgrades, but we can individualize student learning."

It's an issue SPLOST is set to fund.

Fulton County Schools staff, Samantha Evans, helps identify some specific immediate needs in Alpharetta and Milton:

Alpharetta Cluster

The high school will get upgraded exhaust systems a new fire alarm panel, site lighting and a track surface. Site drainage issues will be addressed.

One of three schools on Webb Bridge, it will get updates to its fire alarm, security system, intercom and sound systems; the parking lot and entrance drives will be repaired and resurfaced and its perimeter fencing and sidewalks will be fixed or replaced.

Creek View needs more space, so 10 classrooms will be added. Interior wall cracks will be patched and repaired and the kitchen will get a fly fan.

Lake Windward Elementary School

It's time for a major HVAC upgrade and replacement. Other replacements include marker and tack boards, lockers, toilet accessories, toilet partitions and shelving; acoustical ceiling grid and tile; fire alarm, security system, intercom and sound systems, and the play court will be repaired and resurfaced.

Add moisture resistant wall finish in K-1 restrooms; update building’s mechanical exhaust system in the toilets as required; repair and/or replace roof; revise electrical service to kitchen and serving line equipment as needed; replace sidewalks as necessary; upgrade site lighting.

Another elementary school that needs its HVAC system updated, it also needs an update to its fire alarm, security system, intercom and sound systems. The kitchen will get air conditioning and a new exhaust hood, and repairs will be made to parking lots and entrances.

Metal roofing repairs are needed, as are replacements of floor finishes and elevator controls.

Parking lots need repairs, resurfacing and restriping, and the site needs its drainage fixed.

Water heaters will be replaced, and updates made to the fire alarm, security system, intercom and sound systems; Parking lots and the running track also will get repairs. repair and/or resurface running track.

New doors, windows, lockers, gym floor and an emergency generator are needed. The roof will be repaired or replaced, as will water pipes, sewer and plumbing fixtures.

– (2009)

Provide waterproof wall finish in K-1; replace gymnasium flooring surface.

Look up and you'll see quite a few changes, as the ceiling grid and tile, and the roof will be fixed or replaced. Plumbing fixtures will be repaired or replaced and the HVAC system will get an upgrade and replacement. Sidewalks, parking lots and site lighting also are on the repair or replace list.

Sports might be easier with the replacement of the gym floor. Intercom, sound systems, fire alarms and security systems will get updates.

For a full list of Alpharetta and Milton area improvements, see the attached PDF.

"These needs will not go away," said Shultz.

If the SPLOST is not given an approval vote in Novemember, it will expire June 30, 2012.


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