This is the fifth in a series looking at projects included in an Enid Public Schools Dec. 11 bond issue election. The series continues daily through Dec. 9. Anyone wishing to submit questions about the proposal can e-mail them to trasp@enidnews.com.



Outside one of the largest elementary schools in Enid sits a symbol of its history — a little, red schoolhouse many local residents remember attending as children.

The schoolhouse, situated on the corner of Oakwood and Chestnut, still houses Glenwood Elementary School students and recently received exterior renovations and a fresh coat of red paint.

“They worked very hard to restore it,” said Amber Graham Fitzgerald, director of school and community relations for Enid Public Schools. “They tried several colors to find the right one.”

Other improvements have been made at the school through a 2003 bond issue and sales tax measure approved by voters. The library received air conditioning upgrades, and new flooring has been installed in portions of the building. Like schools all around the district, termite control and technology upgrades have been made.

But inside, as kindergarten students rehearse for their upcoming program, “The Littlest Christmas,” an area rug under their feet is hiding an ugly secret — stained and unraveling carpet. One L-shaped portion in the middle of Cindy Wieden’s music room has been patched with a dark brown remnant.

In the hallway near the music room, dark stains are visible on the ceiling tiles and several are sagging. Screws hold another area of ceiling tiles in place.

Glenwood Principal James Rainey is concerned about the health and safety of his students. He said the old carpeting and ceiling tiles on the north end of the building — the wing that attaches to the red schoolhouse — are health risks, and he hopes eventually the interior will measure up to the exterior.



The newer portion of the building, which occupies the southern and western part of the campus, is in much better shape.

“Comparing classrooms is like going into a different world,” Rainey said.

Needs also include upgrades and renovations in restrooms for special education students at Glenwood.





Here’s what the EPS district is proposing



School officials are asking voters for the funds to address the needs at Glenwood and a number of other schools around the district in the form of a bond issue Dec. 11. Two propositions are on the ballot — one for $10.9 million for facility improvements and technology upgrades, including interactive white boards, and one for $1.2 million for transportation needs.

The proposal also includes a new Garfield Elementary School, which would be the first new elementary school for EPS since 1963.

In 2001, a professional facility assessment company identified $30 million in needs in the district’s buildings. A little more than $20 million was provided through the 2003 bond issue and sales tax measure.

The current measure would address the remaining needs, school officials have said.

Funds generated from bond issues can only be used for capital improvements, technology and transportation. They cannot be used for general operating needs, such as salaries.





Accomplishments of the 2003 issue



Through the 2003 bond issue and sales tax election, the district already has completed a number of improvements, including a nine-classroom addition and a food court at Enid High School. Also, additions at four elementary schools have been constructed, and other sites across the district have received or will receive extensive renovations.

Technology upgrades have included new computers for every classroom, computer lab and library across the district.

New transportation purchases include replacement of a third of the district’s fleet, in addition to charter buses, activity vans and driver’s education vehicles.

While some projects approved in 2003 are ongoing, school officials want to secure funds to finish needs originally outlined in 2001.

The current measures scheduled for the Dec. 11 election ballot would increase property taxes by 3.9 percent. For example, someone who currently pays $500 in property taxes annually would see an increase of less than $20 a year. Someone who pays $1,000 annually in property taxes would see an increase of just less than $40 a year.