Bond proposal is another step forward for schools

(Published Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007 in Examiner-Enterprise)

We took an important step toward further progress within the Bartlesville Public School District on Monday evening.

During a regular meeting, the Bartlesville School Board approved a $29.95 million bond proposal of approximately eight years in length. The proposal, which is scheduled to go before voters on May 8, would allow for much-needed renovations and additions on three elementary schools – Ranch Heights , Wayside and Woodrow Wilson – as well as the Bartlesville Mid-High School .

With Bartlesville showing signs of growth, it's important for our schools to be able to accommodate increased student enrollment. Thus, under the bond proposal, eight new classrooms would be added at Ranch Heights while Wayside and Wilson would receive six each. Those three elementary schools have been identified as the ones expected to receive the most growth in the near future.

A new wing will be added at the Mid-High, which will allow for more students while solving some congestion problems in the hallways and around some locker areas.

We're blessed to live in a community that has always valued education. In 2001, Bartlesville passed a $30 million bond issue, which still stands as the largest in the district's history. Those who oversaw that bond issue were careful stewards of the community's money and today we are blessed with several new facilities on the Bartlesville High School campus, including the Fine Arts Center , the BHS Fieldhouse and the Science Wing. Still to come are a new library/media center and a connecting link, which will join all of the facilities together.

The new bond proposal will help us continue a tradition of excellence within the Bartlesville Public School District . In addition to the new classrooms, money would be allocated for the areas of technology, curriculum, fine arts, transportation, athletics and maintenance.

Technology advances would include new computers for students and teachers as well as new software and hardware. Some LCD projects – a valued educational tool – would be purchased also. New textbooks, library materials, science equipment, maps and globes would be among the curriculum items added. New band instruments and uniforms would be provided for the fine arts department, while transportation upgrades would include new buses and other district vehicles.

We have always taken great pride in Bruin athletics, and the new bond proposal would allow us to construct a new indoor facility to allow students to practice during inclement weather. The locker room area would be upgraded at Custer Stadium while a new varsity softball field would be added.

Money set aside for maintenance would go toward new carpeting and roofing as well as remodeling work on some restrooms. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning work would be done in several different buildings.

We have had several good people work on the bond proposals over the years. Among them is Earl Sears, who is now a state representative after serving many distinguished years as the principal of Central Middle School . Earl was the chairman of the Long Range Facilities Planning Committee in 2001, which mapped out that lauded bond proposal. He served the same role on the current bond proposal and feels strongly about the further good it will do in the community – for students, parents and anyone else who is fortunate enough to call Bartlesville home.

“The bond proposal is a well-thought out, long-range plan that identifies facilities and educational needs for the school district,” says Earl. “This proposal is a continuation of the successful 2001 bond issue, which enhanced our high school campus.

“I sincerely hope our community will once again support what we are trying to accomplish for public education in Bartlesville .”

I hope the community will support this proposal as well. And, I believe it will. Education plays a vital role in the lives of everyone. And in Bartlesville , a first-rate education is expected.