On Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, Ponca City voters will vote in a proposed $49.7 million school bond election. This seven-year bond project is coupled with an additional $10 million of CARES funds to allow for improvements in the school district that aid in the mitigation and spread of COVID-19.
A total of 16 bond projects, along with an additional 15 CARES projects, means every single school in the Ponca City Public School district will see improvements.
Ponca City, since 2000, has maintained a commitment to its voters not to exceed a 22 mill levy in the district sinking fund. The levy is currently the lowest in Kay County and is one of the lowest of all 6A schools. This bond project will NOT be a tax increases for Ponca City residents.
Some of the various elementary school projects include renovations at Liberty, Washington, Lincoln and Union Elementary.
Liberty Elementary:
• Remodel and expand the main office
• Media center/library remodel and expansion
• Teacher break room remodeled
• EIFS and exterior work
• Flooring in cafeteria and food service
• New bleachers
• Replacing and upgrading classroom doors
Washington Elementary (Pre-K Center):
• New flooring in hallways, classrooms and work areas
• New flooring in cafeteria and food service area
Lincoln Elementary:
• Addition for cafeteria, new windows and serving line
• Extending the lobby and canopy for more students waiting and secure entry
• New gym flooring and add new fire exit stage and curtains
• New finishes in each of the restrooms
Union Elementary:
• Mew flooring in all hallways and classrooms
• New finishes in all restrooms
• Replacing all drinking fountains
• All exterior doors and frames having ballistic bullet-resistant glass and frames
• Replace flooring in cafeteria, new ceiling tiles, paint walls and wainscoting
• New countertops and finishes in media center
Both middle schools, including East and West, will also see some repairs.
At West, the district will finish the secure entrance by adding bullet-resistant glass and the metal framing around the entrance to handle a thicker and much heavier glass.
At East, the retaining wall and patio will be reconstructed and made safe and appealing as the drop-off point for eighth graders.
In addition to all of these projects, other schools will also receive renovated bathrooms, floors, HVAV units and paving in several areas across the district.
All projects are available on the district’s website at www.pcps.us.
