Highlights proposed in the 2022 bond: Sources: Oklahoma City Public Schools Tentative Bond Election Process Timeline, Oklahoman, August 13, 2022

Two propositions:


First proposition, $936 million, would build five new schools, a new regional stadium, flexible space additions at five high schools and classroom expansions. It would spend millions on technology devices, furniture and renovations for all district schools.

Second proposition would allocate $19 million to new school buses and vehicles.

Replace:


Capitol Hill High School $116,144,000.
Belle Isle Enterprise High School $76,160,000.
Taft Middle School $57,792,000
Consolidate Capitol Hill Middle School & Wheeler Middle School $58,680,000.
Adelaide Lee Elementary & Shidler Elementary $29,334,000.

Some schools – like Adelaide Lee, Taft and Capitol Hill – have a large enough campus footprint that their replacement could be built on the same property, McDaniel said.

Oklahoma City school district would spend $15,344,000 to place a regional stadium on the far end of northwest Oklahoma City at John Marshall Enterprise High School.

Five district high schools – Frederick A. Douglass, John Marshall, Northwest Classen, Star Spencer Mid-High and U.S. Grant – would gain 20,000-squarefoot flexible spaces and athletic facility improvements.

The bond would dedicate $20.6 million for additional classrooms at Britton, Kaiser, Nichols Hills and Quail Creek elementary schools and at Jefferson, Southeast and Webster middle schools.

Note: The Oklahoma City school district has the lowest bond levy of Oklahoma’s 10 biggest school districts, despite having the second most students.

Community meetings: Sessions will begin at 5:45pm and Spanish interpretation will be available.


May 2 at Southeast High School, 5401 S Shields Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73129
May 3 at Douglass High School, 900 N Martin Luther King Ave, OKC, 73117

Survey: We’re also launching a short bond survey which will be open until midnight on Sunday, May 15. It will be available in English and Spanish, and we hope everyone will take a moment to share your thoughts with us. Your feedback will be critical as we finalize the pieces of our bond package.

Full link Oklahoma City Public Schools: https://www.okcps.org/domain/2014

Full link: Oklahoman, august 13, 2022 https://oklahoman-ok.newsmemory.com/?token=fa79610682079715cf9e1ea9bccafb7d_62f7b015_c be8&selDate=20220813&msgid=22813TsKZjArJXrednUU9q836SB6ubCU

Target Bond Election: November 2022

If anything has been omitted or need corrections please add to this thread.

.

Glad to see the investments that our city has made thru 2017, $967 million GO Bonds and MAPS 4's $978 million; this $955 million school bond vote if passed in November '22 will address all of the major infrastructure throughout our city. You'll see major construction projects into 2025.

These are the types of investments that increase a city population (OKC has room) and attract more firms and businesses to chose Oklahoma City and retain those we have educated here at home.

This is a bond, which is funded through property taxes for property located within Oklahoma City Public Schools District correct?

For those that live in Oklahoma City Limits, but in another school district (Moore, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, etc) you wouldn't get to vote on the bond, and it wouldn't impact your property taxes?

This is a bond, which is funded through property taxes for property located within Oklahoma City Public Schools District correct?

For those that live in Oklahoma City Limits, but in another school district (Moore, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, etc) you wouldn't get to vote on the bond, and it wouldn't impact your property taxes?

That's correct.

Why would we want to tear down Taft? That is a beautiful historic building.

I'm not convinced this is going to resolve the overcrowding issue in south okc which should be a priority. The overcrowding has gone on so long because they refused to account for the growth south of the river in Maps for Kids.

The growth in south area schools in Oklahoma City reflects a similar pattern with the Oklahoma City Archdioceses growth of south side churches where the largest Catholic Church in Oklahoma is under construction.

This is what I see the district addressing with new schools:


Capitol Hill High School $116,144,000.
Belle Isle Enterprise High School $76,160,000.
Taft Middle School $57,792,000 (Built in 1930)
Consolidate Capitol Hill Middle School & Wheeler Middle School $58,680,000.
Adelaide Lee Elementary & Shidler Elementary $29,334,000.

Overcrowding is the District's top priority...

Children are not going to learn in buildings that are inadequate, out of date to accommodate the student learners. Prior to MAPS for Kids 2001, only a handful of schools had air-conditioning. This is how long we have neglected those physical plants.

