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November 11, 2009

Voters pass Edmond schools $36.12 million bond issue

Patty Miller

EDMOND — Edmond voters went to the polls Tuesday and passed both propositions of the $36.12 million bond issue.

According to the Oklahoma County Election Board, 2,098 (71.38 percent) of the voters cast a “Yes” vote for Proposition 1, and 841 voters (28.62 percent) voted “No.”

Proposition 2 garnered about the same numbers, with 2,088 (71.02 percent) “Yes” votes and 852 “No” votes.

With about seven out of 10 voters casting a “Yes” vote, the propositions easily exceeded the 60 percent approval threshold the bond needed to pass.

“I am appreciative of the fact that 71 percent of the voters cast their support for this bond issue,” said Superintendent David Goin. “Its passage will enable us to move forward with some important priorities.”

Proposition 1 in the amount of $35.32 million included technology improvements, roof repair and replacement at six sites, security upgrades and improvements including additional classrooms at seven elementary schools, three middle schools and a major remodel at Memorial High School. It also included an addition to the administration building.

Proposition 2 included the purchase of transportation vehicles at a cost of $800,000.

In the past 50 years, the Edmond community has passed 52 consecutive bond issues. The last time an Edmond Public Schools bond proposal failed to receive adequate support was in May of 1959, when 53 percent of voters voiced their approval, Goin said. Put before the voters again in September of the same year, the second election yielded an 84 percent rate of approval.

“Edmond Public Schools continues to be one of the fastest growing school districts in Oklahoma, and we are thankful that most citizens who vote in Edmond school bond elections have recognized the capital needs that growth in the student population stimulates,” Goin said.

“Our board of education and staff put much time and thought into the identification of projects that will address needs and provide benefits for students. It would be very difficult to move forward as a school district in the absence of this vital linkage of community support.”

Goin said the support Edmond has for its schools is valued but not taken for granted.

“The people of Edmond have demonstrated very clearly and in many ways the value they place upon having excellent public schools,” Goin said.

“As I review the record of past support, it is interesting that some of the most highly supported bond votes have come during times of economic downturn,” he added. “I believe that this, too, is a reflection of the importance Edmond’s citizens place upon continuing uninterrupted, their investment in quality educational opportunities for their children and grandchildren.”

School Board President Kemp Cole thanked everyone who took time to help pass the bond issue.

“It’s a great thing that Edmond residents realize the value of an education,” Cole said, “and they support it through passage of bond elections as we continue to grow a vibrant learning community.”

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Voters pass Edmond schools $36.12 million bond issue
by Patty Miller , , Wed Nov 11, 2009, 10:05 PM CST
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090310 freedom ride1.jpg

MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN | THE EDMOND SUN John Hobbs, of Purcell, holds a flag that would be flying on his Honda Gold Wing during the ride to Leavenworth, Kan. Hobbs said he is riding to support Michael Behenna and the rest of the Leavenworth 10. The riders hit the road Friday morning.

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