Broken Arrow School Board Asks Tribe Not To Build Red Clay Casino

Broken Arrow's school board says classrooms should trump casinos. The board voiced its unanimous disapproval for a new Kialegee casino in their backyard.

They say the Red Clay Casino will be just half a mile from the proposed site for Broken Arrow's newest elementary.

Broken Arrow Schools board and superintendent say this is about the safety and security of their students.

Contractors are already pushing dirt at the corner of 129th East Avenue and 111th Street in Broken Arrow for the new Red Clay Casino.

1/4/2011 Related Story: Tribe Behind Broken Arrow Casino Remains Silent Amid Controversy

It's prompted protests, outrage, and now the Broken Arrow school district is getting involved.

"We feel strongly that there are concerns with safety and security in the location of this," said Jarod Mendenhall, Broken Arrow Superintendent.

That's because the rise of Green Country's latest gaming operation is happening a mile away from two existing schools and about half a mile away from a school yet to be built.

In 2010, the school district bought 80 acres on 111th street between 129th and 145th east avenues, where they plan to build an elementary school and a pre-K center housing about 1,000 students.

"A casino that close to a pre K center... not good for us," Mendenhall said.

Mendenhall worries about the 24-7 nature of casinos and the ensuing traffic in an area without crosswalks or sidewalks.

The school board agreed and voted unanimously for a resolution asking the Kialegee's not to build in the area.

"Our primary consideration should be the education and protection of our students. A casino may not pose an [imminent] danger to our students but the threat will always be there," read Sharon Whelpley, BA board member.

News On 6 asked Superintendent Mendenhall if other schools near casinos have had any problems.

"They state that they haven't had that many issues... already existing sometimes it's easier to do," he said.

Mendenhall says since the school hasn't been built, Broken Arrow parents still have a choice.

Broken Arrow voters already voted once to reallocate bond dollars to build the schools in their current location.

Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall says to change locations; they'd have to go back to the people for another vote.

01/09/2012 Related Story: Meet Out-Of-State Partners Behind Broken Arrow Casino