FCS Today36,000 students in 35 schools

◦Ninth largest school district of 180 in Georgia Growing at 1,700 new students a year

◦Almost one new high school a year!Even with cuts in state, federal and local

revenue and the demands from population growth, FCS has consistently cut operational expenses and has not increased property taxes in three years.

Funding Our GrowthVoters approved 2005 and 2007 bonds to construct:

The addition at North Forsyth HSNine new schools including Brookwood

ES, Haw Creek ES, Johns Creek ES, Lakeside MS, Lambert HS, Little Mill MS, Piney Grove MS, West Forsyth HS, and Whitlow ES.

School improvements and updates, technology, transportation, safety and to purchase land for future school sites.

Making the Bond PaymentsTwo options: SPLOST or Property

TaxesFCS BOE voted in December to

place a SPLOST vote on the March 15, 2011 ballot.◦Current SPLOST expires June 2012. ◦A vote one year prior allows for

advance planning.◦For 2011 school districts can place

special referendums on voter ballots in March or November.

What is a SPLOST?One-cent sales tax on goods that lasts

a maximum of five years or until the established cap is reached.

By law, SPLOST for School funds can only be used for capital outlay projects for educational purposes and to make payments on bonds.

FC voters approved SPLOST referendums in 1997, 2001 and 2006. All projects promised in these referendums have been completed.

What is a SPLOST? (cont.)SPLOST is a consumption tax and not

a property tax. It is charged on goods purchased in Forsyth County, regardless of where the purchaser resides.

Forsyth County government and City of Cumming taxes and SPLOST/Bond Referendums are not related to the school system, each is a separate government entity.

If Approved the SPLOST Would…Make the payments on voter

approved 2005 and 2007 bonds.Go into effect in July 2012 and allow

for collections to continue without interruption.

Expire in July 2017 or when a projected maximum of $195 million is collected, with projected $141 million going toward bond payments and projected $54 million for capital improvements.

If the SPLOST is Not Approved…

Forsyth County Board of Education will have to increase property taxes to make the bond payments.

Early and Advanced Voting

Early◦Monday, February 14 to Friday, March 11◦Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.◦Forsyth County Administration Building

Advanced◦Weekdays, Monday, March 7 to Friday, March 11◦FC Administration Building◦FC Public Safety Complex◦Midway Park◦Cumming Public Library◦FC Property known as

Lakeland Community Church

Tuesday, March 15 – Voting Day!7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.Voter Designated PrecinctTo find your location visit

http://www.forsythco.com/voterlookupapp/

Be informed!◦www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/SPLOST◦Q & A◦PowerPoint◦Video