Gwinnett Superintendent Thanks Citizens

Editor's note: The following message from Gwinnett County Public Schools CEO/Supt. J. Alvin Wilbanks was posted on the district's website today, following the

In just two weeks, we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day... but in Gwinnett County Public Schools, the time for giving thanks is now. On November 8, Gwinnett citizens went to the polls and again showed their support for public education in our county by voting to extend the one-cent sales tax for schools.

Passage of the education SPLOST certainly is cause for celebration in the school district. But the victory really belongs to Gwinnett's children, their parents and teachers, and the people who live and work in Gwinnett County. Everyone will benefit from the continuation of the sales tax for schools... through increased educational opportunities for students, better preparation of tomorrow's workforce, enhanced property values that come with good schools, and a boost in economic development as new classrooms are built and other improvements are made.

In celebrating the positive outcome on November 8th, we extend special thanks to the citizens committee, headed by Sean Murphy and Mike Levengood, for leading the successful campaign for the sales tax extension. Thanks go as well to the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, and the numerous community leaders and Gwinnett residents who helped promote passage of the education SPLOST. Your hard work made a significant difference... one that will be felt for years to come as students enter new classrooms and use technology to expand the walls of the school. Thank you for supporting our schools, not just on election day, but every day.

With these election results, the Gwinnett County Board of Education and I acknowledge the vote of confidence citizens have given to Gwinnett County Public Schools. For more than 15 years we have delivered upon our SPLOST promises and you can expect us to be good stewards of your tax dollars this time as well. We vow to continue to use SPLOST dollars wisely and to provide our students with a quality and effective education.

Again, thank you to all who contributed to making this election a success. You have proven once again that, as the campaign slogan said, "Gwinnett Kids Count!" Your continued support of our schools is much appreciated and is not taken for granted. Gwinnett County is known for its strong, successful school system. Thanks to your vote, and with your help, we will continue to make strides in sustaining that success.