GAINESVILLE — As the voting date moves closer for the E-SPLOST referendum for local education, the Gainesville City School Board Tuesday night weighed the idea of creating an E-SPLOST Review Panel.
Superintendent Dr. Wanda Creel told board members at the work session she's not opposed to a panel, but she thinks the school system has been transparent with what it will do with the tax money it receives, noting that any issue pertaining to E-SPLOST is readily available on the school system's web site.
"It's there, it's transparent," said Creel. "A budget would be reviewed and provided on a monthly basis. Project status review...any project that was done, we'd bring that review on a monthly basis."
Creel noted the review process falls under the responsibility of the school board members.
Board member Brett Mercer agreed.
"Everything that we have done has been spelled out and all that we do is for the children," said Mercer. "I just don't see the need for the additional layer. That's adding government to government."
Ultimately, the board rejected the idea of the citizen review panel.
The E-SPLOST vote is scheduled for November 3. The school systems in Gainesville, Buford and Hall County will share proceeds from the penny tax.
Board votes for millage rate rollback
Gainesville City Schools CFO Chris Griner presented the 2015-16 millage rate of 6.89 mills to the board for a vote at the Tuesday night work session. The rate is a reduction from the 2014-15 rate of 7.48 mills. Even though Griner had presented the rate reduction to the Board last month, the change had to be advertised before a final vote could be taken.
Board members approved the tax rate reduction unanimously.
