Mid-Del Public Schools Lays Out Plans For Half Billion Dollar Bond, If Approved

Mid-Del Public Schools is hoping to make some major upgrades with a bond issue of almost half a billion dollars.

Superintendent Rick Cobb said it has big plans for the district. 

“I don't think we're in the business of catching up. I think it's time for us to lead,” Cobb said. 

Cobb said it's going to take a lot of hard work and money.

“A lot of our buildings are 50, 60, 70 years old. The entire building envelope has some deferred maintenance issues that need to be addressed,” Cobb said.

There's construction, technology, and other projects which will cost about $492 million. Cobb said there could also be a slight increase in the millage rate, but these are projects he thinks are necessary. 

For example, schools like Del City High School and Epperly Heights Elementary School could be getting storm shelters. 

“After what we went through in Moore ten years ago and after what Shawnee went through in April, the images in Shawnee I think are just really telling because the school around the storm shelter is just demolished and then the storm shelter is standing straight up still,” Cobb said. 

It addresses safety concerns along with more security cameras, fencing around playgrounds and even upgrading their doors. 

“It's really important for us to get those classroom doors and locks switched out to the highest safety standard,” Cobb said. 

But, a project Cobb is really hoping to accomplish is a new Townsend Elementary School. 

“We're wanting to push it a little farther back from the street, have an entrance for buses that’s separate from the entrance for cars so that arrival and dismissal are smoother,” Cobb said. 

This would be the first new elementary school in Del City in decades. 

“We expect to have all major construction completed by 2026,” Cobb said. 

The vote will take place October 10.

For more information on all of the projects in the bond issue click here.