Building the Future proposal goes before voters on 9/10

From The Bruin, Volume 8, Number 1 of August 9, 2013

In approximately one month, Bartlesville voters will have the opportunity to vote on the Bartlesville Public School District bond proposal.

Totaling $36.72 million and resulting in no tax increase, the proposal focuses on improving BPSD middle school facilities, enhancing district security and bettering the overall academic experience of BPSD students while creating greater operating efficiency within the district.

High School

As part of the proposal, the current high school facility would be expanded to house all students in grades 9-12. The square footage of BHS would increase to allow for the larger student population. A freshman academy would be built to house all freshman core classes. The freshman academy would not be a stand-alone building; it would be built onto the southeast portion of the existing high school building. Additionally, a science wing would be built on to the north end of the building to serve sophomore students. Classrooms would be added in the space between Custer Stadium and Bruin Fieldhouse as well. The proposal would also create a larger cafeteria and commons area. The total estimated cost of the Bartlesville High School expansion is $20.6 million.

Central Middle School

Central Middle School would see major renovations and continue to house middle school students. As part of the Central renovation, all four floors of the building would see renovation in addition to renovation of the north building which currently houses a cramped cafeteria and several classroom areas. The north building would be converted to a cafeteria and commons area only, and would be able to effectively accommodate the Central Middle School population and reduce the number of lunch periods during the day, which is presently five. The area often referred to as “the basement” at Central which currently houses the gymnasium area would see a large scale renovation and become Fine Arts facilities. A new gymnasium would also be added. Finally, a secured entrance would be created to enhance building security. Total cost for the project at Central is estimated to be $12.2 million.

Madison Middle School

Middle school students who currently attend Madison Middle School would be moved to the Bartlesville Mid-High School facility as grades 9 and 10 would be moved to BHS under the plan. Madison Middle School, which was built during the 1950’s as a “California style” building is severely outdated, inefficient, and has design limitations which make a renovation an unwise expenditure of Bartlesville citizen’s tax dollars. As a result, students and staff in the current Madison Middle School would be moved to what is presently the Bartlesville Mid-High School facility. The BMHS facility would see an estimated $1.2 million in renovations focusing on updating interior finishes, replacing aging science labs, improvements to the heating and cooling system and creating a facility that promotes grade-level teaming. A secured entrance would also be constructed at BMHS as well as expansion of the cafeteria.

Classroom Instructional Technology & Furnishings

With major renovation comes the necessity to properly equip each school site. As such, $1.1 million would go to purchasing furniture and new technology for the secondary sites. While much of the furniture and technology could be re-purposed, it would be necessary to provide new furniture for the cafeterias and new classrooms. Technology upgrades would include improvement to communication infrastructure and replacement of white boards and chalkboards with electronic white boards.

Security Upgrades

Also under the bond proposal, security upgrades would be implemented throughout the Bartlesville Public School District. The list was compiled by district administrators, staff members and safety professionals from throughout the Bartlesville community. The upgrades would allow the district to improve the security of all buildings throughout the district. Highlighting the proposal is the implementation of the Lobby Guard System at each BPSD building. Lobby Guard runs a background check on visitors, and if cleared, prints a visitor badge with a photo. All district buildings would also see several security cameras installed among other security additions. Estimated cost of security upgrades are approximately $1.4 million.

Summary

Overall, the proposal seeks to address the need for upgrades to middle school sites, while creating a 9-12 high school that would enhance the academic experience for students. The plan reduces the number of secondary sites from four to three and creates a more efficient school district. Security at every school district-wide is also a focus of the proposal.

The bond vote will take place Tuesday, September 10. The proposal totals $36.72 million and would result in no tax increase.

All registered voters residing within the Bartlesville Public School District boundaries are eligible to vote. If you are not yet registered, the deadline is Friday, August 16. More information on voter registration is available at http://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Registration/.