PASSAGE WOULD RESULT IN NO PROJECTED RISE IN TAX TO CITIZENS
Cordell Public Schools is asking Washita County voters to approve two three-year bonds totaling $445,000 which will pay for much needed HVAC replacement and a new activity travel bus for the Blue Devils. The current millage rate will cover the bond repayment with no projected tax raise over the three-year repayment terms.
Proposition No. 1 will provide $290,000 and will cover replacing the heating and air systems in the school auditorium and the Elementary PE facility. Currently only half of the 40-ton unit in the gym is working and during extreme temperatures it is not able to maintain a comfortable temperature for the students.
Proposition No. 2 will provide $155,000 which will replace the current activity travel bus with a new bus. The current bus is over twenty years old and has long passed the expected life span where it can be considered mechanically reliable.
Cordell Public Schools Superintendent Travis Victory explained how vital it is that the propositions pass.
“Not only will a vote of ‘yes’ fund the immediately needed replacement of our HVAC systems and activity bus, but it will also pave the way for future improvements by keeping our funding rolling. Possible future projects such as a new band hall, new ag building, and upgrades to our current buildings can be within reach with minimal tax increases to the public,” Victory explained.
“Our students deserve the best. They deserve to feel pride when they step off the bus to participate in activities in other communities. They deserve a safe and comfortable PE facility,” he continued.
Also of note is the possibility that new families will be coming to Washita County with the expected rise in jobs due to the aerospace industry in Burns Flat.
“The first question asked when a family considers where they will make their home is ‘How is the school system?’ Improving and maintaining our facilities is a big part of attracting families to our town. Cordell already has many things that make it a great place to live and a modern and attractive school campus only adds to our community,” Victory said.
Regular voting will take place on April 4th, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the normal precinct polling locations.
“Please remember, there is no projected tax increase for Washita County property owners with the passage of these bond propositions. Support our children and our school system by voting ‘Yes’ on April 4th,” Victory emphasized.