True, Taft Middle School, like Taft Stadium (Built 1934) is historic and beautiful. Get involved, mark you calendars and get to those meetings where your questions and concerns can be addressed.

I know for a fact the District spends a ton on 'energy' to keep these building operating & functional. Inquire and see what the concerns are with Taft Middle School.

Attended Douglass High School, recall MAPS for Kids and some of the concerns people had when they built the new Douglass High School. Our football stadium at the time was the former Grand Stands when the State Fair of Oklahoma was held on that site. The Vocational Building and Print Shop were leftovers from the fairgrounds as was Douglass Center (recreational), part of Oklahoma City Parks system.

Now we have a beautiful high school and stadium on that site.

It’d be nice to see electric school busses

Unless Belle Isle Enterprise High School is going to have an attendance area that extends to both sides of the river I'm not sure the overcrowding will be relieved. Some schools have had portables for years.

Why would we want to tear down Taft? That is a beautiful historic building.

OKCPS has many buildings that should be replaced, regardless of their age or beauty.

There is no amount of renovation that could adequately modernize these buildings and sending kids to them for school is an insult to the kids.

Taft felt like going to prison everyday.

Seems that new regional stadium could be worked in with the new soccer stadium.

Where is Belle Isle Enterprise Highschool? I’m only seeing a middle school.

Where is Belle Isle Enterprise Highschool? I’m only seeing a middle school.

Probably got changed during the district's restructuring a few years ago. It seems like the number of middle schools doubled when they combined 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th into "middle school". It makes more sense to dedicate half of those buildings to 5th & 6th grade centers and the other half to 7th & 8th middle schools.

Probably got changed during the district's restructuring a few years ago. It seems like the number of middle schools doubled when they combined 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th into "middle school". It makes more sense to dedicate half of those buildings to 5th & 6th grade centers and the other half to 7th & 8th middle schools.
The 7th and 8th grade school is on Villa, and there's no way you could fit a high school (9-12) on that property. Back in the 80s it was a special ed school before the kids were mainstreamed. It's tiny.

The Belle Isle School back in the 80s was an open classroom layout with a concourse hall/all purpose room--school lunches were served. Do recall when the Special Education services were moved there from Carver in Sandtown.

Served on the committee that helped Odessa Wycoff (Vocational Business & Office Education, Director) for I-89 transitioning with the newly formed V-22 District that later moved the school operations to the current Springlake Metro-Tech campus where the former amusement park use to be.

There were preliminary plans as far back as the 80s concerning plans to expand the campus at 5904 North Villa. Some nearby homes were targeted for the expansion plans.

Oklahoma City school district would spend $15,344,000 to place a regional stadium on the far end of northwest Oklahoma City at John Marshall Enterprise High School.

.

this is funny only because OKC goes 5 miles further north ... and 11 miles further west then this location ... so not quite the "far end"

Do we know if the timing is typical/expected (e.g. is this on a schedule like the GO bonds are), or did the school district jump on getting this on a ballot because they know over the next decade there will be a billion asked for by GO Bond 2027, a billion asked for to build an arena, possibly a billion asked for separately for MAPS 5, And there's still an RTA vote to happen at some point?

https://journalrecord.com/files/2022/08/km-schools.jpg

Oklahoma City Public Schools bond vote election will be held Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

https://kfor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2013/11/okcps-bus1.jpeg?w=900

It will need 60% of the vote to pass.

Do we know if the timing is typical/expected (e.g. is this on a schedule like the GO bonds are), or did the school district jump on getting this on a ballot because they know over the next decade there will be a billion asked for by GO Bond 2027, a billion asked for to build an arena, possibly a billion asked for separately for MAPS 5, And there's still an RTA vote to happen at some point?

This process started in 2021.

KOSU ran a story today about the bond issue.

As with any bond in Oklahoma, it needs 60 percent approval to past.

This is the first ask by OKC Public Schools to increase property taxes since 2000.

If I understand correctly, they said residents inside OKC Public School District would see an average of an $8 increase in property taxes for each $1000 assessed. Meaning if you live in a $200,000 home in OKC Schools, your property taxes would increase by $1600 annually, or roughly $133 a month. That seems high, but I may have misunderstood how the story broke down what the average increase would be.

