Voters approve $90 million bond to upgrade Moore Norman Technology Center

Voters in Cleveland, McClain, and Oklahoma Counties approved a $90 million bond Tuesday to expand the Moore Norman Technology Center.

Fifty-two percent of voters said “yes” to the bond and a slight property tax increase to fund it. "We are grateful to our community for continuing to invest in students and the future of our workforce," Moore Norman Technology Center Superintendent Brian Ruttman said Tuesday night. “This is a tremendous victory for our community.”

More coverage: March 4, 2025 Election Results

Here’s what you need to know about the bond passage:

How will the money be spent?

Touted as an "investment in students" whose careers require technical certification or an associate’s degree, the bond focuses on three main projects:

1. $33 million for a new Construction Trades facility
2. $32 million for a new Business Workforce Development Training Center
3. $25 million for health program upgrades and enhancements

Other improvements include a new 400-person capacity storm shelter, renovating and equipping an existing health and IT building, as well as modernizing and equipping the main building.

How much will the bond cost property owners?

According to estimates, the bond will cost the average homeowner within the district about $40 annually for the next 10 years.

Why is the bond needed?

Superintendent Ruttman said the center turned away about 25% of qualified applicants in 2024. By expanding the campus and its educational opportunities, Ruttman hopes to provide a classroom seat for every qualified student by 2033.

He said that there are workforce shortages with the highest demand in the healthcare field and with construction trades. “Our hope is by investing now, getting those students [...] desiring to be in our programs, getting them trained, we're going to have the workforce that's there to meet the needs of our industries," Ruttman said in a recent interview on News 9 at 9 a.m.

More coverage: $90 Million Moore Norman Technology Center Bond On The Ballot of Tuesday Special Election

Who does the Moore Norman Technology Center serve?

The center primarily serves students and adults in Moore, Norman, and south Oklahoma City, offering both long-term career programs and short-term classes. According to last year’s enrollment figures, 12,000 students were served through workforce training, while 1,800 were enrolled in one of the 30-plus career programs offered.

What happens next?

Superintendent Ruttman says the center had already been working with architects and construction management in case the bond was approved. Once the election is certified and funds start coming in, the construction could be completed within two years. "Our goal is to ensure every qualified student has a seat by 2033," Ruttman said. "We appreciate the trust voters have placed in us and look forward to keeping our community informed as these improvements take shape."

Learn more: Moore Norman Technology Center 2025 Bond Information