Fact vs Fiction
Welcome to the Early County School System's Fact vs. Fiction webpage. In these times of “fake news” circulated on social media and “unofficial” social media groups, this is a place where you can find accurate information that dispels rumors and/or misinformation circulating in the community in a timely manner.
If you have a question for us to consider, you can email it to mham@early.k12.ga.us.
House Bill 581
Fact or Fiction? If the school district opts in to HB 581, we would have the option to implement a .01 cent sales tax (Flexible Local Option Sales Tax - FLOST).
THIS STATEMENT IS FICTION.
The Facts: The Flexible Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) applies only to cities and counties. School districts are not eligible to implement this type of sales tax.
Fact or Fiction? Opting out will alter my current senior tax exemption.
THIS STATEMENT IS FICTION.
The Facts: Opting out of HB 581 will have no effect on the current senior tax exemption.
Fact or Fiction? Opting in to HB 581 will cap the tax burden for all property taxpayers.
THIS STATEMENT IS FICTION.
The Facts: If we opt in to HB 581, the tax burden could shift, with a higher percentage of taxes potentially being paid by:
residents with non-homestead properties (such as farms, timber, and rental properties)
business owners
citizens who own multiple properties
This change is due to the way HB 581 impacts the distribution of property taxes across different types of properties.
Fact or Fiction? HB 581 is the only way to prevent rising property taxes for homeowners.
THIS STATEMENT IS FICTION.
The Facts: By opting out, we reserve the option to have our own local entities implement our own floating homestead exemption to address local tax concerns. Therefore, we would avoid the statewide cap on property taxes that will be determined at the state level (Atlanta) and ensure our own local control over property taxes.
Facilities Rearrange
Fact or Fiction? Early County School System is building a new school.
THIS STATEMENT IS FICTION.
The Facts: The Early County School System (ECSS) is consolidating the middle and high schools, with grades 7–12 set to be located on the current middle school campus. To support this transition, a new CTAE (Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education) wing and gymnasium will be constructed on the campus, ensuring the facilities are equipped to meet the needs of all students and staff.
Fact or Fiction? The current Early County High School will become a parking lot.
THIS STATEMENT IS FICTION.
The Facts: As we move forward with the consolidation of the middle and high schools, many ideas have been shared regarding the future of the current Early County High School campus. Key facilities, including the Tommy Whitehurst Gymnasium, Mangham Auditorium, and the weight room, will continue to be utilized by ECSS students.
The remaining portions of the campus are under consideration for potential new developments. Common suggestions include creating a parking lot or a sports complex with softball and baseball fields. However, no final decision has been made, and the process is still in its early stages.
To ensure that the final decision reflects the needs and priorities of our community, we will host input meetings for both staff and the public. Additionally, surveys will be distributed to gather further feedback.
Fact or Fiction? ECMS and ECHS students will interact throughout the day on the new consolidated campus.
THIS STATEMENT IS FICTION.
The Facts: While the middle and high school students will share the same campus, they will be separated as much as possible throughout the school day.
Will there be occasional moments when middle schoolers see high schoolers? Likely. However, there will not be any instances where middle school students share classes with high school students. Our goal is to create a structured environment that prioritizes the unique needs of each age group.
It’s important to note that many surrounding schools successfully operate with multiple grade levels in the same building. We are confident that with thoughtful planning and clear boundaries, this transition will provide a positive and productive learning environment for all students.
Fact or Fiction? Staff will be laid off as a result of combining three schools into two.
THIS STATEMENT IS FICTION.
The Facts: Our goal is to manage staffing adjustments through attrition over the next few years. This means that natural changes, such as retirements and resignations, will help align our staffing needs with the new structure. We are committed to minimizing disruptions for our valued staff members during this transition.
ESPLOST
What is ESPLOST?
ESPLOST stands for Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.
In short, it is a one cent sales tax on all retail sales in Early County. It is NOT a property tax and it is NOT a new tax; it is a continuation of an existing one-cent sales tax on all retail purchases in Early County. An ESPLOST provides a method of funding the cost of educational improvements that everyone pays, not just property owners.
Currently 157 of the 159 counties in Georgia have a 1% sales tax dedicated to K-12 public education.
2024-2025 Academic Calendar
Fact or Fiction? Moving from 180 school days to 160 school days means that students will attend school for less time.
THIS STATEMENT IS FICTION.
The Facts: While the number of days students attend school will be less, the school day will lengthen for students for 20-30 minutes, depending on the school. All schools will still be above the required instructional minutes required by the state of GA. (Instructional minutes - minutes of the school day when instruction or instruction-related activities based on state approved courses are provided or coordinated by a certified teacher or substitute teacher. Does not include lunch, recess, passing periods, etc.)
Fact or Fiction? Teachers will work less hours so their pay will be cut.
THIS STATEMENT IS FICTION.
The Facts: The total number of hours worked in the contract year will remain the same. The work day for teachers will extend an additional hour on the 160 school days.
Fact or Fiction? ECSS made this decision without input from the community.
THIS STATEMENT IS FICTION.
The Facts: The Superintendent met with an administrative team to discuss a modified year. A determination was made that substantial savings could be generated by modifying the school year. Additional admin meetings were held to discuss financial savings and formulate plans to allow employees and the community to have input in the decision making process. The Superintendent also met with local law enforcement, the Early County recreation department, and other local entities to discuss potential pitfalls and to take suggestions.
Staff and parent surveys were made available and shared via Remind, Social Media, and the ECSS Website in October 2023. A Parent/Community feedback session was held in person on November 14, 2023. A staff Q&A was held on December 4th. The Board of Education voted and approved the calendar on December 12, 2023.