Skip To Main Content

Toggle Close Container

Desktop Search

Mobile Search

Navs Wrapper

Mobile Main Nav

Menu Utility Nav

Header Holder

Header Top

District Home Link

Toggle Schools Container

Header Bottom

Logo Container

Language

Toggle Menu Container

District Canvas Container

Close District Canvas

District Schools Nav

horizontal-nav

Breadcrumb

ESPLOST

esplost logo

 

UPDATE: Thank you, Forsyth County voters! Your support ensures our schools remain safe, innovative, and ready for every student to grow, belong, and thrive. ESPLOST will continue funding safe learning environments, technology, and classroom improvements so our students have every opportunity to succeed.
Please read this important message from Superintendent Mitch Young.

Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) is a voter-approved one-penny sales tax dedicated to funding capital improvements for Forsyth County Schools. These funds cannot be used for salaries or daily operating expenses; instead, they are invested in building new schools, expanding and improving existing facilities, purchasing buses and technology, and ensuring safe, modern learning environments for students.

Forsyth County voters will have the opportunity to decide on the renewal of ESPLOST during the upcoming Special Election.  Voters can cast their ballot in-person early during Advance Voting  between October 14 and October 31 or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2025.   To request a ballot be mailed to them, voters may submit an absentee ballot application between now and October 24, 2025. Learn more at www.forsythco.com/vote. 

Learn More About Proposed ESPLOST VII

ESPLOST Impact

Forsyth County voters have consistently supported Forsyth County Schools by approving ESPLOST each time it has been on the ballot. This ongoing commitment has allowed the district to keep pace with growth, maintain high-quality facilities, and provide students with safe and modern learning environments.

ESPLOST projects have been completed as planned. These investments have included building new schools, adding classroom space to relieve overcrowding, upgrading technology and transportation, and enhancing safety and security across the district.

The impact of ESPLOST can be seen in every corner of the county—from new elementary schools that welcome our youngest learners, to expanded high school campuses designed to serve growing communities. Beyond bricks and mortar, ESPLOST has provided the tools and technology students need to thrive in a modern learning environment, while also funding safe transportation. 

Because ESPLOST is funded through a one-penny sales tax, it spreads the cost of these critical projects across everyone who shops, dines, or does business in Forsyth County, including non-residents. This reduces the reliance on local property taxes while ensuring that Forsyth County Schools can continue to grow responsibly and remain a leader in public education.

Thanks to the strong partnership between our community and schools, ESPLOST has delivered on its promises—helping Forsyth County Schools remain one of the top-performing districts in Georgia and ensuring that every student has access to safe, innovative, and future-ready facilities.

Check out these videos of recent examples of the impact of ESPLOST: 

Midway Elementary

Lakeside Middle

Proposed ESPLOST VII

ESPLOST VII represents the next chapter in Forsyth County Schools’ commitment to providing safe, modern, and innovative learning environments for all students.

This is not a new tax—it is a continuation of the one-penny sales tax that has long supported our schools. Importantly, a significant portion of ESPLOST is paid by non-residents who shop, dine, and do business in Forsyth County, helping reduce the burden on local property owners.

If approved, ESPLOST VII will fund safety upgrades, new schools and expansions, technology, and transportation improvements that directly benefit students and staff while keeping pace with our community’s growth.

Learn more here: 

ESPLOST VII Overview Document

ESPLOST Proposed Projects  ListSPLOST VII Proposed Projects Presentation 

ESPLOST VII Board Presentation Video

Voting Information

ESPLOST VII Frequently Asked Questions 

What is ESPLOST?

ESPLOST stands for Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. It is a voter-approved one-penny sales tax used exclusively for school capital projects such as new construction, renovations, safety improvements, buses, and technology. ESPLOST funds cannot be used for salaries or daily operating expenses.

Is ESPLOST VII a new tax?

No. ESPLOST VII is not a new tax. It is a continuation of the existing one-penny sales tax that has been in place for many years thanks to the support of Forsyth County voters.

Who pays ESPLOST?

ESPLOST is collected on most retail purchases made in Forsyth County. This means that not only residents, but also visitors and non-residents who shop, dine, or conduct business in Forsyth County help support our schools.

How has Forsyth County used ESPLOST in the past?

Forsyth County voters have approved ESPLOST each time it has been on the ballot, and all projects funded through ESPLOST have been completed (or will be complete by the end of ESPLOST VI). These projects have included building new schools, adding classrooms, upgrading technology, purchasing buses, and enhancing safety and security across the district.

What will ESPLOST VII fund?

If approved, ESPLOST VII will provide funding for:

  • Safety and security enhancements

  • New school construction to address student enrollment growth

  • Additions and renovations to existing campuses, which reduces a need for redistricting

  • Facility improvements such as roofing, HVAC, and flooring

  • Technology improvements—infrastructure and device refreshes

  • Turf upgrades for high school fields and elementary playgrounds

  • Bus and transportation improvements, and more!

View the list here: Proposed ESPLOST VII Projects

How does ESPLOST benefit the community?

ESPLOST helps Forsyth County Schools keep pace with our growing county while maintaining high-quality facilities and programs. By funding construction and improvements through ESPLOST, the district reduces reliance on property taxes and shares the cost with non-residents.

When is the vote?

Forsyth County voters will have the opportunity to decide on the renewal of ESPLOST during the upcoming Special Election.  Voters can cast their ballot in-person early during Advance Voting  between October 14 and October 31 or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2025.   To request a ballot be mailed to them, voters may submit an absentee ballot application between now and October 24, 2025. Learn more at www.forsythco.com/vote.