The short version:
- Tulsans have four items to vote on Tuesday, April 7, that fund four propositions for Tulsa Public Schools.
- These funds would not require a tax rate increase.
When and where: Tulsans can vote Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at their polling place. Not sure where that is? Type in your last name, first name and birth date to the Voter Portal.
What is on the ballot
- Proposition 1: $200.9 million for instructional materials, fine arts and athletics. Includes $40.9 million for career academies at the district’s high schools.
- Proposition 2: $276 million for building improvements and safety upgrades. Includes $84.1 million to renovate 10 schools and four buildings.
- Proposition 3: $104.7 million for technology needs. Includes $42 million to replace student computers and electronic devices.
- Proposition 4: $27.2 million for transportation. Includes $14 million to replace school buses and driver’s education.
Frequently Asked Question: Will this raise my taxes?
Answer: No. It continues the tax used to fund the last five-year TPS bond issue in 2021. See how that money was spent in this transparency report.
See answers to other FAQs from the Foundation for Tulsa Schools
What people are saying about the bond package
Good thread with questions and answers: This News On 6 Facebook post.
“The feedback I get a lot of times is ‘Can we trust the administration? Are we at a place where we can invest in Tulsa Public (Schools)?’ My resounding answer to that is absolutely. My advocacy for Tulsa Public Schools doesn’t come from reading anything or doesn’t come from just hoping we do better. It really comes from two years of spending a lot of time with Dr. Johnson and her team.”
– Bill Knight, president of Bill Knight Automotive Group and 2025 chair of the Tulsa Regional Chamber
“The most important thing out of this package is that it touches every kid at every school in the largest school district in state of Oklahoma. For me, this is about what do you think about our city. This is a defining moment in our community.”
– Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols
“The academic outcomes of the district should be a concern of every Tulsan. We cannot walk away, throw up our hands or throw in the towel. Tulsan’s have never walked away from a challenge, and this is no time to walk away from the district hoping it blows up and be rebuilt.”
– Bob Jack in a post on the Tulsa County GOP website
“There’s a clear path to future success. But there is important work ahead that will be challenging if we do not invest in our young people. Our hope is that you vote with their future, and the future of this city, in mind because strong schools mean a strong Tulsa.”
– Superintendent Ebony Johnson in a Sunday Tulsa World op-ed : What the TPS bond proposals will accomplish, if approved April 7
What Tulsa Public Schools has to say about the bond: This website offers a video on how bonds work.
Local news coverage
Voter’s guide from the Tulsa Flyer / Tulsa World
Tulsa World Education Reporter Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton produced a series that go in depth into each proposition.
TPS seeking $200.9 million for instructional materials as part of bond package
Quote: “The ultimate goal is that when our students walk across the (graduation) stage, I stop each and every one of them and I talk to them. We want them to be on that stage, proud and walking across, saying ‘Absolutely, Dr. Johnson, I have a plan.’” – TPS Superintendent Ebony Johnson
TPS bond proposal includes $104.7 million for technology, cybersecurity investments
Quote: “Anything you can think a student, or in some cases adults, could be involved with, it could be in a device.” – Tulsa Public Schools Executive Director of Information Technology Robert F. Burton about what he’s seen in returned computers
Tulsa Public Schools bond proposal includes $275.9 million for facility upgrades
Quote: “It’s been kept in decent condition, but for example, the carpeting has been here for more than 25 years.” – Rebecca Bacon, principal at Kendall-Whittier Elementary School, one of 10 schools slated for renovation
Buses, drivers’ ed among the transportation asks in TPS’ bond proposal
Quote: “We love all of our electives. They’re important when our students are in our schools and taking those courses. Our students are saying ‘If you could please, make some of those electives something that’s applicable to what I need right now in my life,’ and one of the things they’ve specifically said they want is driver’s education.” – TPS Superintendent Ebony Johnson
Issues to consider related to Tulsa Public Schools bond proposal on Tuesday’s ballot
Quote: “State aid is not the sole financing source of schools. I think there’s some confusion out there on that.” – Kristin Stephens, chief financial officer of TPS
Coverage of Tulsa Press Club & Tulsa Flyer forum on the bond package
Tulsa World: Tulsa superintendent answers bond package questions during forum
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