FAIRLAND, OKLAHOMA -
Updated February 15, 2012: Voters in Fairland, Oklahoma agree to higher property taxes to fund school improvements and repairs.
Yesterday's $2.1 million bond proposal passed barely getting the 60% needed.
It'll be funded by a 9% property tax hike over 10 years and pay for such things as roof repairs, updated wiring system in the elementary school to accommodate new technology and improvements to the football field and its facilities.
Updated February 14, 2012: A number of Oklahoma residents are headed to the polls today.
Voters in the Fairland School District will decide on a $2.1 million bond proposal. It'll pay to fix leaking roofs over classrooms and the gymnasium at the elementary school. The funds would also pay for two new classrooms, including one computer lab at the high school.
If passed, the bond would be repaid through a 9% increase on property taxes over ten years.
In Miami, Oklahoma voters will decide whether or not to change the city charter and move scheduled city elections from May to April.
Reported January 30, 2012 by Angela Greenwood: Some voters will soon decide the fate of a multi-million dollar bond issue proposed by the Fairland, Oklahoma school district.
The bond is aimed at renovating and improving the district's elementary, junior, and high schools.
The proposal would apply to property owners living in the district and will be available for vote on the February 14 ballot.
Superintendent Mark Alexander says the repairs have been necessary for years now and they can no longer be put off.
Leaks at the Fairland Elementary school puts a damper on teaching.
"It has happened during testing time, you know, which is a major disruption because it needs to be very quiet for them and when you have that constant drip, drip, or the constant can you pick your stuff up and move over here," says third grade teacher Heather Heard.
The problem is just one of many the school district hopes to address with a $2.1 million proposed bond issue. The bond would increase property taxes by 9% for a ten year period.
"Can't keep putting it off, it's just getting worse, so you know we decided and, yes we realize this is not good economic times, but we want people to see it as an investment," says Superintendent Alexander.
The entire of span of the ceiling here inside a gym is filled with broken tiles. The money from the tax would help repair the roof. It would also be used for improvements at the high school.
Other improvements the bond would pay for include the addition of one classroom and a new computer lab, necessary not only to accommodate growing enrollment, but also to prepare students for the future.
"We don't really have enough room for people to come in here and do things for the classes," says Jared Johnson, a high school sophomore.
Money generated if the tax is passed would also pay for an updated wiring system in the elementary school to accommodate new technology, as well as improvements to the football field and it's facilities.
Sixty percent of the vote is needed for the proposal to pass under Oklahoma state law.
