Dan Turner, Executive Director of Operations at Chickasha Public Schools, and Rick Croslin, Superintendent, presented on CPS' Safety and Security Bond issue that will be voted on August 23.The August 4, 2022 meeting of the Rotary Club of Chickasha was called to order by President Lewis Knisley. Rot. Mitch Williams led the club in singing "Be True to Your School" by the Beach Boys.
Pres. Knisley introduced the day's speakers—Dr. Rick Croslin, Superintendent of Chickasha Public Schools, and Dan Turner, Executive Director of Operations for CPS. Their subject was the upcoming Safety and Security Bond issue that will go to vote on August 23. The bond includes two propositions. Proposition 1 totals $34,785,000 and includes construction projects across the district. Proposition 2 totals $1,000,000 and covers transportation needs for the district.
Croslin showed members the following video, which includes CPS staff and community members discussing the need for the proposed projects.
Turner discussed the specifics of the bond issue. One of the key projects to be funded by the bond will be the addition of safe rooms at Lincoln Elementary and Grand Elementary. The safe rooms will be used in the event of tornadic weather. Another key project is the addition of secure vestibules at Grand Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and Chickasha Middle School. These vestibules would allow guests to enter and conduct business with the school office as needed without having to fully enter the main facility of the school.
Another major development will be a new football field and resurfacing the current six-lane track into a new eight-lane track. This will enable the high school to host more athletic events. The grandstands and press box will be renovated. A new video scoreboard and sound system will be installed. The water tower will be repainted and sealed.
Additional items funded by the bond include, but are not limited to:
- new playground equipment at Grand and Lincoln
- new technology and student furniture district-wide
- a revolving fund for uniforms as needed
The full list of items can be found on the CPS website.
Croslin added that all projects from the previous bond issue have been completed, save one that is still in progress. He reminded members that the only way the district can make capital improvements is through bond issues. He also mentioned that a daycare would be added for the use of CPS teachers and staff. This would enable the district to recruit and retain more teachers.
Croslin and Turner encouraged members to spread the word about the bond issue. The propositions will be on the ballot for Chickasha voters Tuesday, August 23.
Lunch was provided by Rock Island Grill.