Forsyth County Schools say E‑SPLOST lets district pay in cash; additions preferred over new high school
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Mitch Young told the panel the district’s recently passed E‑SPLOST aligns with its five‑year CIP, enabling projects to be funded with cash rather than debt. He said the district favors additions to existing schools over building a new $220M high school.
Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mitch Young said the district recently passed its E‑SPLOST measure and has aligned those projects with the district's five‑year capital improvement plan submitted to the state. "We're able to pay for things with cash and not debt," Young said, describing the timing as "perfect" for planned HVAC replacements, additions and other capital needs.
Young explained a budget strategy that favors adding onto existing middle and high schools rather than building brand‑new high schools. He noted that building a new high school now could cost about "$220,000,000," and argued that using that money for additions across multiple schools can avoid creating new bus routes, cafeterias and staffing needs while serving more students.
He said the district conducted community education efforts during the E‑SPLOST campaign and coordinated the SPLOST/E‑SPLOST list with the state five‑year plan submission. Young also described interagency coordination during weather events and school‑closure decisions as part of operational planning.
Next steps: Young said the district will proceed with the E‑SPLOST‑funded projects already in the five‑year plan and work with county staff on timing and implementation. The panel did not record a separate board vote during this discussion.
