Staff reports
Enid News and Eagle
ENID — Enid Public Schools has received the largest private donation in state history to aid in school renovations and building projects funded by a $99.45 million bond issue.
The private donations allowed the district to lower the amount of its bond issue re-quest, while also keeping taxes as low as possible for local residents.
Nine businesses and individuals contributed $3.4 million to Enid Public Schools to assist with capital improvement needs, and the donations will be coupled with the funds from the bond issue. The private donation is the largest ever contributed to an Oklahoma kindergarten to 12th-grade school system.
“The businesses and individuals involved have set the bar high for what a private-public partnership can accomplish,” said Superintendent Shawn Hime. “What an incredible way to invest in our children and to invest in the future of this community. Their gift will impact Enid for generations. ”
The private donors are: Continen-tal Resources, $1.5 million; Advance Food Co., $1 million; Groendyke Transport, $250,000; Atwoods, $200,000; Lew and Myra Ward, $125,000; Security National Bank, $100,000; Dillingham Fam-ily Foundation, $100,000; Parrish Enterprises Ltd., $100,000; and Northcutt Auto Group, $25,000.
Harold Hamm, chairman and CEO of Continental Resources, said his involvement in the project stems from his belief public education impacts not only the future of individuals but also the success of a community.
Continental Resources is an Enid-based independent natural gas and oil exploration and production company with operations in the Rocky Mountain, Mid-Continent and Gulf Coast regions of the United States.
“Quality public schools certainly have provided me the opportunity to escape the poverty cycle,” Hamm said. “I also want to express my gratitude to the other private donors for their participation in this noble endeavor. It is indeed rare for the private sector to fund primary education.
“The importance of building exceptional public schools cannot be understated. As a CEO recruiting professional talent to Enid, I frequently see the significance of a strong school system in attracting and retaining talented people for our community. Passing this school bond election is among the most significant achievements our community has accomplished and will pay dividends for decades.”
“We have a passion for this community,” said Paul Allen, co-founder of Advance Food Co. ”One of the foundations of a great community is a strong public education system. We are thankful the community feels the same and passed the school bond. We are pleased to participate in this donation and help reduce the financial burden on the community. With these tough economic times, the private sector needs to stretch itself and be financially supportive of community improvements.”
Allen also said he hopes Enid’s private-public partnership will inspire others to invest in public education. Advance Food, founded in Enid, is a leading national manufacturer of value-added meat products, reaching customers through restaurants, food service venues, schools and universities, military bases and health care facilities.
April Danahy, of Security National Bank, said SNB made its donation with the hopes of helping Enid’s children through upgrading the school district’s facilities.
“We see our gift as a continuation of a our gift to the children of the community,” she said. “We figure our donation will help give Enid voters a bigger bang for their buck.”
The private contributions will be used to help fund a three-year facility improvement plan developed by Enid residents. The donations and bond funds will be used to update all district schools and build two new elementary schools.
“The generosity of these companies created new possibilities for our schools,” Hime said. “As you look around Enid and take in what makes it special, you’ll find the footprints of these companies everywhere. They are true community partners, and we’re glad to have them as friends of Enid Public Schools. There’s not a thank you big enough for what they’ve done.”
EPS consists of one high school, three middle schools, 10 elementary schools, an alternative academy and adult education center. Its teaching staff serves 6,800 students and a community of 50,000 residents. Last year, EPS enrollment grew by nearly 5 percent, outpacing other districts across the state.
