Some Protest Tulsa Public Schools Bond Set For March 2 Vote

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A handful of protestors took to the streets Saturday to speak out against a $354 million bond for Tulsa Public Schools. The protestors say it's wrong to ask voters to approve such a massive bond in this economic climate. 

It's a $354 million bond, but if you break it down, every TPS student would have $44 in new textbooks and another $40 in new computer equipment.

Still, some Tea Party protestors say the bond is too comprehensive, with too much risk of waste.

Jose Quiroz graduated from Booker T. Washington and his two sons also went to Tulsa Public Schools.

"They need to find ways to audit their money. And let's see where the money is going and use that money instead of administrative costs and supply costs and stuff like that. Let's use that money to help the buildings, help the structures and facilities where they go to school at," said Jose Quiroz, school bond protestor.

If the bond passes, six schools would get new libraries. There would be no more trailers at schools that don't have enough classroom space. In all, there would be $73 million worth of renovations at 22 sites.

See List Of Bond Issue Improvements At Each Tulsa School

Even if his kids would be benefiting from the bond, Quiroz would still vote no.

"I would vote no for their sake, yes, because we don't need to be held down with all this tax money. It's not necessary," said Quiroz.

TPS Superintendent Keith Ballard is adamant that the bond will not raise property taxes.

"TPS needs to meet the needs of the 42,000 kids who will go to school here, and that's what this bond issue does," said Ballard.

Educators say this really comes down to giving children the highest quality education.

"It really provides the resources that students need to learn, and equips the classrooms with the materials that the teachers need to really help them teach," said Ellen Duecker, TPS Libraries and Technology Director.

If the bond passes, Quiroz's alma mater would get $13 million -- everything from new library books to a new athletic field house.

Voters will head to the polls on March 2.

Tulsa Public Schools Ballot 1

Tulsa Public Schools Ballot 2 

2/17/2010  Related Story: Campaign Begins For Tulsa Public Schools' $354 Million Bond Issue