On Tuesday, February 10, Canton voters will consider a school bond proposal focused on addressing critical space and safety needs on campus while planning responsibly for future growth.
The plan includes adding new classrooms in the most cost-effective way by building now, while construction is already underway, creating an enclosed corridor to provide a safe and secure path for students traveling between buildings, and expanding the gym lobby to improve safety, accessibility, and daily operations.
In order to vote in this election, residents must have registered to vote on or before Friday, January 16. Early voting will take place from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday–Friday, February 5–6 at the county election board office in the courthouse in Watonga.
Election day is Tuesday, February 10. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and you must vote at your regular polling location.
The Canton school district needs this bond to address important space and safety issues on our campus. The new classrooms prepare us for future growth and are more cost-effective to build now while construction is already underway. The enclosed corridor creates a safe, secure path for students to move between buildings. Expanding the gym lobby solves a daily disruption, since the current lobby doubles as the cafeteria. The new lobby will also give students and families a safe, accessible area to enter and gather during gym events. This bond allows us to fix these issues in the most efficient and responsible way.
The bond amount is $12.13 million and will marginally increase patrons’ property taxes. The estimated increase is 9.62%, meaning for every $1,000 in current property taxes, the bond would add about $8 per month, or $96 per year.
Legally, in Oklahoma, bond funds may only be used for school construction and facility improvements, safety and security upgrades, furniture, equipment and technology, buses and transportation needs.
The bond funds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs.
A bond issue requires a 60% majority approval to pass. If the Canton bond does not pass, the needs remain, and costs typically rise over time. Without the bond, the district continues operating in outdated, crowded or inefficient spaces that limit student opportunities.
Anyone with questions about the bond issue is encouraged to https://www.canton.k12.o k. us/ o/ cps/ page/ bondcampaign.