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Union seeks $19 million in bonds
Originally posted January 25, 2012
Courtesy of the Union Boundary
Union Public Schools is asking its patrons to consider approval of two school bond proposals totaling $19 million in an election on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14. In order to pass both propositions, a 60 percent supermajority is required. Passage will not increase taxes.
Bond funds would pay for new buses, construction, equipment, repairs and other needs for the district.
“Annual bond issues are the standard at Union to provide technology-rich classrooms and quality facilities for athletics, fine arts, and all schools,” Superinendent Dr. Cathy Burden says. “Patrons from the community have historically demonstrated their support for Union schools by casting their votes during bond issue elections.”
Over the past few years, the Union bond issue “yes vote” average has exceeded 82 percent. “Last year, patrons trudged through the snow to vote at the UMAC when the winter storm required the cancellation of school for the week. And even then, the voter turnout was strong and the support was overwhelmingly positive,” Burden says.
“This kind of support is appreciated so much by the faculty, staff and administrators and is a powerful incentive for educators. We understand that by passing bond issues, voters do all they can to provide funding, and educators have an equal obligation to do all we can to make this the best school district possible.”
“Achieving the 60 percent supermajority required in Oklahoma to pass school bond proposals is always a challenge,” says Gretchen Haas-Bethell, executive director of school communications. “Just one vote can make a difference so we need everyone who is registered to vote to ‘Get to the Heart of It’ and head to the polls on Tuesday, Feb. 14.”
Proposition I funds would pay for the completion of the Union Collegiate Academy, a new fine arts wing at the 6th/7th Grade Center, upgraded tennis and swimming facilities, new textbooks, computer and software needs and athletics, spirit and fine arts equipment, as well as other needs.
Proposition II would pay for the purchase of up to 10 school buses and five special education buses. Several Union buses are more than 17 years old, and others have high mileage and need to be replaced.
For more information, call the Tulsa County Election Board at 918-596-5780.
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