Bus bonds pass, $48 million for performing arts center falls short

Only one of the two proposed bonds for Ardmore, Okla., City Schools that went before voters on Tuesday was approved during a special election.

Unofficial results indicate that Proposition 2 passed by a vote of 62.12 to 37.88 percent. The $2.5 million plan will allow ACS to purchase new school buses over time.

Ardmore City Schools plans to buy 12 new school buses next year to replace the district's oldest buses, then purchase three new buses each year until 2023. ACS currently has 30 buses, the oldest of which is a 1991 model.

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Yellow school bus front sign lights

Proposition 1 of the bond was denied by a vote of 57.68 to 42.32 percent, according to unofficial results. The Oklahoma Constitution requires a 60-percent threshold for bond measures to pass.

The proposition would have raised $48,300,000 for an 800-seat performance hall next to Noble Stadium on Veterans Boulevard. The facility would have included rehearsal rooms for all grade levels, an amphitheater and other amenities

Money from the project would have gone toward foundational improvements at Charles Evans Elementary, additions to the former University Center of Southern Oklahoma building and other smaller projects.

ACS Superintendent Kim Holland was disappointed that the measure for a new fine arts facility was denied, but expressed gratitude toward the community for approving the purchase of new buses.

"Of course, we're disappointed. We thought we had a good proposal of something that would be good for the community," Holland said. "The community obviously said no to that. Regardless of the buildings, we're grateful to be getting new buses."

Assistant Director of Fine Arts Chauvin Aaron believes a common misconception is that students of fine arts already have resources readily available to them downtown.

Aaron said what people often fail to realize is the regular cost of using pre-existing facilities across town and the inconvenience of constantly loading equipment up in lieu of using a facility on campus.

"What the vote tells me is that we as a district need to do a better job of informing and communicating with our community," Aaron said. "Often, these facilities don't meet our exact needs. We're doing a disservice to our kids, and they, at this moment, are missing out."

Out of 10,763 registered voters in the ACS school district, 1,370, nearly 13 percent, voted Tuesday, according to the Carter County Election Board.

"The turnout was really good," said Diane Hall with the board. "It was a lot more than I would have thought."

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