KOSU ran a story today about the bond issue.

As with any bond in Oklahoma, it needs 60 percent approval to past.

This is the first ask by OKC Public Schools to increase property taxes since 2000.

If I understand correctly, they said residents inside OKC Public School District would see an average of an $8 increase in property taxes for each $1000 assessed. Meaning if you live in a $200,000 home in OKC Schools, your property taxes would increase by $1600 annually, or roughly $133 a month. That seems high, but I may have misunderstood how the story broke down what the average increase would be.

If it is that high, then I can see it being a close call.

KOSU ran a story today about the bond issue.

As with any bond in Oklahoma, it needs 60 percent approval to past.

This is the first ask by OKC Public Schools to increase property taxes since 2000.

If I understand correctly, they said residents inside OKC Public School District would see an average of an $8 increase in property taxes for each $1000 assessed. Meaning if you live in a $200,000 home in OKC Schools, your property taxes would increase by $1600 annually, or roughly $133 a month. That seems high, but I may have misunderstood how the story broke down what the average increase would be.

this is incorrect.
It will be an about $80 per 100,000 in value.

A 200,000 home would see a $160 increase.

Please don't scare people away with those high numbers! here’s a quick summary on how how it works. Your Tax is Taxable Value x 11% then mill rate of say $115 for example per thousand. So a 200,000 home would come to 22,000 in Tax Value, meaning 22 thousands times the mill rate = a tax bill of $2530 (using my example of mill rate of $115 which is close to what OKC is)
It's just about a 6-7% increase on average for most OKC district residents. This still will have OKC areas cheaper than most suburbs taxes

KOSU ran a story today about the bond issue.

As with any bond in Oklahoma, it needs 60 percent approval to past.

This is the first ask by OKC Public Schools to increase property taxes since 2000.

If I understand correctly, they said residents inside OKC Public School District would see an average of an $8 increase in property taxes for each $1000 assessed. Meaning if you live in a $200,000 home in OKC Schools, your property taxes would increase by $1600 annually, or roughly $133 a month. That seems high, but I may have misunderstood how the story broke down what the average increase would be.

8 mils is a big increase. Remember, though, the "assessed" value for taxes is not actually the value of the home in Oklahoma. On my house the net assessed value is 9.6% of the "market value." The better way to look at it is as an increase in the millage rate. My millage rate in Edmond is 105, so an increase of 8 would be a 7.6% increase.

I remember seeing an actual mill, which is 1/10 of a penny. Mother has some of these in her jewelry box, they were so strange looking--round like a coin with a hold in the middle.

Unfortunately for us, our home was broken into in 1980 and those coins were stolen. My mom had over 20 silver dollars with several dating back to the 1800s. Don't have any idea if the thieves knew what they stole.

Would this increase prop taxes across the whole city or just the parts that feed into OKCPS? If only the feeders I assume they are the only ones voting as well?

this is funny only because OKC goes 5 miles further north ... and 11 miles further west then this location ... so not quite the "far end"

It's the far northwest part of the school district. Neighborhoods even one mile north of here are in Deer Creek, and one mile west is Putnam City North.

It's the far northwest part of the school district. Neighborhoods even one mile north of here are in Deer Creek, and one mile west is Putnam City North.

that makes sense thank you

Would this increase prop taxes across the whole city or just the parts that feed into OKCPS? If only the feeders I assume they are the only ones voting as well?

Only if you are within okc school districts

CHAMBER FORUM TO DISCUSS UPCOMING OKCPS BOND VOTE


During the October Chamber Forum on October 19, attendees will hear about the upcoming bond vote proposed by Oklahoma City Public Schools and the impact it will have on the district. You won’t want to miss this important discussion.

The luncheon will take place at Vast on the 50th floor. The cost to attend the August Chamber Forum is $40 for Chamber members and $50 for nonmembers. For updated information and speaker announcements, visit okcchamber.com/events.

The Chamber Forum series brings thought leaders together to discuss major initiatives, programs and current issues that impact Oklahoma City’s business climate, economy and community.

Special thanks to our Series Presenting Sponsor Cox Business and Series Corporate Sponsor ADG.


