Voters OK school bond issues in Edmond, Norman

Voters in Edmond and Norman on Tuesday approved school bond issues that will pay for new schools, classroom additions, storm shelters and security and technology upgrades among other improvements. Both proposals easily surpassed the required 60 percent support to pass. With 55 precincts reporting in Edmond, 7,089 voters — 79.38 percent — approved a $90.7 million proposition that will fund the bulk of that school district's improvements, while a second proposition totaling $2.3 million for school transportation needs was approved by 7,008 voters, or 78.68 percent. The Edmond proposals, which will fund construction of two new elementary schools and classroom additions that would double as shelters at several schools, will keep the property tax at its current level. Nearly $40 million would be used to purchase land and fund the construction of schools on the southwest and east sides of the district where current enrollment is at or near capacity, Superintendent Bret Towne said. The Edmond district is growing at a rate of 400 to 500 students annually and has purchased land near the intersection of Douglas Boulevard and Coffee Creek Road for one of the new schools. “It shows that the citizens of Edmond understand we still are growing, we still have construction needs, and they continue to support the school with 59 straight school bond issues,” Towne said. “We want to honor the support that they've given us.” Voters in Norman, meanwhile, easily passed a $186 million school bond issue that will pay for safety and security improvements, including storm shelters for 16 schools that do not have them. With all 46 precincts reporting, 10,251 voters — 78.97 percent — approved a $182.5 million proposition that will pay for the bulk of the improvements, while 10,182 voters — 78.47 percent — approved a $3.5 million proposition that will pay for school transportation items. The proposals also required 60 percent support to pass. Approval will raise the property tax by about $44 on a house values at about $100,000, officials said. Norman Public Schools Superintendent Nick Migliorino praised parents, patrons and community members for their support. “I knew we had the support of the community,” he said. “Norman, how they support the schools has never been questioned.” Proposed security measures contained in the bond package include interior and exterior door enhancements, protective window film, and security camera and alarm system upgrades. Several schools would receive new or upgraded facilities for music, band and visual arts programs, as well as library renovations and parking improvements. Many of those facilities would also serve as shelters.