On Tuesday, March 6, Putnam City voters will vote on a $32 million bond proposal intended to allow the district to maintain and improve school buildings and ensure that students attend classes in well-equipped, up-to-date facilities.
If passed, the bonds will pay for improvements in every district school. There are more than 40 items that would be purchased with these 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. According to Dr. Jim Capps, superintendent of schools, 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.
Residents of the Putnam City Schools district who are not yet registered to vote must have their registrations in the Oklahoma County Election Board offices by Friday, Feb. 9, if they wish to vote in the March 6 bond election.
Voter registration forms may be picked up at any tag agency or at the Oklahoma County Election Board. Questions may be directed to the county election board at 713-1515.
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.