Historically, Norman Public Schools bond issues have served as steps in a long-term plan to maintain and enhance excellent educational opportunities. Bond issues are used by a public school district to fund capital improvement projects, instructional materials and transportation needs. These measures are placed on the ballot by school boards to be considered by the voting public. School bonds require a supermajority of 60% of votes to pass.
Norman voters have approved more than $600 million in school bond funds since 1972. Here is information on the three most recent NPS bond issues.
2019 BOND ISSUE
The most recent bond issue by Norman Public Schools was in 2019, for $186 million over six years. It paid for significant investments in the safety and security of students and staff, including ensuring every school is equipped with a storm shelter. It also funded interior and exterior door enhancements, protective window film, security camera and alarm system upgrades, perimeter security and health services equipment. Many schools also received new or upgraded facilities for music, band and visual arts programs.
The 2019 bond issue passed with roughly 79% of the vote.
2014 BOND ISSUE
The 2014 NPS bond issue, for $126 million over four years, funded a variety of projects designed to improve instruction for students, including the upgrade of learning environments, the enhancement of safety and the ability to provide additional instructional opportunities for students. Both high schools received a new college and career center, a new freshman academy and a renovated library. Every teacher and all secondary students were provided a MacBook laptop computer. Athletic facilities throughout the district were upgraded.
The 2014 bond issue passed with about 84% of the vote.
2009 BOND ISSUE
Capital improvements throughout the district were the focus of the 2009 NPS bond issue, which was for $109 million over five years. All schools received digital projectors, document cameras, interactive white boards, voice distribution systems, student response systems and wireless laptop carts. A new school site, Reagan Elementary, was built. All four middle schools and both high schools received about $7 million each in improvements and updates.
The 2009 bond issue passed with about 67% of the vote.