Details Of The Record Setting Tulsa Public School Bond

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- While TPS desperately tries to balance the budget, it's considering asking voters for the biggest school bond in state history to improve facilities.

The News on 6 shows what $354 million dollars would buy.

It can't pay teachers or keep Tulsa Public Schools from making deep budget cuts but the district says this $354 million school bond will make TPS a better district.

The projects were picked by a citizen-led team and include millions for books, security cameras, and facility upgrades.

Updating buildings is the biggest chunk of the bond, including $73 million worth of renovations called for in the district's 20-year plan.

22 sites would get improvements. East Central High School could get a multi-million dollar face lift.

TPS would invest in a new early childhood center and early childhood classrooms for Kendall Whittier, Eugene Field and Skelly Elementaries.

The plan would also eliminate trailers by adding classrooms at five other elementary schools.

The school bond would pay for every TPS student to have $44 worth of new textbooks and another 40 dollars worth of computer equipment.

Six schools would get new libraries.

TPS could add another 85 regular school buses, 35 special needs buses and another 10 coach's buses to its fleet.

Several high schools could see better athletic facilities with new field houses, practice turf, running tracks and locker rooms.

Despite its massive price tag, school leaders say the new bond will not raise taxes.

Before voters can weigh in, it has to get the school board's stamp of approval.

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