Upcoming

Financial Planning Basics. 4 p.m. Saturday. Sandy Springs Branch, 395 Mt. Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs. Certified Financial Planner Ed Stefan will discuss and provide information on how to improve overall financial security. Register: Clare Stefan at 770797-5788 or email cstefan@ActiveFinancialGroup.com. 404-3036130, afpls.org.

North Fulton Community Charities Mobile Outreach Bus. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26, Nov. 9 and 23, Dec. 17. Free. Ocee Branch, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek. Appointments only. This mobile unit provides emergency assistance, particularly for families with transportation challenges. Apply: 770-640-0399 ext. 463 or nfccHelp.org. Dates may be subject to change or cancellation. 770-360-8897, afpls.org.

SAT Mock Exam. 10:30 a.m. Oct. 29. Free. Ocee Branch, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek. Register: applerouth.com/schools. php/128876. Dates may be subject to change or cancellation. 770360-8897, afpls.org.

Cobb to mull increasing Ed-SPLOST V amount

The Cobb County Board of Education voted 6-1 last week to increase the new Ed-SPLOST V budget from $759 million to $795 million.

However, the final vote on the Ed-SPLOST V budget and list will not be taken until 7 p.m. Oct. 27 since Wednesday’s meeting was a work session. This vote means extra funding would go to undesignated classrooms — only after all of the projects are completed on the new list that would take effect 2019 to 2023. That also is contingent upon the vote of Cobb residents on the March 21 referendum.

Even if the current Ed-SPLOST IV brings in extra funds, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said there is no category for undesignated classrooms. For now, School Board Chair Susan Thayer said no extra seating can be added for King Springs Elementary School in the Smyrna area, for example, even though there are enough students to comprise two separate elementary schools.

In opposition to this increase to 10 percent, board member Randy Scamihorn said, “A prudent five percent already was built in along with undesignated classrooms. I would hate to see the SPLOST vote jeopardized on a whim.”

Upcoming

“How to do Business With Cobb” seminar. 5-7 p.m. today. Free. Board of Commissioners offices, 100 Cherokee St., Building A, second floor meeting room, Marietta. Learn about vendor opportunities, network with local business owners and hear about the local vendor preference. Also meet the Cobb County Schools and Cobb County government employees who make the purchasing decisions. Reservations: inger.eb erhart@CobbCounty.org.