NORMAN, OK (May 10, 2024) — All schools in Norman Public Schools (NPS) now have storm shelters ready to keep students safe, just in time for severe weather season. McKinley Elementary and Monroe Elementary held ribbon cutting ceremonies this week to officially open each site’s shelters, marking the completion of all construction projects under the 2019 bond.

Safety and security for students was the cornerstone of the $186 million school bond. It was passed in February 2019, with nearly $30 million dedicated to build storm shelters at 16 schools that did not have one.

“As stewards of our students' and staff's safety, it is our duty to provide a secure haven that shields them from the unpredictable Oklahoma weather,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino. “With the completion of these storm shelters, we not only fulfill our obligation but also reinforce our commitment to safeguarding our school community.”

The projects were slated to be done sooner, but the pandemic negatively impacted the construction timelines. Once the supply chains returned to normal, construction on the storm shelters kicked into high gear.

“Last year, we made a promise to the parents of Monroe and McKinley schools that they would not face another storm season without a storm shelter. I am proud to announce that we have delivered on that promise,” said Justin Milner, NPS Associate Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer. “These newly opened storm shelters stand as a testament to our unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety of all our students and staff."

McKinley and Monroe have two rooms at each school that can hold the entire student population and staff in case they need to seek shelter. When not being used as a storm shelter, these rooms are used for music classes.

CWA Group, an architecture and interior design firm, has worked with NPS on the 2010, 2014, and 2019 bond projects. Their work at McKinley and Monroe includes updates to finishes, ADA accessibility in restrooms, additional classrooms, the storm shelter additions and exterior improvements.

“CWA Group is honored to be a part of the Norman Public Schools bond projects. We love contributing to the community where our employees live and raise their families,” said Alison Acker, Senior Project Architect, Vice President. “It is extremely rewarding to know that the buildings we design help the students to grow, learn and play all while protecting them from the unpredictable Oklahoma weather.”

NPS is working with CWA Group on the 2023 bond project as well. McKinley and Monroe were the first to be approved for renovations under the 2023 bond project, which was passed in February 2023.

McKinley additions will include more classrooms and restrooms, a breezeway connection corridor, and renovations to restrooms and parking lots. Monroe additions will include several new classrooms, a library enclosure, and updates to its restrooms and parking lots.

The district will be able to reduce waste by keeping up construction structures from the 2019 bond to transition into the construction of the 2023 bond.

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McKinley and Monroe Elementary Schools Open New Storm Shelters