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ESPLOST Money Funds Security At Schools
Tuesday, Jan 08, 2008 - 06:23 PM Updated: 04:29 PM
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Save This PageYou probably don't notice spending a few pennies each time you buy something in Chatham County, but the extra cents really add up. Approximately 52,000,000 has been generated by ESPLOST, the special purpose local option sales tax for education. That money is being put to good use
As 3 On Your Side Education Reporter, Randi Hempel shows us, it's making a big difference for security at one school.
Windsor Forest Elementary students used to play outside on this wide open campus...where anyone could really just walk right through.
Times are changing though. Now the playground and campus are enclosed by security fencing.
“This fencing here on the campus of Windsor Forest Elementary school really makes it a deterrent to anybody from the outside coming on campus." Explains Otis Brock, chief operations officer for Savannah-Chatham Schools.
“The fencing, I think was probably the best thing that we could have put up first to make sure that our kids are as safe as we can make them.” Adds Marcia McManus, Principal at Windsor Forest Elementary School.
"One of the most important features of the security fencing is that visitors, whether they're wanted or unwanted can't get in through any other entrances. Instead, they're forced to enter through the front door and then head into the main office where they'll follow procedure and sign in, letting the staff know that they're here."}
Principal, Marcia McManus says parents and community members were surprised by the new fencing, but
“The comments overall have been very positive.” Says McManus.
“The fencing allows people to still come and go from the Community Center?” I ask.
“This school is in the middle of the wonderful Windsor Forest community and it still allows the community to still utilize the fields here at the school and also the gym that we share with the City of Savannah recreation department.”
"We're just thrilled that we're the first school ah to receive funding through ESPLOST and we certainly would like to thank the community for supporting the school system with ESPLOST.” Says McManus.
And helping keep all of our children safe.
Between $15,000 and $20,000 was spent on fencing at Windsor Forest Elementary. The school will also receive a new roof, wing and other upgrades.
Bartow, Spencer and Gould elementary schools are next to receive security fencing.