Several community leaders spoke Thursday, April 2, at the Tulsa Regional Chamber Office in downtown Tulsa, in support of the Tulsa Public Schools bond election.
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols said, “This bond issue supports student engagement with programs in athletics, music, and the arts — that we know, based on the data, increases graduation rates, and they increase student success.”
Tulsa Regional Chamber President Mike Neal said when people are looking for a place to live, work, and invest, they look for a city with a strong public education system.
“Those prospective employees want to know, ‘Can our kids succeed here?’ To them, a community that actively supports its public schools sends a very powerful message, and that is, ‘we’re invested in our future,'” Neal said.
Each speaker discussed the positive impact the bond election could have on Tulsa students, educators, and the community.
The four separate propositions will not increase the tax rate.
Prop 1 is about expanding student opportunities through programs and resources to boost engagement, attendance, learning, and career development. Prop 2 focuses on learning environments with modernized HVAC, roofing, and ways to cut energy costs. Prop 3 focuses on technology by delivering modern, reliable technology for students and staff. Prop 4 is about transportation. It will expand access to driver’s education, small-group trips, and other transportation needs.
If the four propositions pass, they could help make students career-ready, create safer schools, support higher graduation rates, and positively impact Tulsa’s economic development.
“Of all the things, the most important thing about this package is that it touches every kid in every school in the largest school district in Oklahoma,” Nichols said.
Altogether, the four bonds total $609 Million, and the election is slated for April 7. The bond’s funds are set to be allocated with $200 Million for infrastructure materials, fine arts and athletics, $276 Million for building improvements and safety upgrades, $104 Million for technology needs, and $27 Million for transportation.
