Catoosa Voters Will Decide Fate Of $54 Million School Bond Proposal

Voters in Catoosa will soon decide the fate of a $54 million school bond proposal that would be used to build a new elementary school.

The district said there would no tax increase and the money would make a big impact on Catoosa kids.

"I want our kids to feel like we're on a level playing field," said Robert Schornick, incoming Catoosa Public Schools Superintendent.

Schornick said there's many surrounding schools around Catoosa that have passed multi-million dollar bonds and he hopes the same for Catoosa.

If passed, the district will build a new school for all Pre-K through 5th grade students.

It would consolidate Cherokee Elementary and Helen Paul Learning Center. The new building will be housed where Cherokee Elementary is currently.

"We're talking about replacing a 60-year-old building and an 80-year-old building with this new 21st century learning environment for our students," said Rick Kibbe, Interim Superintendent.

Incoming Superintendent Robert Schornick said the new school will come with innovative classrooms, a STEM lab, media center, a storm shelter, secure entries, expanded gym space, upgraded technology features and several other projects.

"It gives us the opportunity to bring in that state of the art world class educational experience for each one of our kids. That's what we're excited about," said Schornick.

The district said it would take 24 months to build the school. Students, teachers and staff at Cherokee Elementary will be relocated.

Schornick said he wants to hear from parents and the community about this proposal.

"To not only educate folks around the facts of the bond issue but also to promote transparency and trust between district and community," said Schornick.

Voters will decide on this bond on Feburary 8, 2022.