Enid board: Eisenhower project has notice to proceed; groundbreaking set, base access required

The Enid Public Schools Board of Education confirmed this week that it has received an official notice to proceed for the Eisenhower school construction project and scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for Thursday, June 18.

The chair told the board the fence work from Fox Drive will secure the construction area and allow contractors to access the site from the east rather than the main gate. Staff said the project is on schedule; a conservative estimate for opening the building is August 2026, about two years from the notice to proceed. The board noted the new school's capacity is approximately 350 students, compared with roughly 120–125 students projected initially, and said rezoning conversations will come as the district approaches opening.

Board members and staff also clarified public access for the groundbreaking. The chair said there had been "some mis-messaging that anybody can come to the groundbreaking ceremony" and reminded attendees "you have to have base access and you have to have a base pass." The district asked members who need access assistance to contact Nicole to arrange passes.

District staff described an active construction timeline once the fencing is complete and said they had processed the first construction-related invoice (insurance) as work ramps up. Officials asked the public to treat the event as weather‑dependent but confirmed tents and other accommodations are available if it rains.

The board said it will provide further public updates as site work progresses and when any rezoning or capacity-related public meetings are scheduled.