On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Shawnee Public Schools Independent District-93 will be asking patrons to vote on a $3 million bond issue. The school board and administration fully understand the difficult economic times, but the need for Shawnee High School renovations and improvements are at a critical point. The once considered “new” high school is nearing forty years of age.
Of the $3 million, $1.87 million of the bond proceeds will be dedicated to replacing the 120,000 square foot roof, renovating restrooms, lighting, and improving heat and air handling units. The foam roof on the main building has failed, causing widespread leaks through the original building, which was constructed in 1971 and added to in 1977. Students and staff alike are enduring major water leaks in classrooms, offices and hallways. These leaks create an environment where roof tiles, insulation, wiring, walls and with each rain, floors stay wet, posing a constant health and safety issue for students and staff. Student restrooms, lockers, hall lights and heat and air handling systems have not been renovated since the original building construction.
The balance of the bond, $1.13 million is dedicated to renovation at Jim Thorpe Stadium. A proposed new metal building will replace the concessions and restrooms now located under the home stands and originally built in the 1930s.
Back in 2005 when the district proposed a $22.1 million bond issue to add a new early childhood center, new high school gym and auditorium, track and roof renovations and improvements at the elementary sites, the high school roof was still intact. Unfortunately, during 2006, 2007 and 2008 Oklahoma endured some of the decade’s worse ice and wind storms, along with intense heat and drought. These storms, coupled with the age of the roof, brought about significant roof leaks at Shawnee High School.
The board of education and administration would not be asking I-93 patrons to go to the polls to vote on this $3 million bond issue if the current situation at Shawnee High School was not at a critical point. Support of this bond protects the health and future for Shawnee children. Please go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 10!
Editor’s Note: This Guest Editorial is offered by Marilyn Bradford, superintendent of schools in Shawnee. The views expressed by our guest editorialists and guest columnists are theirs, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the News-Star’s management.
