The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Opinion

Discussion

February 7, 2010

'Yes' to schools

Bond issues offer needed, timely support for students

Enid News and Eagle

When Enid school district voters go to the polls Tuesday, they should feel confident the two school improvement proposals totaling $99.45 million are a wise investment. Here’s why voting “yes” makes sense financially:

• The needs are clear and obvious. Enrollment in the Enid Public Schools is growing, yet the district has not built a new school since 1963. Aging school structures, technology and buses are no longer adequate.

• The cost to taxpayers is reasonable, less than $8 more per month for the average homeowner.

• All of the construction will be done in the next three years. That keeps construction costs down and makes certain no projects are derailed by inflation in building or materials costs.

• Beginning work this summer allows the school district to use Build America Bonds, saving taxpayers $5 million to $6 million.

• Multiple groups are involved to make sure the money is used wisely. School leaders were joined by a citizens committee in developing the $99.45 million plan. Professional construction managers will oversee the work, and a citizens committee will join the elected school board in keeping everyone accountable.

In Oklahoma, local property taxes pay for school buildings and buses. State and federal funds pay for salaries and operations. In sizing up the current plan, Enid voters will be asking, “how much is enough?” to spend on local school facilities. The best way to answer that question is to look at how much taxpayers in similar-sized school districts spend, and the answer is clear and harsh: Peer school districts (five larger, five smaller) average almost double the school property tax rate of Enid.

So, where do Enid residents WANT to rank in their support for local schools? Voting “yes” will move Enid from near the bottom to near the middle of the pack.

Quality schools attract people and business. Poor schools cause prospective residents and prospective businesses to look elsewhere. In fact, quality schools are an issue in keeping some of the better employers currently located in Enid.

Enid students deserve better. Enid students deserve “yes” votes Tuesday.

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