In addition to a county-wide quarter-cent sales tax referendum to fund operations at the Seminole County Jail, patrons of the Wewoka Public School District will face a $7 million school bond proposal at the polls on Tuesday, April 6.

If approved, the funds will be used to construct a new middle school with safe rooms in the same block as the district’s two other sites.

According to Superintendent Shellie Gammill, property owners will see a “small” tax increase if the proposal is approved (see graphic on page 2).

Gammill said the current building has problems with flooding, distance from the other facilities, an older outside cellar, and lack of play equipment.

“The current facilities have experienced severe flooding. The district has tried several methods to divert the water away from the building, and while most of the water has been diverted, it continues to be a problem at times. The heating/air units on one side of the building are so loud that it is difficult to create an environment that is conducive to learning,” Gammill said.

According to Gammill, additions to the building made over the years make it difficult to supervise activities between classes when students are moving around in the building.

“The new building will allow the principal to stand in one location during class changes and see down both halls at the same time. This will create a safer environment for our students, faculty and staff,” Gammill stated.

The middle school is currently located a block away from the cafeteria, vocational agriculture room and the auditorium, which is often problematic for both students and staff.

“Moving the facilities will provide a more central location so students do not have to cross busy streets for meals or to attend high school band or vocational agriculture classes. We also believe that 5th and 6th grade students still need time to play during recess. They would have access to the playground and we would create additional areas of activity for them,” Gammill said.

The new facilities would also allow for easier sched uling for classes with shared faculty, according to Gammill. “Students would have easier access to extracurricular classes taught in the high school building, and it would allow more 7th and 8th graders to take advanced coursework,” she said.

“If anyone has any questions please feel free to reach out to the district. You can contact school administrators by sending a private message on the schools Facebook page or by calling 405-257-5475. We would be happy to address any questions or concerns,” Gammill said.

Early voting is scheduled for Thursday, April 1 and Friday, April 2 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Seminole County Courthouse. Polls will be open Tuesday, April 6 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sample ballots are available at the Seminole County Election Board offices and online at www.oklahoma. gov/elections. Call the county election board at (405) 257-2786 with any questions.