Tulsa Public Schools considers a school bond issue proposal

Tulsa Public Schools might ask voters for a new school bond package this November. The money would pay for new buildings, textbooks and technology. <br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims says Tulsa

Sunday, July 17th 2005, 3:51 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa Public Schools might ask voters for a new school bond package this November. The money would pay for new buildings, textbooks and technology.

News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims says Tulsa Public Schools would say all of its students will benefit from the new bond, but obviously, the folks at Clinton Middle School have to be very excited. They've got the big-ticket item on the new bond proposal, a new $16-million Clinton Middle School, big enough for 650 students.

The recommendation to replace the school comes from the citizen bond development committee. The group, made up of citizens from all over Tulsa, made the recommendation based on engineers' assessment of the school's condition. Clinton's original building has been around since 1925.The Chargers also have something to cheer about. 43-year-old Memorial High School could get an $8-million upgrade, including an expansion of their library.

The committee says they're pleased with the recommendations. Rachel Maze with the Citizen Bond Development Committee: "But I feel very very good. It was unanimously selected by all of the folks on the committee and to get a unanimous vote is something these days."

Tulsa Public Schools are also asking for almost $30-million for new textbooks and technology. And another $6.5-million for school buses.

Tulsa Public Schools says they've made a commitment to citizens to keep the tax rate level. So even if voters approve the bond, their tax rate should not go up.