Edmond Voters To Decide On $91 Million School Bond

Edmond voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide on an almost $91 million bond. If passed, nearly every school in the district would be impacted.

The funding would help add safe rooms to all the schools. 

12/8/2014 Related Story: Edmond Schools To Bring Nearly $91 Million Bond To A Vote

Of the district's nearly 24,000 students, only a third are currently able to seek shelter in a safe room if weather becomes threatening. Edmond parents said that's why this bond is so important. If it's approved that number becomes 100 percent.

At Clegern Elementary one room is the cafeteria, gym and auditorium.

“Scheduling can be quite a problem sometimes. Sometimes we're not able to have programs here because we don't have the space,” said Teri Cowden-Draper, Clegern Elementary Principal.

One million dollars from the bond were set aside to build a multi-purpose room that would double as a gym and safe room at the school.

Edmond parents, like Lynn Morrison, said that's the most important part of this bond.

“A few years ago we had a scare that was really close to Cross Timbers Elementary and so I think that helped bring that home for me. And of course everything that happened in Moore,” said Morrison, a parent at Clegern Elementary.

Part of the money would also add classrooms to some schools in the constantly growing district.

“We have an overcrowding situation at Edmond because so many people want to go to school here and we need the space so that the students have plenty of room to learn,” she said.

The district estimated over the past five years, it's grown about 550 students a year.

Clegern isn't the only school that could see the effects of the bond if it passes Tuesday.

The bond would fund 90 new classrooms, four media centers, four computer labs, three multi-purpose rooms, three gymnasiums, two band rooms, and three high school stadium upgrades.

“This is the future of our state and our city and so that is where we want to invest our money,” said Morrison.

If voters approve the bond, construction on these projects could start as soon as this summer.

If the bond is passed, school officials said there would be no changes in property taxes because the district would retire an old bond.