OPS finalizes community-developed plan for safer, updated schools

OWASSO – After months of community meetings and input, Owasso Public Schools has finalized a capital investment plan to provide students with safer schools, updated facilities, and expanded academic and extracurricular opportunities, without a tax increase. Board of Education members voted Monday night to call a Sept. 9 bond election for Owasso residents to consider the proposal.  

The project list is the culmination of extensive work completed through the district’s strategic planning and facility master planning efforts. OPS leaders have received more than 22,000 points of engagement through meetings and surveys over the last three years to gather feedback about the community’s vision for Owasso Public Schools. 

In February, voters approved a $4.45 million proposition for school buses and transportation, but did not approve the proposition for other capital investments. The new proposal represents a 13% reduction in the original plan.

“We’ve listened to input and made revisions that reflect what matters most to Owasso residents,” OPS Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates said. “This new plan asks voters to invest in critical improvements that will bolster our students’ school experience when it comes to safety, academics, athletics and the arts, including many of the important projects that were proposed earlier this year. We are pleased, through careful planning, that we can accomplish these goals without an increase in tax cost to our community.” 

Safety is a critical component of the district’s investment plan, including Automatic External Defibrillators, security cameras, external door access control, fire panel replacement, handheld radios, security glass film, elevator upgrades, exterior emergency notification systems, tornado shelters and more. 

“There is nothing more important than student safety. We understand that parents, students, and the entire Owasso community expect us to have strong, effective measures in place to protect our students,” Stephanie Ruttman, Owasso Board of Education President, said. “With this in mind, routinely planned investments for safety improvements help ensure that our students are learning in the safest, most secure environment possible.” 

As part of the plan, the district also plans to realign grade levels at the elementary level from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade to pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. By building and opening a 5th Grade Elementary Center next to the 6th Grade Center, the district creates additional classroom space at all nine elementary schools and can accomplish three important goals: (1) expand pre-kindergarten to a full-day program and increase capacity for enrollment; (2) add an elementary art program; and (3) create a developmentally appropriate environment for 5th-grade students as they transition to the next step of their academic career. 

“Currently, we do not have the space for full-day pre-kindergarten, which our community identified as a priority during our strategic planning. Research indicates it would be beneficial for our youngest learners as it strengthens school readiness, social development and academic outcomes,” Coates said. “This plan is the best option for creating the needed space at each elementary school, while also allowing us to build a 5th Grade Elementary Center that will retain the qualities of an elementary experience and help students transition to the 6th Grade Center, which will be located next door.” 

The plan also includes district-wide improvements that will provide: 

• Upgrades to the High School including a new roof at the East Campus, new flooring, facade repair, and fencing for the agriculture program. 
• Technology, including student Chromebooks, teacher computers, updated computer labs, software upgrades and network security improvements. 
• Instructional materials, such as textbooks, learning software, adaptive technology for students with special needs and new library books. 
• Necessary operation needs, including roof repairs, parking lot repairs, HVAC repairs/replacements, lighting upgrades, painting, flooring, child nutrition equipment, and more. 
• A classroom addition for the 8th Grade Center including science labs with furnishings and equipment, special education rooms and fine arts spaces for art, choir and theatre. 
• A classroom addition for the 7th Grade Center including a tornado-safe structure and cafeteria expansion. 
• A cafeteria expansion for the 6th Grade Center including a tornado-safe structure. 
• A new 5th Grade Elementary Center including a tornado-safe structure. 
• New pre-kindergarten playground equipment at all elementary schools. 
• A new science lab with furnishings and equipment and an extended transition classroom remodel for Ram Academy. 
• Investments in the arts, including music instruments, band uniforms, performance risers, music, theatre puppets, audio-visual improvements, art curriculum and art storage. The plan also includes a fine arts instructional addition at the OHS West Campus that will provide classrooms and small-performance spaces for growing theatre and music programs. 
• Investments in athletics, including a two-field multi-use athletic facility that will be used by the soccer teams, 7th Grade Center physical education classes, and other school and community programs. It will also include a walking track for community members to enjoy. Other purchases include equipment and uniforms for 50 teams, turf replacements and tennis court upgrades. 

According to community member Dee Sokolosky, improving local schools is vital to the continued success of the community. 

“Investing in public education is not a matter of generosity or charity,” he said. “The growth and health of Owasso depends upon the education of our neighbors’ children. This bond issue allows us to continue to support our schools without raising taxes.”   

Chad Balthrop, a parent of an OPS student, also expressed support for the plan and its impact on every student along with the Owasso community. 

“For two generations, Owasso Public Schools have shaped my family,” Balthrop said. “My wife graduated from Owasso High School and all four of our children started preschool here and will proudly graduate as Owasso Rams. The quality of our schools influences the strength of our community. This is the right investment. It provides resources for growth that will equip every student with a world-class education.” 

The total construction cost of the plan is $169,180,000, which can be accomplished without a tax rate increase for local residents. 

Bond issues require a 60% supermajority to pass. The final day to register to vote in the September 9 election is August 15. 

To learn more, please visit the District’s official website at owassops.org.