Proposition 1
Focuses on safety, technology, maintenance of facilities, improved transportation efficiency, and expansion of student activities. The 2023 bond issue includes a $5 million investment in safety precautions across the district. This includes a perimeter fence and secure vestibules at the high school (view images), LED lighting in parking lots, a dispatch center and body cameras for the BAPS Campus Security team, as well as additional cameras and radios. These safety enhancements would be included in the first two years of the five-year bond, meaning the money would be available for expenditure just months after the bond election.
A significant portion – almost 40% – of the 2023 bond would be spent on technology enhancements including network and infrastructure upgrades (such as switches, firewalls, cabling and access points), desktop and tablet replacement, classroom display and audio upgrades, and other instructional items such as Chromebooks and software for students. This investment is needed to keep up with enrollment growth and also to sustain an appropriate life-cycle replacement plan.
Facility maintenance will also be a key focus of the 2023 bond. The previous two bonds brought numerous new facilities to the district, and the 2023 bond is needed to perform the upkeep necessary to maintain those facilities along with the other aging buildings across the district. Projects included in this question are HVAC replacements and roof repairs as well as furniture, fixture and equipment purchases such as a new freezer for the child nutrition department. There are more 1,900 HVAC units across the district, this bond proposal would include the replacement of roughly 181 HVAC units that have an average age of 26 years. Roofs would be another significant expenditure, and the funds provided in this bond would enable the district to replace 13 of the worst roofs - those rated D and F.
Given the size of the district – which spans 115 square miles – the transportation department runs more than 200 routes two times every day. In order to increase transportation efficiency, the district will create a transportation terminal (view image 1 and image 2) on the southern end of the district. This new facility would include fueling stations, a fleet center, maintenance bays and would enable district leaders to review route times to maximize efficiencies. Reducing time spent on buses and achieving an earlier dismissal time for elementary students are two of the early goals with the addition of this facility.
Student engagement is an indicator of success, and both the Fine Arts and Athletics programs continue to gain enrollment. The two specific items included in the 2023 bond are a renovation of existing spaces at Broken Arrow High School into Fine Arts practice and storage areas, and an updated facility for the high school tennis teams.
The total amount for Proposition 1 is $48 million.
*The projects listed in marketing materials are subject to change based on actual market costs of equipment, installation and construction services. For the specific legal language that cannot change without a vote of the citizens, please refer to the 2023 Bond Resolution.