Bond issues are the primary way in which funds are made available to maintain and improve school buildings and ensure that students attend classes in well-equipped, up-to-date facilities.

Since 2001, bond funds approved by voters have added classrooms at five schools, replaced portions of roofs at 10 schools and replaced some or all of the heating and air-conditioning system at 11 schools. Thanks to bond funds, more than 5,000 new computers are being used by students to work on class projects and learning activities and to practice on programs they will need to use in college and in the workplace. Hundreds of new musical instruments are in the hands of student musicians, the oldest school buses have been replaced and new student desks, cafeteria tables and flooring added as needed.

Additional improvements to district schools will be considered by voters on Tuesday, March 6, when Putnam City voters vote on a $32 million bond proposal.

If the bond proposal is passed by voters, more than 40 issues will be addressed with the bond funds. Included on the bond project list is funding for these items:

• Adding wireless computer networks in 21 schools not yet wireless
• Purchase of 25 wireless laptop computers for every school
• Additional funds for textbooks
• $1.5 million in new school buses
• Upgraded safety equipment in high school science labs
• Construction of a new school to replace the 76-year-old Central Elementary School
• Replacement of heating and air-conditioning systems at six schools
• Roof replacement at six schools
• Electrical improvements in older schools

If voters approve the bonds, projects would start as early as summer 2007. Bond money would be issued to the district in yearly increments, with other projects beginning in January 2008, January 2009 and January 2010.

Based on current projections, voter approval of the bond proposal would bring a slight increase in property taxes -- an extra $3.41 a year for every $100 paid in property tax. Taxes to support Putnam City schools have not been raised in 26 years, and the district currently ranks 25th in tax rates among a group of 27 peer school districts. Voter approval of the bonds would leave the district 21st on the same list, far behind affluent Tulsa-area districts and well behind nearby districts such as Yukon, Mustang, Edmond, Norman, Mid-Del, El Reno and Guthrie.

All registered voters residing within the Putnam City boundaries may vote in the March 6 bond election at their regular precinct. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Putnam City’s web site has a great deal of information voters can review, including a complete list of bond projects, frequently asked questions and taxpayer information.