Owasso Finalizes Community-Driven Plan to Improve School Safety and Facilities Without Raising Taxes
06/10/2025 – After months of collaboration and community feedback, Owasso Public Schools has finalized a comprehensive capital investment plan focused on improving safety, upgrading facilities, and expanding educational opportunities across the district—all without increasing the local tax rate.
On Monday evening, the Owasso Board of Education voted to call for a bond election on September 9, allowing residents to vote on the proposal, which totals $169.18 million in construction costs.
The plan is the result of years of strategic planning and facility assessments, shaped heavily by community input. Over the past three years, the district has gathered more than 22,000 data points through meetings and surveys to better understand the community’s priorities.
Earlier this year, a smaller bond issue for transportation passed, while a second proposal for broader improvements did not. In response, the district scaled back the original plan by 13% and reworked it based on community feedback. The updated proposal maintains critical goals like district-wide safety enhancements, renovations at the high school, and the addition of elementary art programs.
“We’ve listened and adjusted,” said OPS Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates. “This plan reflects the values and priorities of our community and offers meaningful upgrades for students in safety, academics, athletics, and the arts—all with no increase to the current tax rate.”
Focus on Safety and Student Wellbeing
A major component of the bond focuses on student safety. The plan includes the installation of security cameras, access control systems, upgraded fire panels, AEDs, emergency notification systems, tornado shelters, and more.
Board of Education President Stephanie Ruttman emphasized the importance of proactive investment in student safety: “Owasso families expect us to be prepared. These improvements will help ensure our schools are as safe and secure as possible.”
Grade Realignment and New Elementary Center
One of the most significant changes proposed is the creation of a 5th Grade Elementary Center located next to the existing 6th Grade Center. This change would shift elementary grade levels from Pre-K through 5th to Pre-K through 4th, freeing up classroom space district-wide.
The reconfiguration would allow Owasso to offer full-day Pre-K, expand enrollment capacity, and introduce elementary art instruction—priorities that emerged during the district’s strategic planning process.
“This is about giving our youngest learners the best start possible,” said Coates. “It also creates a more age-appropriate environment for 5th graders before they transition to middle school.”
District-Wide Improvements at Every Level
The bond proposal includes a long list of targeted improvements for schools and programs throughout the district:
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Owasso High School: Roof replacement at East Campus, new flooring, facade repair, and agricultural fencing.
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Technology: New Chromebooks for students, updated computers for teachers, software upgrades, and stronger cybersecurity.
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Instructional Materials: Updated textbooks, library books, adaptive tech for special education, and learning software.
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Operations and Maintenance: Roofing, HVAC repairs, parking lot resurfacing, new lighting, kitchen equipment, and more.
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Classroom Additions:
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8th Grade Center: New science labs, fine arts rooms, and special education spaces.
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7th Grade Center: Tornado-safe structure and expanded cafeteria.
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6th Grade Center: Cafeteria expansion and tornado-safe structure.
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Ram Academy: New science lab and remodeled transition classroom.
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Elementary Schools: New Pre-K playground equipment across all campuses.
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Fine Arts: New music instruments, uniforms, performance risers, visual art storage, and a fine arts instructional addition at OHS West Campus.
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Athletics: Construction of a multi-use athletic facility with two fields and a walking track, plus upgrades to turf, tennis courts, equipment, and uniforms for 50 teams.
Community Support for the Plan
Community leaders and parents alike have expressed strong support for the updated proposal.
Dee Sokolosky, an Owasso resident, shared, “Investing in public education is critical to the health and growth of our city. This plan gives us the chance to improve our schools without raising taxes.”
Chad Balthrop, an OPS parent, echoed that sentiment. “Owasso Public Schools have been a foundation for my family for two generations. This bond equips every student with the tools they need to thrive and ensures our schools remain a pillar of the community.”
Election Details
The bond proposal requires a 60% supermajority to pass. The last day to register to vote is August 15, ahead of the September 9 election.
More information about the proposal can be found on the district’s website: www.owassops.org.
