Proposed Ballot Measure Stirring Up Controversy In Harrah

A proposed ballot measure is causing a bit of controversy just days before a special election in Harrah, Okla. It's the city's largest proposed bond issue for school improvements and administrators say it needs to happen now.

School administrators in Harrah say that this is a no brainer and to pass the bond issue. But opponents say they're not sold on the details of the plan, so they're voting ‘no'.

It's a $44-million school improvement bond that's ripped the small town of Harrah apart. Educators point out problems across the district from leaking roofs to outdated technology to lack of security.

Superintendent Paul Blessington says the bond also calls for adding safe rooms at every school, adding classrooms and a new sports facility.

Attorney Randy Goodman lives in Harrah and knows changes need to happen, but says so far he hasn't seen that the plan takes into account student growth, engineering studies or a plan for the buildings the district will abandon.

There's also concern about the estimated 8-percent increase in property taxes per year, but the district says if people could see how bad the school conditions are, the increase is worth it.

As the election quickly approaches, both sides are popping up their signs to try to gain support before voters head to the polls to decide whether or not they'll pass this bond.