Sand Springs voters overwhelmingly approve School Bond Propositions

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Voters in the Sand Springs Public School District overwhelmingly voiced their support for a pair of general obligation bond measures Tuesday.

Proposition No. 1, totaling $32.85 million, passed with 92.83% in favor. 1,774 voted yes with only 137 against.

A second proposition totaling $1.3 million passed with 91.43% in favor to provide for new school buses. The measure received 1,749 “yes” votes and 164 “no” votes.

The new bonds won’t be sold until existing bonds are paid off, so the millage rate will remain the same and property taxes will not increase.

Totaling more than $34 million, the two measures will provide funding for a number of projects, most notably the construction of a new freshman wing on the Charles Page High School campus.

The new $14.28 million building will conjoin with the high school through the existing lobby, but will keep the freshmen separate from the upperclassmen for the majority of the day. Currently more than 75% of Central Ninth Grade Center are shuttled from downtown to the high school every day for athletics and other activities.

The new wing would also include several classrooms dedicated to the district’s STEM Initiative, enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curriculum.

$7.2 million will go to technology enhancements throughout the district. Computer software systems will be updated to protect student data and provide mobile tech support, and WiFi will be improved and expanded throughout the district.

$825,000 will go to the district’s thriving athletic programs. Memorial Stadium will get new turf, the baseball and softball fields will be regraded, and wrestling mats and other athletic equipment will also be purchased.

Other Proposition No. 1 projects include:

  • New gymnasium/storm shelter at Angus Valley Elementary.

  • Bleachers for Garfield Elementary gymnasium.

  • Electrical upgrades at Limestone Elementary.

  • Playground upgrades at Northwoods Fine Arts Academy.

  • Playground equipment for Early Childhood Education Center.

  • ADA Accessible bathroom at Pratt Elementary.

  • Removal of louvers on front windows at Clyde Boyd Middle School.

  • Kitchen equipment at all district sites.

  • Band uniforms and elementary music equipment.

  • Additional space for Drama Department.

  • Sound system upgrades to auditoriums and Ed Dubie Field House.

  • District HVAC and roofing maintenance.

  • Books and digital curriculum for all sites.

  • Media Center materials.

  • Painting, pavement, electrical, and plumbing maintenance.