- https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/events/chamber-forum-to-discuss-upcoming-okcps-bond-vote/?back=super_blog

It's frustrating that no amount of money put into the schools will help with the teacher shortage and the amount of teachers leaving the state to get better paying jobs. in 2015, Oklahoma was 48th in the nation and is ranked 48th now. I googled it and couldn't find where we were in 2001 prior to the MAPS for Kids vote, but I would guess in the mid-40's range. I will be voting yes on this as I want the structures to be better and I don't mind spending money on schools, but the long term solution would be to pay teachers more. The issue with that is it is on the state level.

I read a book a few years ago called the public wealth of cities and they had an entire chapter of the book talking about education. The problem is education is a long term play. If the state all of a sudden turns around and wants to start paying teachers $20,000 more per year, it wouldn't make the schools better immediately. It would take a few years to work out who were good and bad teachers and get the right people in place. So, it would be about 3-4 years before you start seeing test scores go up. This would, in turn, bring more businesses to Oklahoma as the cost of living would still be low, but the education would be better for families, but our state government is so short sighted that they don't want to do that .

Rant over, sorry.

I already know several teachers who will likely quit if a certain someone is elected but I won’t say more than that due to the politics ban.

I already know several teachers who will likely quit if a certain someone is elected but I won’t say more than that due to the politics ban.

There are others that can (and do) speak for you. There's a whole other thread that dives in to that. And yes, you are absolutely correct. Both S*itt and Walters.

Update: https://okcfox.com/news/local/okcps-rolling-out-community-meetings-on-bond-proposal-oklahoma-city-public-schools-one-billion-council-of-public-affairs-trend-england-sean-mcdaniel-paula-lewis-chair-board-superintendent-new-building-improvement-district-election-day-vote-ballot#

In the Channel 4 piece they did last night they mentioned that none of the money in this proposal actually goes towards improving academics. Just more infrastructure.

In the Channel 4 piece they did last night they mentioned that none of the money in this proposal actually goes towards improving academics. Just more infrastructure.

That's because the academic side is a state issue.

The 7th and 8th grade school is on Villa, and there's no way you could fit a high school (9-12) on that property. Back in the 80s it was a special ed school before the kids were mainstreamed. It's tiny.

Have we heard where this new high school would be built. From the notes it doesn’t awar the 5-6 or 7-8 center located here will be going away. Are they planning to utilize the land around this for the high school. Or do they have some other area in mind?

If this all going to be located here, villa sure will be busy!

Just curious. I’m in process of looking for houses in Belle isle area so this has some impacts for me

Have we heard where this new high school would be built. From the notes it doesn’t awar the 5-6 or 7-8 center located here will be going away. Are they planning to utilize the land around this for the high school. Or do they have some other area in mind?

If this all going to be located here, villa sure will be busy!

Just curious. I’m in process of looking for houses in Belle isle area so this has some impacts for me

According to today's Oklahoman-site has not been determined. That is attributed to Superintendent Sean McDaniel

Wow part of this proposal includes demolishing the Capitol Hill High School. Major bummer if they go through with that.

https://okcfox.com/news/local/capitol-hill-hs-alumna-advocates-against-okcps-bond-proposal-to-demolish-school-oklahoma-city-election-vote-ballot-oklahoma-county-public-schools-900-million-money-funding-elections-voters-teachers-tear-down#

Well, crap, I didn't realize that was part of the proposal and now I'm torn on my vote ☹️

Wow part of this proposal includes demolishing the Capitol Hill High School. Major bummer if they go through with that.

https://okcfox.com/news/local/capitol-hill-hs-alumna-advocates-against-okcps-bond-proposal-to-demolish-school-oklahoma-city-election-vote-ballot-oklahoma-county-public-schools-900-million-money-funding-elections-voters-teachers-tear-down#

Not a lot of hard facts about demolition of that school in the article, and it says "could" contribute to the demolition, so nothing is certain, it appears. Have to find some actual language that says "we will demolish CHHS if the bonds get issued" to make sure...

^^I thought it was pretty clear from Board Chair Paula Lewis's comment that "We need the land".

