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December 4, 2007

Enid district’s bond proposal session draws a light turnout

By Tippi Rasp Staff Writer

Enid Public Schools Superintendent Kem Keithly outlined the district’s capital improvement plan Tuesday to a handful of voters, most of whom were either district employees or school board members.

Less than 20 people attended the meeting designed by school administrators and volunteers to answer questions and share details of a proposal set for election in a week.

The $11.5 million bond issue Dec. 11 would provide $9.7 million for facility improvements, including building a new Garfield Elementary School. It also includes $1.2 million for technology purchases and $600,000 for new buses.

School patrons would see a 3.9 percent increase in their property taxes.

The bond issue would allow the district to complete a 10-year facility improvement plan to provide upgrades at all school sites, including the first new EPS school since 1963.

None of those in attendance expressed concern about the proposal or any negative feedback. The chairman of the campaign for the measure said if voters can’t find a reason to vote in favor of the proposal, they should look at Garfield.

“I can’t tell you a better reason than Garfield school,” Earl said.

Garfield Principal Kathy Ed-son outlined the need for a new building. She said her student population is growing, and the need for more room is apparent.

Under the proposal, one classroom for each grade would be added. The building also would include a cafeteria, and it would eliminate the need for a portable building.

Brian Hayden, vice president of people services for Advance Food Co., applauded the decision to ask voters for a new school. He asked Keithly if the district was ready to support the students who would be coming to Enid with their parents for jobs at Advance Food Co.

Keithly said if the measure is approved, construction on a new Garfield could start as early as next summer.

Keithly said he didn’t know definitively what would happen to the nearly 90-year-old current structure if a new school is built. He said after the school is used to house Longfellow Junior High School students during renovations there, a decision on whether to raze it would be made by the school board.

He said there has been talk of using the columns adorning the front of the building.

Hayden asked Keithly what the district would do if the bond issue failed.

“There is no plan,” Keithly said.

He said he would recommend the board not make a decision until February on whether to try another election.

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