By Cathy Spaulding
Staff Writer
May 11, 2010
BOYNTON — Wagoner Public Schools voters approved an $8.57 million bond issue to help fund a new elementary multi-purpose building and several additions and updates throughout the district.
According to results released Tuesday night by the Wagoner County Election Board, the bond issue passed by 77.11 percent of the vote, well over the 60 percent super-majority needed to pass. “No” votes made up 22.89 percent.
“Our bond issue is good and ready to go; it passed,” Wagoner School Superintendent Sonny Bates after the votes were counted. “It’s just a good thing to see that the people approve of the direction we’re going. We’re really excited.”
Bates said he was especially pleased the bond issue passed by such a large margin. The bond issue replaces a retiring bond issue, meaning there is no increase in the tax rate.
Major projects to be funded by the bond issue include an eight-classroom addition at Ellington Elementary to house the pre-kindergarten program. The program is located at the 70-year-old Lincoln Elementary, which no longer can meet the needs of the growing student population, Bates said.
The bond issue also funds a new multipurpose building, complete with a stage and classrooms, for W.R. Teague Elementary. Central Intermediate Elementary will get three new classrooms and repairs to its gym ceiling.
Other projects:
• Upgrade sports facilities, including new turf and drainage at football field, construction of an eight-lane track, remodeled locker rooms.
• Building additions at Wagoner High School to include expanded library.
• New heating/air conditioning units and roofs at various schools.
Bates said school officials now will get back with the project architect and construction managers do decide which projects will be done first. He said the construction schedule would depend on what time of year the projects would be done. Officials also will meet with the bond administrators to set a sale on the first series of the bond issue.
Reach Cathy Spaulding at 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com. |
