School Board Set To Vote On Tulsa Schools' $415-Million Bond Issue Proposal

The Tulsa Public School board is scheduled vote on a record bond issue package at their meeting Monday evening.  School officials say the $415-million bond issue would allow the district to upgrade almost all of its facilities. 

Tulsa Public Schools officials say the east side of town has been growing fast and the district needs to find options to accommodate all the new students associated with that growth. 

If the school board says 'yes' Monday and if voters then approve on March 3, 2015, the bond issue would address a number of issues according to the district:

• Classroom additions to replace trailers/prefabs and accommodate growth and or early childhood classes at 14 schools including: Grissom, Jones, Kerr, Key, MacArthur, McClure,Owen, Park, Penn, Remington, Springdale, and Zarrow Elementary Schools, and Central High and Edison Middle Schools.
• Major building renovation, according to 20-year plan, for 21 schools: Academy Central,Anderson, Bell Primary, Carnegie, Columbus, Copper, Disney, Eliot, Emerson, Greeley, Grimes, MacArthur, McKinley, McClure, Park, Patrick Henry, Salk, Skelly Primary, Central High, Rogers High, Street School plus the Maintenance/Warehouse building.
• New multi-purpose field houses at East Central High and McLain Jr/Sr High and new practice gyms for McLain 7th Grade Academy and Central High School.
• New football stadium/bleachers/concession/locker room for Rogers and Central High Schools and stadium improvement and turf for Carver Middle School.
• Track resurfacing for Booker T Washington High School, Hale High School, Rogers High School and Memorial High School.
• Roof replacements (5) and roof restorations (17) at 22 school sites.
• HVAC replacement systems for 11 schools and upgrades for 2 schools.
• CNG fueling facility and infrastructure upgrade for school buses.
• New cafeteria at Cooper Elementary School.
• Replacement elevators for 5 schools: Central High School, Edison High School , Rogers High School, Webster High School and Wright Elementary School
• New libraries at Central High School, Robertson Elementary School, Springdale Elementary School, with existing libraries converted to classrooms to relieve overcrowding.
• Replacement of service vehicles to support multiple departments and maintenance

Officials say technology is also a part of the bond issue with about $150 per student set aside for access to computers or tablets.

Tulsa Public Schools SMART START School Bond Issue Information

Tulsa Public Schools says because this bond issue would take the place of retiring bonds it will not raise property taxes for city of Tulsa voters.

Monday's meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the district's Education Service Center at 3027 South New Haven Avenue.

12/4/2014 Related Story: District's Largest Bond Ever Would Bring Tulsa Schools Up To Par