Jenks School District Looking For High Voter Turnout For Bond Election

Another school bond issue is coming up on the ballot for Jenks voters. The district is asking for $19 million for upgrades to the tennis courts and security enhancements to an elementary school.

The February election day is nothing new for the district, which puts its bonds before voters every year during this month.

“I think the people that work here, the people that live in our community, are very used to this,” said Rob Loeber, a district spokesman. “They understand the importance for our schools, what we’re asking for, and the why behind it.”

It is not uncommon for school bond votes to have low turnout. Only 1,726 voters took part in last year’s election, according to the State Election Board.

“We’re hoping this year to really engage with those voters a little bit more and hope that everybody will take the opportunity and take the time to get out to the polls,” said Loeber. “It is a fairly easy, fairly quick thing.”

The district says equipment, facilities maintenance and technology would also be covered if the bond passes. This includes the first phase of upgrades to the tennis courts.

A chunk of the money would go towards the third and final upgrade to the freshman academy.

“It’s an older building that was originally built as an elementary school and still needs a facelift and some upgrades to the old existing structure,” said Loeber.

Some of the money would also go towards adding another layer of security to the East Elementary campus. The district says it has spent years making those security upgrades to each school site.

Election day is Tuesday, February 13. The bond must receive at least 60 percent approval in order to pass.