Pryor Creek schools propose $98.155 million bond for new middle school, stadium upgrades; district says no tax increase

Dr. Lisa Mueller, superintendent of Prior Public Schools, told the Pryor Creek City Council that rising enrollment has pushed the district to propose a new multi‑phase bond. The April 7 ballot measure would, if approved, fund a new middle‑school campus, phase two of a stadium project and a recurring facility‑maintenance program. “We are at record high enrollment in Pryor,” Mueller said, citing a rebound and continued growth since the pandemic dip.

Mueller said the largest component of the proposal is a new middle school across from the new stadium that would house seventh and eighth grades; the current middle school could be reconfigured as an intermediate school for fifth and sixth grades. The plan would free space in elementary schools and create dedicated practice and classroom areas across the system. The proposal also includes a fieldhouse with locker rooms, weight room and athletic training spaces, and an alternate bid for an indoor 50‑yard practice facility that would also benefit the band if funded.

The district’s packet lists the total as $98,155,000. Mueller framed the financing as a lease‑revenue bond with a 15‑year payoff period and said the proposal had been structured so property owners would not see a tax increase if the bond is approved: “This is structured to keep property taxes stable. So this is a no tax increase proposal,” she said.

Mueller told the council the district will prioritize storm‑shelter capacity on the high‑school campus and is designing drop‑off and bus circulation to avoid bottlenecks on nearby Ninth Street. She said the district is coordinating with city officials about future street improvements and possible development to manage traffic when the campus opens.

Council members asked about the life of the bond, reuse of the old football field, the timing of stadium construction relative to school traffic, and whether storm shelters would be made available to the public; Mueller said the bond would be paid over 15 years, the old field would likely be demolished once teams no longer use it, and public‑access agreements for storm shelters have not yet been finalized.

If voters approve the April 7 question, Mueller said the district would sequence other phases (2030 and 2034) depending on enrollment growth and funding availability. The superintendent encouraged eligible residents within the school district — including those who live outside city limits but inside the school boundary — to register and vote by March 13 for the April election.

The council did not take a formal vote on the bond during the meeting; the presentation was informational and aimed at answering council questions and public concerns ahead of the election.