Baldwin County E-SPLOST would benefit all county schools

If the 1-cent sales tax initiative passes in Baldwin County, students across the school district are set to benefit.

Each of the county's six schools and other facilities have needs that would be addressed, ranging from new heating and air-conditioning to system-wide security cameras.

"I think that the positive thing is that every school will get something out of this SPLOST," said Superintendent Noris Price.

In addition to cameras at every school, secure vestibules also would be built to direct visitors through the front office. That's a feature already in other Middle Georgia schools, and Tracy Clark, principal of Creekside Elementary School, said it would help administrators keep track of parents and other visitors.

Safety has become a bigger concern as school shootings have continued across the country.

"That's on the forefront of everybody's mind these days," Clark said.

In addition, Creekside would get a new roof and heating and air system, both of which have reached the end of their expected lifespan since the building opened in 1999. The school's critical needs totaled $2.7 million, with overall needs reaching $7.2 million.

If voters approve the sales tax, every school in the district would get at least $149,000, with Oak Hill Middle School's critical needs requiring $6.7 million, the highest in the district.

The total prioritized list would cost about $30 million, and that's why it was important for the district to focus on improvements instead of one large construction project.

"Basically, the past four were construction projects," said Saranna Charping, the district's chief financial officer.

District facilities also would get an upgrade, including the athletic fields and track, which needs resurfacing and restriping.

"We're not able to use it currently for track meets," Price said.

The county collects between $30 million and $37 million per five-year sales tax cycle. Even though the county has a good history of passing educational SPLOST referendums, Price said she still did her part to make sure people realize the tax won't burden Baldwin County residents.

It's an extension of an existing sales tax, with some of the money coming from people who live somewhere else.

"I've been trying to get the word out that everybody that shops in Baldwin County will contribute to the E-SPLOST," Price said.

District officials also are hopeful that the measure will pass because the funds would benefit "every child in every school," Clark said.

"I think it's wonderful because you're not putting all your eggs in one basket, so to say, and we're spreading the love," said Clark, who is in her fourth year as principal at Creekside Elementary. "Everybody will get to see the difference it will make."

To contact writer Jeremy Timmerman, call 744-4331 or find him on Twitter @MTJTimm.

This story was originally published October 24, 2015 at 9:21 PM with the headline "Baldwin County E-SPLOST would benefit all county schools ."