I want to vote yes, but I just don't believe that the answer is tearing down history - there has to be more creative solutions to attack our problems. I can understand demolishing certain parts of the property but that plan is not made clear. I can think of a million ways to spend $120M to get them what they need without demoing the main structure.

^^I thought it was pretty clear from Board Chair Paula Lewis's comment that "We need the land".

I want to vote yes, but I just don't believe that the answer is tearing down history - there has to be more creative solutions to attack our problems. I can understand demolishing certain parts of the property but that plan is not made clear. I can think of a million ways to spend $120M to get them what they need without demoing the main structure.

This is in an Oklahoman article, so it's not a certainty that the school (Taft is also a demolition possibility) would be demolished (although in this city, there's about a 110% chance a historic building will want to be torn down by somebody and a pretty good chance of it actually happening):

"Should the $955 million bond issue pass, the district school board would decide in a matter of months whether to make major alterations — but preserve — the original building or tear down Capitol Hill and build anew. "

Are there other parcels of land in that immediate area that OKCPS could buy and build a new high school? Not to mention the athletic facilities, some of which look very new on the C.H. campus.

During the past round of re-building, U.S. Grant had enough room on the existing lot to build a new school while the old building continued to function as a school. Capital Hill doesn't appear to have that option.

If I had to choose between a nice, modern school for OKCPS students or remodeling an old building like C.H., which is basically like putting lipstick on a pig, I would choose a new building, regardless of the historical aspect of the existing building.

What's sad, these building are no longer functional. It costs more to pay the utilities on these structures.

OKCPS didn't get all of the schools air conditioned until after MAPS for Kids was approved in 2001. Based on previous decisions the OKCPS district have made, eventually you're going to have to close Capitol Hill High School and the building will be bordered up--those students will be bused throughout the district.

Now we understand how alums feel about the buildings where they attended high school. It's time to move on, build a structure that is functional and more energy efficient (Like John Marshall, U.S. Grant and Douglass) or the building will be closed permanently.

The OKCPS district doesn't have a choice, these building are costing the district a ton of money to operate. If this bond doesn't pass, look for the district to try one more passage attempt--it will be understood that if the 2nd attempt doesn't pass, the students attending Capitol Hill and all the buildings identified that are not energy efficient will be closed and those students bused to other schools throughout the district. The newer schools (funded thru MAPS 4) will need to be expanded to accompany the new influx of students from permanently closed structures.

They did look at relocating U.S. Grant but stated they couldn't find an appropriate new location. I am opposed to tearing down Capitol Hill High School. There is additional land they might be able to acquire. There is a church and park on the other side of the senior center.

I used to do a lot of work inside C.H. That was 20 years ago and it was a dump then. I don't know of any restoration projects since then so I imagine it's worse now.

They did look at relocating U.S. Grant but stated they couldn't find an appropriate new location. I am opposed to tearing down Capitol Hill High School. There is additional land they might be able to acquire. There is a church and park on the other side of the senior center.

Believe me, I understand your feelings--these building were apart of our growth from youth to adult and it's difficult to let go.

Would you prefer to see it bordered up (students relocated) to keep the vagrants out and possibly the South side area gangs that will make a haven from a bordered structure--with all kinds of illegal activities a bordered structure might present.

^
This. Perfect example is the school that was on S Penn & SW 23rd. It's exactly what Laramie is describing. Almost every time I drove by there police cars were around it. Plus fires were a common occurrence.

What's sad, these building are no longer functional. It costs more to pay the utilities on these structures.

OKCPS didn't get all of the schools air conditioned until after MAPS for Kids was approved in 2001. Based on previous decisions the OKCPS district have made, eventually you're going to have to close Capitol Hill High School and the building will be bordered up--those students will be bused throughout the district.

Now we understand how alums feel about the buildings where they attended high school. It's time to move on, build a structure that is functional and more energy efficient (Like John Marshall, U.S. Grant and Douglass) or the building will be closed permanently.

The OKCPS district doesn't have a choice, these building are costing the district a ton of money to operate. If this bond doesn't pass, look for the district to try one more passage attempt--it will be understood that if the 2nd attempt doesn't pass, the students attending Capitol Hill and all the buildings identified that are not energy efficient will be closed and those students bused to other schools throughout the district. The newer schools (funded thru MAPS 4) will need to be expanded to accompany the new influx of students from permanently closed structures.


