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BAPS 2015 Bond Issue FAQ's

Why is BAPS proposing a new bond issue?

With a current enrollment of approximately 18,400 students, the BAPS district is growing at a rate of about 3% per year. We must continue to add new facilities as well as maintain existing ones to meet the demands of this growth.

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Will the 2015 bond issue increase taxes?

No, the 2015 bond issue will not increase taxes. Through careful planning, BAPS has ensured that we can meet the needs of our growing district without requesting a tax increase from Broken Arrow taxpayers.

What types of projects are being considered?

Projects under consideration range from new classrooms for growth, upgrades to existing school sites, and the construction of new schools. Proposed expenditures also include facilities for student programs, improved technology and safety, instructional materials, maintenance of existing sites, and transportation.

What is the amount of the 2015 bond proposal?

The 2015 bond proposal projects total $370 million and will be implemented over the course of 12 years. Projects fall within the following categories.

Will all schools benefit from the bond issue?

Yes, every student and school site in the BAPS district will benefit from the passage of the 2015 bond. Each school site will receive annual allocations for instruction and technology needs. Additionally, all schools will benefit from the transportation and furniture, fixture, and equipment improvements. The ultimate goal is to ensure there is equity across the district so that every student has the same educational opportunities in a safe, enriching learning environment.

Are we accomodating for growth at all grade levels?

Yes, the project list includes three new elementary schools and a new middle school along with classroom additions at three of our existing middle schools, the Freshman Academy and the high school.

If this bond passes, what will we do if we need to build another high school?

In the fall of 2015, we will begin to research and facilitate a conversation with the community about high school configuration. This process will be very thoughtful and thorough, with expert guidance and input from parents, the community, staff and students. If the research and dialogue with the community indicate we should change our high school configuration, we can assess whether bond funds need to be reallocated. None of the projects proposed on the 2015 bond issue precludes us from moving toward an additional high school.

What if the bond issue does not pass?

Due to projected student growth, without a new bond issue, our schools will become overcrowded. If we do not build new classrooms and schools soon, we risk returning to portable buildings.

How were the projects identified?

The proposed projects were carefully identified by the Long Range Planning Committee. Data from an independent demographic study was considered as well as input from staff members, the community and the Board of Education.

What is the timeline for completion?

The projects will be completed over a 12 year period in four phases as bonds are sold and funds become available. Based on projected growth, major projects have been prioritized in the following time frames:*

Phase I Priorities - $93,500,000 (funds available 2016)

• New Elementary #15
• High School STEM Classroom Addition
• Sequoyah Middle School Renovation/Expansion
• Freshman Academy Classroom Addition
• Special Education Classrooms
• Kirkland Activities Complex Part 1
• Land Acquisition

Phase II Priorities – $86,500,000 (funds available 2019)

• New Elementary #16
• Childers & Oliver Middle Schools Renovation/Expansion
• Vocational Agricultural Facility
• High School Renovations
• Elementary Renovations
• Land Acquisition
• Technology

Phase III Priorities - $88,500,000 (funds available 2022)

• New Middle School #6
• New Elementary #17
• Land Acquisition
• Broken Arrow Alternative Academy Renovation
• Technology

Phase IV Priorities - $101,500,000 (funds available 2025)

• Kirkland Activities Complex Part 2
• Westwood Spirit and Auxiliary Gymnasium
• High School and Freshman Academy Auditoriums
• Technology

*Projected time frames subject to change based on district needs.

Why are we planning projects that won’t be started for several years?

Broken Arrow Public Schools is a growing district and based on projections, we know what the most pressing needs will be for the next several years. Therefore, a long-term capital improvement plan has been developed. This plan allows the district to sustain the level of excellence we have achieved, meet the needs of the growth we project, and provide flexibility should our needs change. By planning and prioritizing projects to meet student needs over the course of several years, we are able to better utilize resources and ensure taxpayer dollars are used as efficiently as possible to accommodate growth.

What happens if the district identifies a need that is not on the current project list? Will we be able to modify plans?

The structure of the current bond issue was intentionally designed to provide flexibility.  If at any time a new need is identified, the phases for approved projects which have not yet begun can be postponed until a later date. Additionally, much like the 2011 bond issue reallocation, the district can present a new proposal to voters to reallocate funds to projects not listed on the 2015 bond issue.

What is planned for the former North Intermediate site?

The site formerly used as North Intermediate High School will be repurposed with special recognition given to its historical significance in the district. Plans include renovations to the current auditorium and gymnasium. Kirkland Field will be repurposed as the Kirkland Soccer Complex which will feature a full-size competition soccer field. Additionally, a swimming facility will be constructed which will house an Olympic size swimming pool for district and community use.

Can we use the classrooms at the former North Intermediate to accommodate some of the district’s growth?

No. The classroom building at the former North Intermediate High School is in extreme need of updating to improve building safety and the learning environment. It is cost prohibitive to make those improvements, and the building would never meet the construction and safety standards of the other schools in our district.

Can money from the bond proposal be used to pay teacher salaries and benefits?

No. By law, school districts are not allowed to use bond funds for salaries. Bond funds must be kept separate from operating funds and utilized for capital improvement projects.

Have we finished paying off the 2009 and 2011 bond issues?

No. Each year, the district retires a portion of the debt incurred as a result of the previous bond issues. While the debt will not be completely retired before the first bond sale from the 2015 bond, the district has sufficient bonding capacity to keep taxes and millage rates consistent.

Why did the amount of the bond change from initial discussions?

Since the demographic study update, district enrollment grew more than projected. Based on this new data and feedback from the community forums, the Long Range Planning Committee believed it was in the district’s best interest to add another elementary school to the project list.

How many votes are required for the bond to pass?

School bond elections require a 60% supermajority vote for passage.

When can I vote?

The 2015 bond proposal will be on the ballot Tuesday, February 10, 2015. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registered voters in the Broken Arrow Public Schools district can vote. Click here to find your precinct.

What is the procedure for absentee voting?

Absentee ballots by mail may be requested until 5 p.m. on the Wednesday before the election. In-person absentee voting is available on the Friday and Monday before all elections from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For additional information call the Tulsa County or Wagoner County election board offices.