Frequently Asked Questions
Our goal is to be transparent in providing our community with information regarding the October 10, 2023 bond election.
On July 24, 2023, our Board of Education approved a resolution to hold a bond election Tuesday, October 10, 2023. The total bond amount is $492,700,000 that will be divided into three propositions.
Proposition #1: $472,500,000 of construction projects and equipment purchases for safety and security, academics, athletics, and fine arts.
Proposition #2 : $10 million for an indoor aquatic center in partnership with the YMCA.
Proposition #3: $10,200,000 for transportation (School buses)
The general obligation bond proposal would last 19 ½ years and increase the District’s target millage rate from 30 to 32 mills. It would possibly increase property taxes by about $2.75 per month for a home valued at $150,000.
Thank you to our community, staff, students and Board of Education for providing input over the last 10 months to help us plan for the bond issue! We will be sharing more information in the coming months about the projects.
Q&A
Q: Where do I vote?
A: If you are unsure of your polling place, please call 713-1515 for the Oklahoma County Election Board to verify your polling place. For Cleveland County, please call 405-366-0210.
Q: When are the polling places open?
A: Polls are open from 7am-7pm
Q: When is the last day to request an absentee ballot?
A: Last day to request an absentee ballot is September 25, 2023 to vote in the October 10, 2023 election.
Q: Bond funds can be used for the following:
A. Answers
Construction and remodeling of facilities
Purchase of technology equipment and web-based software subscriptions
Equipment, furniture, library books, and textbooks
School-owned uniforms for athletics and fine arts
Purchase of musical instruments
Purchase of buses
Q: Bond funds cannot be used for the following:
A: Answers
Staff salaries and wages
General operating expenses and maintenance
Classroom supplies
Administration
Q: What is a General Obligation Bond?
A: General Obligation Bonds - Are bonds that are payable from ad valorem (property) taxes levied against all taxable property located within the School District, excepting homestead and other lawful exemptions. General Obligation Bonds are considered extremely safe investments and therefore can be issued at lower interest rates than many other types of bonds.
Q: What is a Lease Revenue Bond?
A: A lease revenue bond is issued by a municipal entity (usually a City or County Public Trust) on behalf of a school district to provide up-front funding for some of the eligible bond projects. While there is a financing cost associated with this option, the primary benefit of lease revenue bonds is they allow a school district to complete projects sooner (usually within 3 years) at current construction costs rather than over a longer period of time at future construction costs.