Voters in Long County overwhelmingly approved the renewal of the Education Special Local Option Sales Tax in Tuesday’s special election.

The measure passed by a 272-28 margin, according to Long County Elections Supervisor Kierra Hamilton.

Long County Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Waters called news of the passage “wonderful.”

“It is wonderful that the citizens in Long County support the schools in Long County,” he said.

Waters said ESPLOST funds will be used to finish paying off bonds sold to build Long County High School. The remainder will begin paying for bonds issued to build the new grades 3-8 school, which is expected to open in August 2018 with room for 1,900 students. That school is expected to cost about $29 million.

Long County High School cost $19 million to build. It was completed in 2013.