By Ben Morgan and FOX23.com News Staff
A nearly $600 million bond will soon be coming to voters in the Tulsa Public School district to make a decision come April.
The Tulsa Public School board talked about the bond at their regular meeting Monday night.
Some money was moved around for where they would use those fund after hearing from neighbors at meeting and during surveys. During the meeting, they announced that it will be $597.5 million in the investment. And board members say the important thing for neighbors to note here is that is that this bond will not raise property taxes.
Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson said the district has spent months gathering community input to shape the proposal.
“We have been all over the city gathering information so that we can make great decisions on behalf of Tulsa Public Schools students, teachers, staff members, families and the overall community,” Johnson said.
District leaders emphasized that the bond would not increase property taxes — consistent with TPS’ previous bond package approved in 2021.
Chief Strategy Officer Sean Berkstresser said community members are focused on ensuring students are prepared for life after high school.
“People are thirsty for making sure that students are prepared for college and career options after they leave TPS,” Berkstresser said. “Students should not just graduate with a diploma, but have clear pathways and meaningful choices after they leave the district.”
If approved, the bond would be divided into four propositions:
- Proposition 1: $195.5 million for learning opportunities and career development
- Proposition 2: $273.5 million for safe learning environments
- Proposition 3: $102.1 million for student and staff technology
- Proposition 4: $26.5 million for transportation
The board has not yet taken a final vote on the bond package. Johnson said the proposal is designed to support students both during their time in school and in their future careers.
“I want to reiterate that we have already focused heavily on literacy, and we’re going to continue that work,” Johnson said. “We’re going to continue to focus on pathways and post-secondary opportunities for our young people, and we’re also going to ensure that we recruit and retain strong teachers.”
Based on the recommendation by the board right now the vote on the bond is scheduled for April 7 next year.
