
Every day, approximately 11,000 students walk through the doors of Bryan County Schools. Behind each of those students are parents, grandparents, and caregivers — more than 20,000 strong — who trust us with their children’s future. That trust is something we take seriously.
Bryan County continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in Georgia. With that growth comes tremendous opportunity — and real responsibility. Some of our schools are already experiencing overcrowding, and several of our facilities are aging. Planning ahead is not optional; it is essential to maintaining the quality of education our community expects and our children deserve.
On May 19th, voters will consider the renewal of ESPLOST — the continuation of the existing one-penny sales tax — along with authorization to issue up to $200 million in bonds to build new schools and improve facilities as growth demands.
This is not a new tax. It is a continuation of the current penny already in place. Because ESPLOST is a consumption tax, it also helps lessen the burden on Bryan County residents by allowing visitors and others who make purchases in our community to contribute to funding school facilities.
ESPLOST dollars are legally restricted and can only be used for capital projects such as building new schools, renovating facilities, purchasing school buses, upgrading technology, safety, and paying debt service on voter-approved bonds. These funds cannot be used for salaries, utilities, or day-to-day maintenance and operations (M&O). By using ESPLOST revenue to pay debt service, we reduce the need to rely on property taxes for these large capital expenses — helping protect taxpayers from increases that might otherwise be necessary.
The bond authorization does not increase what taxpayers currently pay in debt service. Instead, it provides flexibility to build schools when they are needed — much like financing a home — except this “home” will serve thousands of students for generations to come. The bonds are paid back over time, and the repayment structure is intentionally designed so that larger payments occur later in the schedule. This allows ESPLOST collections and property digest growth — driven by our expanding community — to support repayment responsibly without increasing the current debt service burden.
This decision is about more than buildings. It is about ensuring that students have safe, modern, and appropriately sized learning environments. It is about protecting the strength of our school system and the value of our community for years to come.
We encourage you to review the ballot question and additional information linked below and make your voice heard on May 19th.
Ballot Question: https://aptg.co/SFmNbX
ESPLOST Facts: https://www.bryan.k12.ga.us/page/esplost-facts

This week we celebrate the incredible leaders who support our students, staff, and school communities every single day. Your dedication, guidance, and behind-the-scenes work do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do to make our schools stronger and more successful!

Bryan County Schools spends less and outperforms districts across the region and state.
In business, one thing matters most: RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI). Before making a decision, you ask—what value am I getting?
That same question applies here in Bryan County.
Our schools have consistently delivered a strong return for our community. Investments in Bryan County Schools have supported high-performing schools that attract families, strengthen our workforce, and contribute to the value of our homes.
Families are drawn to Bryan County because of our schools.
Strong school performance plays a role in property values.
Student success contributes to a stronger local economy.
As our community discusses future projects through ESPLOST, it’s important to stay informed, ask questions, and make your voice heard. Understanding the impact of past investments can help guide conversations about what comes next.
Have a Voice - Vote May 19, 2026



These investments support our schools, students, and community every day.
Have a Voice - Vote May 19th!

Your participation can directly impact our schools, students, and community. From Governor to local school board, every vote matters.
Make your voice heard on May 19, 2026

Learn more about voter registration: https://www.bryancountyga.gov/government/departments-a-g/elections/voter-eligibility



Our Board members give countless hours of their time in service to our community. Their leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and genuine commitment help ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and every staff member has the support needed to do their best work.
Thank you for your dedication, your vision, and the many ways you champion our students, staff, and schools each and every day. We are truly grateful for your service to Bryan County.

The Educational Excellence Award is presented through a partnership between the Georgia Southern University College of Education and WSAV. This award honors educators across all roles from administrators and classroom teachers to support staff who make a meaningful impact on the lives of their students. Recipients go beyond the curriculum to inspire, support, and empower students as they prepare for life after graduation. These outstanding leaders are dedicated not only to their students’ growth, but also to continually growing themselves to better serve others.
We are proud to celebrate Ms. Taylor and Mr. NeSmith for representing Bryan County Schools with excellence and for the meaningful difference they make in the lives of their students every day.

CTAE Month also includes Skills Week, FCCLA Week, and FHA Week, celebrating student leadership, hands-on learning, and career readiness. Let’s celebrate February as CTAE Month!

The Board of Education has started the process of finding the next superintendent. We are asking Bryan County residents to provide feedback on what matters most to you. We invite you to participate in the Superintendent Search Survey by clicking on the following link: https://sprw.io/stt-sh616 or by scanning the QR code in the image below.
The results of this survey will be collected by the outside search team at GSBA (Georgia School Boards Association) and shared with the Board prior to the interview phase of the search. Your input will help identify the priorities and qualifications that matter most to our community.






