Fulton County voters renewed a 1% education sales tax Nov. 3, authorizing funding for school facilities, technology, transportation and other capital improvements.

Unofficial returns showed 68.41% voting yes and 31.59% voting no, according to Appen Media. Results remain unofficial pending certification.

The Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, known as ESPLOST, continues the existing levy rather than increasing its rate.

Roswell schools included

Centennial High School and Roswell High School appear among the campuses eligible for capital improvements under the official election call.

Centennial is also specifically identified for potential upgrades to critical systems, infrastructure and safety equipment.

The authorization allows work as needed, based on building conditions and identified deficiencies. Inclusion does not establish a final construction schedule, project budget or scope for either campus.

How the funding is divided

The referendum permits collections of up to $2,095,680,577 countywide. The election call identifies maximum project costs of $1,306,195,350 for Fulton County Schools and $789,485,227 for Atlanta Public Schools.

The proceeds are divided using the districts’ relative enrollment, measured by the latest full-time-equivalent count before the referendum.

Fulton County Schools’ Capital Plan 2032 includes building renovations, safety systems, technology, transportation, furniture and equipment.

Collections begin July 1, 2027, after the current levy expires, and can continue for up to 20 calendar quarters—five years. The Fulton school board approved placing the renewal before voters at its June 22 meeting.

Separate transportation tax narrowly passes

Voters also approved renewal of the separate 0.75% transportation sales tax. Unofficial results reported by Appen Media showed 50.76% in favor and 49.24% opposed.

Roswell’s projected share is approximately $98.2 million for locally managed transportation projects, as we reported Nov. 5. Actual revenue will depend on collections.

The transportation tax applies in Fulton County outside Atlanta. The county estimates it will generate approximately $650 million across 14 cities during the next five-year collection period, from April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2032.

Both tax results remain unofficial.