Forsyth County board approves SPLOST 7 referendum to ask voters for nearly $400 million

The Forsyth County Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution to place a proposed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST 7) referendum before voters on Nov. 4, 2025.

The measure as presented would authorize just under $400 million over five years for capital projects the district categorized into three priority bands: red (critical), blue (high priority) and gold (contingent on revenue). Administration said the plan emphasizes pay‑as‑you‑go financing rather than issuing bonds and would fund new and expanded school facilities, infrastructure updates, safety projects and site improvements.

District staff and board members said SPLOST proceeds are restricted to capital projects, not salaries or operating costs, and that the district has used the sales tax previously to finance construction, life‑cycle maintenance and equipment. Matt Wark, the staff presenter on SPLOST planning, told the board the list includes a new elementary school and additions at several middle and high schools to relieve enrollment pressures; district planners also…