VALDOSTA — Early voting has started for E-SPLOST in Lowndes County.

Meanwhile, in separate elections, some registered voters can also cast ballots for a state representative and a city school board member.

The referendum election is for a new one-cent education special purpose local option sales tax to fund projects for Valdosta and Lowndes County schools. If approved, the proposed E-SPLOST would go into effect when the current E-SPLOST ends.

Each school system has its own spending list for the proposed E-SPLOST, such as reducing the bond debt of the new Valdosta High School for the city school system.

John Eunice, E-SPLOST co-chair for Valdosta City Schools, said funding could go to educational and instructional purchases — textbooks, new technology, even buses — and new facility projects.

“There’s the potential for additions, renovations or modifications of middle schools, elementary schools, Valdosta Early College Academy and Horne Learning Center,” Eunice said.

The future E-SPLOST money could also fund property for new construction, according to the spending project list.

Fred Wetherington, E-SPLOST co-chair for Lowndes County School System, sent an email to The Valdosta Daily Times that contained the spending project list for the school system, the big item being replacement schools for Clyattville Elementary School, Lake Park Elementary School and Lowndes Middle School.

County school officials also plan to use E-SPLOST funds for the Lowndes High School fine arts facility construction, additional classrooms to Dewar Elementary School, Hahira Elementary School and Moulton-Branch Elementary School and educational and instructional expenses such as school safety enhancements and more technology.

In addition to E-SPLOST, which is open to all registered Lowndes County voters, specific voters can cast ballots in early voting for two other elections. 

Valdosta Board of Education District 2 seat is up for a vote with candidates Kelisa Brown and Edgar Tooley on the ballot.

E-SPLOST and District 2 early voting began this week and ends March 15, with Election Day March 19.

Early voting opened last week for the District 176 state representative runoff election between James Burchett and Franklin Patten, both Republicans. Early voting for this election started last week and goes until March 8, with Election Day March 12.

Deb Cox, supervisor of elections for Lowndes County, said voting for the City Schools District 2 seat and House 176 is for residents registered to vote in those districts.

“Everybody can vote for E-SPLOST, but you have to be in district for the other two items,” Cox said.

Early voting is available to registered voters at the Lowndes County Board of Elections, 2808 N. Oak St.

More information: Contact the Lowndes County Board of Elections, (229) 671-2850; or e-mail elections@lowndescounty.com.

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.