Broken Arrow Voters Casting Ballots On Record-Setting Bond Issue

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

BROKEN ARROW, OK -- Broken Arrow voters are heading to the polls Tuesday. Voters will decide on two proposals worth $295 million.

 $52 million would pay to build three new schools. Another $41 million is slated to renovate five schools.

Instructional supplies, technology and energy upgrades, as well as bus maintenance are also included in the bond. 

But its main focus is to replace 200 portable classrooms with more permanent structures.

Indian Springs Elementary School Principal, Larry Smith, says the student body has outgrown the aging facilities.

"They have 21 kids in their classroom in a very contained area and you need a bigger structure to teach kids," Smith said.

"This bond gives us the ability to catch up on our facility needs that over the years we've kind of put a band aid approach to try and get through," said Keith Isbell, BA School Spokesperson.

The bond election is for $295 million worth of school and school district improvements spread out over nine years.

"We'll be replacing retiring bonds and replacing them with new bonds. and so the tax rate will remain the same so this bond will not cost tax payers additional dollars," Isbell said.

$52 million is budgeted to build three new schools: one elementary, One middle and a 4th and 5th grade center.

$41 million will renovate five schools including Indian Springs. Some schools will also get new gyms.

"This bond issue that is coming up is not about being equal with other buildings. It's about having equity for our teachers and our students here at Indian Springs," Smith said.

Instructional supplies, technology and energy upgrades, as well as bus maintenance are also included in the bond.

Whether voters vote yes or no, the school bond election requires 60 percent voter approval for the bond to pass.

"That 60% is an extra hill the school districts have to climb and all the votes really count. Typically the voter turnout is not large so ten votes either way can make a big difference," said Isbell.