I can't even imagine that scenario. Millions in additions to newer buildings AND basically a fleet of new buses and drivers.

I can say that U.S. Grant, which would be an obvious choice to take some C.H. students, doesn't have the land for additions to the structure. They have portables that were jammed into a small space between existing parts of the new building, because there wasn't room for them.

I think everyone likes the look of the older schools, but what are we willing to pay for the privilege? Do we want to spend 20% more per pupil in order to heat and cool the building? Sacrifice safety? Reduced internet and electrical capacity? Do the kids even care, or is it just nostalgia for us old people?

I can't even imagine that scenario. Millions in additions to newer buildings AND basically a fleet of new buses and drivers.

I can say that U.S. Grant, which would be an obvious choice to take some C.H. students, doesn't have the land for additions to the structure. They have portables that were jammed into a small space between existing parts of the new building, because there wasn't room for them.

New Grant High School opens MAPS for Kids: Building has many amenities Architects added classrooms to match increase in students.
By Beth Gollob--Oklahoman, January 9, 2007


"There in the hallways, it used to be so crowded we had to push our way through between classes,” said senior Marisol Meza, 17. "This is nothing compared to the old one.”

During the planning stages about five years ago, officials estimated they would need a school to hold about 1,200 students.

But after construction began in September 2004, plans changed. Enrollment was growing significantly, meaning planners were trying to hit a moving target.

Link: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2007/01/09/opensbrspan-classhl2maps-amenitiesspanbrspan-classhl2architects-classrooms-increase-studentsspan/61827040007/

I think everyone likes the look of the older schools, but what are we willing to pay for the privilege? Do we want to spend 20% more per pupil in order to heat and cool the building? Sacrifice safety? Reduced internet and electrical capacity? Do the kids even care, or is it just nostalgia for us old people?Pretty sure it's just us older people. Taft has been mentioned and I'll literally cry if it comes down. Just like I did with the Fairgrounds Speedway. And if it does I'll sneak in and grab a brick like I did from the Speedway.

Pretty sure it's just us older people. Taft has been mentioned and I'll literally cry if it comes down. Just like I did with the Fairgrounds Speedway. And if it does I'll sneak in and grab a brick like I did from the Speedway.
I’m 28(not sure if you would call that old or not lol) but I want to see this building stay. Yes I’d support spend more money on preserving it. There are many known benefits to cities in preserving historical buildings.

New Grant High School opens MAPS for Kids: Building has many amenities Architects added classrooms to match increase in students.
By Beth Gollob--Oklahoman, January 9, 2007



Link: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2007/01/09/opensbrspan-classhl2maps-amenitiesspanbrspan-classhl2architects-classrooms-increase-studentsspan/61827040007/




Yeah, back when they were building the new U.S. Grant, they had to add an additional academic wing (the four parts of the building sticking out of the South end are the academic wings, one of which was added during the planning/construction phase). The area of white rectangles under "US Grant Early Head Start" are permanently installed portables that were brought in years after the initial construction of the building. They just finished with the last of the athletic facilities and as can be seen, there is nowhere else to build.

U.S. Grant doesn't have room for the students they have, much less students from Capital Hill. The only real choice I think they have is to send the Capital Hill students somewhere else for the time it takes to demolish C.H.H.S. and build a new one. OKCPS has done it before, but on a smaller scale than a H.S.

17720

I do not think it is going to pass, voters will complain the district is asking for too much money

OKCPS has been busing 300 US Grant students to i believe NW Classen because the school is so crowded. Maps 4 Kids ignored the predicted growth in south okc. I fear they are failing to account for it in this bond. Portables at schools for decades is insane.

I see both of them will easily pass so I am wrong

I ended up voting yes because even though I don'tlove the proposal, we do need to show commitment to improving OKCPS and education in general in this state. Hopefully they get a lot of pushback on demolishing iconic schools, but ultimately, improvements are genuinely needed yesterday.

I ended up voting yes because even though I don'tlove the proposal, we do need to show commitment to improving OKCPS and education in general in this state. Hopefully they get a lot of pushback on demolishing iconic schools, but ultimately, improvements are genuinely needed yesterday.

:yeahthat::yeahthat::yeahthat: