Broken Arrow Schools hoping voters approve a multi-year bond issue next week

Broken Arrow Schools are trying a new approach to raise money for the district. They're asking voters to approve a multi-year bond for more than $40-million. <br><br>News on 6 anchor Terry Hood looks

Thursday, March 4th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Broken Arrow Schools are trying a new approach to raise money for the district. They're asking voters to approve a multi-year bond for more than $40-million.

News on 6 anchor Terry Hood looks at where the money would go.

The price tag may be bigger than previous Broken Arrow School bonds, but school leaders say this $40-million bond issue is the only one theyâ€™ll put before voters in the next three years. With one vote, instead of three, the district says it will save money on election costs and get started earlier on some projects.

Topping the list of those projects is a new $19-million performing arts center. The facility would seat up to 2,000 people and also provide classroom space for fine arts students. Several elementary schools, like Arrowhead will get some upgrades, if the bond passes. Bond money would pay for new gyms at Arrowhead and three other elementary schools.

Also on the wish list, getting rid of 30-year-old portable buildings. Right now, there are 240 of them scattered around the district. $3-million would start the process of replacing these temporary buildings with permanent classroom space.

BA Superintendent Dr Jim Sisney: "Better air conditioning, air quality and just comfort for the kids learning environment. Learning environment is really critical for our children."

Broken Arrow School leaders say one big bond issue will help them accomplish these big projects faster and guarantee funding to get them done, without raising taxes.

Broken Arrow voters head to the polls next Tuesday.