By Bailey Coyle, FOX23.com News Staff
JENKS, Okla. — Voters in the Jenks Public Schools district are heading to the polls today to decide on two bond propositions aimed at improving school facilities, safety, technology, and transportation across the district.
Together, Proposition No. 1 and Proposition No. 2 total $20.3 million and represent the district’s 62nd bond election.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community,” said Jeffrey Beyer, Chief Operations Officer for Jenks Public Schools. “Every dollar in these bond proposals directly impacts our students, our teachers, and our schools.”
Proposition No. 1: Facilities, Safety, Technology, and Maintenance
Proposition No. 1 totals $19.64 million and funds a wide range of classroom, facility, and districtwide needs.
A portion of the bond focuses on Phase IV renovations at the Freshman Academy, completing classroom construction and interior improvements. The project includes architectural and engineering services, construction, utilities, HVAC, electrical, flooring, furniture, and equipment, totaling $1.6 million.
Classroom resources are also included, with $500,000 allocated for textbooks and media improvements such as instructional software and equipment.
Districtwide safety upgrades total $270,000 and include security cameras, access control systems, secured entrances, AED upgrades, visitor management systems, emergency generators, fencing, and other safety equipment.
Technology improvements account for $3.71 million, funding computer hardware and software, servers, wireless access points, network infrastructure, cyber protection, audio enhancement systems, and telecommunications equipment used daily by students and staff.
Athletic facility improvements are another major component of Proposition No. 1. The bond includes $5.9 million for tennis facility upgrades, addressing aging infrastructure and improving locker rooms and spectator viewing areas. An additional $2.6 million is designated for expansion and renovation of the Frank Herald Fieldhouse, supporting growth in programs such as wrestling, including girls wrestling.
To improve student comfort, $300,000 is included to retrofit school buses with air conditioning units.
Districtwide maintenance projects total $3.225 million, covering roof repairs and replacements, HVAC systems, electrical and plumbing repairs, lighting improvements, sidewalks, and other infrastructure needs across campuses.
Additional funding includes:
- $1.02 million for districtwide equipment, including classroom furniture, athletic uniforms, musical instruments, science lab equipment, and maintenance tools
- $400,000 for copiers and printing equipment
- $115,000 for bond consultant and financial services fees
Proposition No. 2: Student Transportation
Proposition No. 2 totals $660,000 and focuses exclusively on acquiring student transportation equipment to support the district’s bus fleet.
Long-Range Planning and Financial Context
District officials say bond projects are guided by long-range planning and community input. A committee of approximately 60 parents, teachers, school leaders, and community members reviews district needs and helps prioritize projects before final approval by the elected school board.
According to the district, Jenks currently has multiple previously approved bonds outstanding, along with unissued bonds authorized in 2015 that are designated for ongoing high school renovations and elementary parking improvements.
“Our goal each year is to keep tax rates stable while continuing to provide outstanding opportunities for students,” Beyer said. “These bond propositions reflect that commitment and the expectations our community has for Jenks schools.”
Polls are open today for voters within the Jenks Public Schools district.
