Bartlesville, Skiatook voters say yes to school bond proposals

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - The unofficial results for school bond issue elections in Washington County show voters approving bond issues in two school districts.

The second time was the charm Tuesday for the Bartlesville Public Schools District as voters on Tuesday said yes to two bond issue proposals totaling $12.675 million after they rejected two proposals totaling $49.5 million in February.

Garnering 65 percent in favor, Proposition 1 passed after having garnered 60 percent of the vote as required by Oklahoma state law for passage. Proposition 2, gaining 66 percent voting yes, cleared the hurdle as well.

The first proposal at $11.625 focused largely on an early childhood center expansion for Richard Kane Elementary to replace three portable buildings now used as classrooms, building upgrades such as security entries and playground repairs to the district's other elementary school and improvements such as handrails, light and sound fixes to Custer Stadium.

The bond will provide funds additionally for operational costs such as textbooks, technology, maintenance and performing arts and athletics equipment.

The second proposal, at $1.05 million, will pay for transportation costs such replacing older buses and purchasing for five new maintenance pick-up trucks.

In Skiatook, voters approved two bond proposals as well — the first for $7.695 million for building construction, improvements, equipment and furniture and the second, $300,000 for transportation costs.

The first question came in with 70 percent approval and the second, 69 percent.

Voter turnout for the election was 28 percent, higher than the turnout in February of 23 percent, according to the election board.