Story Published:
Feb 9, 2010 at 4:34 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Feb 9, 2010 at 7:04 PM EDT
AUGUSTA, Ga. - It can generate millions of dollars in a matter of years. But school leaders have their hands tied when it comes to spending one cent sales tax dollars. Some state leaders say it's time for that to change.
A new gymnasium is going up at Lucy Laney High School using funds from the special local option sales tax. But Laney Vice Principal Emayne Jackson admits there are other needs more directly related to educating her students.
She points to teachers who were forced to take furlough days this year because of state budget cuts. Jackson would like to spend some of those SPLOST dollars on teacher pay or student needs.
"I've been at Laney 31 years and I do see the need for more money additional funds to help our students," Jackson said.
Some state leaders want to let voters to decide what to do with that money.
A recent bill would allow voters to decide whether to use it for other purposes besides construction.
"That's a valid idea. I can honestly say in our next SPLOST. I would want more of that money going in that direction," said Jack Padgett, school board member.
But Padgett is leery of one thing. He doesn't want the state to take advantage of the new revenue stream and pull back funding.
Closer to the classroom, educators like Emayne Jackson say the need for change is clear. "If we need more instructional materials or money for the classroom, we can make that decision."
NBC Augusta 26 News had a chance to talk to the principal of Glenn Hills High School. Dr. Wayne Frazier says the only way to keep good teachers in the classroom is to pay them better and he says this could be one way to do that.
This bill is now in the House of Representatives.
Below you’ll find a link to HR 1203 and HB 1200, along with email contacts to area representatives in the Georgia State House.
HB 1020: http://www.broc.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/fulltext/hb1020.htm
HR 1203: http://www.broc.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/fulltext/hr1203.htm
Ben Harbin District 118 ben.harbin@house.ga.gov
Barbara Sims District 119 barbara.sims@house.ga.gov
Quincy Murphy District 120 quincy.murphy@house.ga.gov
Henry "Wayne" Howard District 121 wayne.howard@house.ga.gov
Butch Parrish District 156 butch.parrish@house.ga.gov
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