Broken Arrow Public Schools Considers Bond Proposal for District Growth

Leaders from Broken Arrow Public Schools are working on a potential bond proposal to help as the district continues to grow.

About 60 Parents, teachers and administrators are a part of the 'Long-Range Planning Committee' leading the initiative in hopes of tackling some of the big improvements that are needed.

Superintendent Chuck Perry says after members did a study they identified $90 million worth of potential improvements for the district. That group is now working to narrow it down to $50 million for the proposal.

Superintendent Perry says it’s important to look at issues from a variety of perspectives.

Things being considered include HVAC and roof repairs in buildings across the district. Security is also a priority and leaders say some of the enhancements needed range from more cameras, improving lighting and building a fence around the perimeter of the high school as part of the proposal.

As part of the proposed bond, the district is also considering more investments in technology.

Superintendent Perry says it takes millions of dollars each year to stay up to date with the latest technology to help prepare students for the workforce. He cites the 2015 bond as a starting point for recent advancements but says the district must continue to build on that.

“We have 27 actual school sites across the school district and over 20,000 students. So we got to be in a continual mode of maintaining those buildings and keeping them safe. You never arrive at that. I feel like that’s the focus of this bond issue is getting back to the basics of what we need to maintain our buildings maintain our sites, so students have the best experiences. And also that we are recruiting and retaining the best staff because they want to be in an environment again that is safe, clean, and secure,“ Superintendent Perry, said.

The Long-range planning committee wants to hear from the community. For more information on how to offer your input, Click Here.

If approved by the Board of Education, the district hopes to start a campaign in August before it heads to voters.