Voters go to the polls Aug. 25
A $15 million bond issue will be addressed by Newcastle voters when they go to the polls August 25.
School Superintendent Dr. Cathy Walker said, “Some of the most important investments a school district makes are also some of the largest. Our students deserve opportunities that prepare them for tomorrow. By planning ahead and investing in their future, we can continue creating learning environments where every Newcastle student has the chance to grow and succeed.”
If approved by voters, a portion of the bond proceeds will be used for the following:
• $5,730,000 — Construct, furnish and equip a multiclassroom addition to include a storm shelter, restroom improvements in both the 2nd and 3rd grade areas, and flooring improvements at Newcastle Elementary School.
• $905,000 — Construct, furnish and equip track resurfacing, infield resurfacing, and site improvements at the Newcastle School District Track & Field Complex.
• $1,715,000 — Construct, furnish and equip improvements for an Aviation Program classroom expansion at Newcastle High School.
• $5,405,000 — Construct, furnish and equip a new soccer room building at Newcastle High School to include restrooms and concessions.
• $1,245,000 — Construct, furnish and equip parking improvements at the school district’s transportation facility.
Walker said, “School districts need bonds because many of the improvements that support student learning are too large and costly to be paid for through a district’s regular operating or building funds. Bonds provide a way for communities to make long-term investments in schools without taking money away from day-to-day expenses like teacher salaries, utilities, and classroom supplies. Strong schools don’t happen by accident. They are built through thoughtful planning and a shared commitment to the next generation.” Newcastle Public Schools recently put together a question and answer brochure. The following information was released.
Bond 2026 Q and A
• I noticed there was land on the last bond and not on this one, what happened?
The district still plans to purchase additional land for future growth. That goal has not changed; the district simply chose a different financing approach. By funding the land purchase separately, more bond dollars can be directed toward projects that benefit students and staff today.
• Why are some of the projects on this project different from the last bond?
The bond committee listened closely to all the valuable feedback that was shared after the last bond vote, and the committee made some adjustments based directly on the input.
• Why is the baseball and softball complex not on this bond?
The baseball and softball locker rooms and the complex parking lot expansion are on the current bond. Construction on this project is scheduled to begin in September.
• When will AG get a new facility?
The district is working to secure a land purchase so they can build an additional elementary school and a new AG facility. After the land has been acquired, then plans for the new facility will begin.
• Why are athletics still on this bond?
Athletics are part of the student experience in Newcastle. The bond committee has tried to find a balance between instructional facility upgrades and athletic upgrades.
• Will my property taxes go up?
Property taxes will stay consistent at 36 mills. This is for the school taxes (sinking fund only). It does not include any property valuation increase by the county.
• What additional costs are included in the bond proposition? The cost allocated per project seems inflated.
All of the cost projections for each project include: architect fees, construction fees, and bond fees. The track project only includes bond issuance costs in addition to the construction estimate. To account for future price increases and market uncertainty, all project estimates include a 12% contingency.
This helps ensure the district can complete the projects even if material and construction costs rise before work begins.
• How is this bond connected to the 2022 bond issue?
The 2025 bond would be paid off concurrently with the existing 2022 bond, so their maturities align.
Because of conservative planning, the 2022 bond is projected to finish paying off two years early (by 2029) and it sets up the district for a $100 million bond without changing the millage rate.
• When will the bond vote take place?
The bond election is scheduled for August 25, 2026.
• Why are these projects needed?
Safe rooms are needed to help keep students safe during severe weather. As we know, Oklahoma regularly experiences severe storms, and in November 2024 a tornado damaged the elementary gym roof, further reinforcing this need. This area of the school currently has limited safe room coverage compared to other parts of the campus.
The restrooms, flooring and lighting are in need of significant upgrades at the 2nd and 3rd grade building.
The track facility is outdated and does not meet current needs and poses a safety concern.
Our aviation program is absolutely thriving! We need to expand the space to welcome all the students eager to join while offering a more handson approach to aviation.
As our community grows, so does our bus fleet. We need to add parking and charging stations to keep our transportation running smoothly and safely.
Soccer is one of our fastest- growing programs, and our athletes desperately need supportive facilities. We’ll be building a new soccer locker room, a concession stand, and highly requested additional stadium restrooms for all our spectators.
• How many votes are needed for the bond to pass?
School bond elections have to pass by a 60% supermajority vote.
In the last bond election, we needed 66 more YES votes in order for it to pass.
• Why do school districts need bonds?
Bonds allow schools to make capital improvements such as build new buildings, renovations to existing buildings, HVAC replacements, safety and security improvements, textbooks, technology upgrades, and buses. These are items that districts can not afford by using their building fund allocation alone.
• Can districts just manage their General Fund money better and save for these projects?
Under 70 O.S. § 1-117, expenditures from the General Fund must be noncapital in nature. Because of these legal restrictions, General Fund dollars cannot be used for capital improvements or major facility construction projects.
