Voters approve $38 million 'smart and secure' bond for Tulsa schools

Tulsa voters approved a $38 million school bond issue, dubbed "Smart and Secure" by a grassroots movement that fought to get the money for the district.

Polls opened at 7:00 a.m. and there was only the one issue on the ballot, but it did require a 60 percent supermajority in order to pass.

The issue was never in doubt, as the ayes jumped to an early lead, never relinquished.

As of 9:15 p.m., with only four precincts of 140 still not reporting, the tally was 67.4 percent to 32.6 percent.

The money will help upgrade security and safety at several sites, but the bulk of it will pay for badly-needed technology.

The district will now be able to purchase a package of high-tech equipment for every classroom, including a iPad, an interactive whiteboard with speakers, a desktop computer, an IPTV and wireless Internet access.

It was especially important to teachers and principals that the bond pass, because they're looking at having to implement a new Internet-based testing system by next year, and many schools didn't have the computers required to make it happen.

"This is a victory tonight for the children of Tulsa Public Schools, for the teachers, for the Board of Education, Dr. Ballard, and for the citizens of Tulsa, if we provide these kids with the tools to be better educated, everybody wins," said Steve Turnbo, Chairman Emeritus of PR firm Schnake Turnbo Frank and the man who ran the campaign for the bond at the behest of the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce.

"We're very proud of the voters for supporting education, and it's a great night for Tulsa," he added.

Tulsa County Election Board Secretary Patti Bryant told KRMG they are forecasting a turnout of about 7.8% of registered voters.

The bond issue in Glenpool also appeared poised to pass.

With one of five precincts outstanding, the ayes led the nays 64.3 percent to 35.7 percent.