The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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December 8, 2009

NEW: Enid school bond election set for February



Enid voters will go to the polls February 9, 2010 to decide whether the Enid school district will construct two new schools and renovate all the others, following a special meeting decision Tuesday night.



Enid Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved calling two bond issues - one for $98,650,000 for construction and remodeling and one for $800,000 to provide funds to purchase transportation equipment. Board members Alan Siebel and Taylor Branstetter were absent.



Stephen McDonald, with the district's financial consulting firm of Stephen H. McDonald & Associates, went over financial information regarding the financial impact on taxpayers with this bond issue. Figures provided by the firm show a monthly property tax increase ranging from $1 for a taxpayer who paid $100 in taxes in 2009-2010 to $10 for someone who paid $1,000 in ad valorem taxes. The millage change for property owners would increase about 12 percent.



For example, if a property owner paid $100 in ad valorem taxes in 2009-2010, approving the bond issue will increase their tax amount in 2010-2011 to $112.02.



Projects to be completed include building a new 74,000 square-foot school to replace Garfield Elementary, building a new west-side elementary school, doing a number of renovation projects at all schools in the district, purchasing buses and transportation equipment and upgrading technology in the district.



Other projects in the plan include a 10-classroom wing to replace portables at Waller Middle School, a new cafeteria for Adams Elementary School and a connecting hallway for Coolidge Elementary School.



D. Bruce Selby Stadium would receive synthetic turf, a new press box, restrooms, fencing, concrete repairs and repairs to grandstands and bleachers.



The bond issue would also provide for instrument replacement for music education.



See Wednesday's Enid News & Eagle for more details about the bond issue election and the projects.





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