Owasso district prepares September bond vote as residents debate ‘safety-first’ vs. fifth-grade center plan

Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates told the board the district will place a single bond proposition on the Sept. 9 ballot that would fund a range of facility projects and, she said, will appear “as the only thing on the ballot.” The board approved a resolution to set the election date at a prior meeting, and Coates said the district has adjusted project lists and schedules so the proposition can deliver a 13% reduction in annual expenses with “no tax increase.”

Why it matters: The bond would fund classroom safety upgrades, capacity projects and extracurricular facilities affecting district buildings, preschool access and long-range capital planning. A public commenter who reviewed the district’s planning documents urged the board to consider a “safety-first” alternative that would phase some other projects, arguing that building tornado-safe classroom space should take priority over centralized fifth-grade plans and other amenities.

Board and staff presentations emphasized timing and scope. Kerwin Kerner, director of district services, described active summer construction projects, roofing work and punch-list activity at several campuses, and said crews are working to meet timelines ahead of school start. Treasurer Philip Storm reported the district’s bond fund balance and said proceeds from prior authorizations will carry planned capital work for the next two years.

Public comment outlined an alternate approach. Doug Hall, a resident who reviewed the bond planning documents, said the district’s “safe plan”—which he described as prioritizing classroom structures built to storm-shelter standards—had become more costly after adjustments but would better guarantee “100% full-day preschool” and safe classrooms at multiple elementary sites. Hall cited multiple cost items that he said were added to the district’s current plan, including $1 million added to each of five safe-expansion proposals and $3 million for a parking garage tied to Hudson’s limitations; he said a safety-first bond could be structured to delay other projects and still cover critical safe spaces, at slightly lower long-term cost and operating expenses.

District staff confirmed the bond package has been adjusted to respond to construction cost increases and to reduce the district’s annual financing need without raising taxes. Coates said the bond requires a 60% supermajority to pass and reminded residents that Aug. 15 is the last day to register to vote for the September election.

Discussion only: No bond-specific vote or new board action was taken at the meeting; the board had approved an earlier resolution to set the election date. Staff said they will continue outreach and provide materials to voters explaining project lists and schedules.

What’s next: The district will finalize voter information, continue construction work this summer, and provide updated project timelines and cost breakdowns before the September election.