DUNCAN — I plan to vote “Yes” in Tuesday’s school bond election that will provide monies to significantly upgrade Duncan High School and, to a lesser degree, will commit funds to technology and instructional materials.

I encourage you to do the same.

Frankly, I think our community made a mistake last September when a majority of citizens voted to pass a larger bond issue — one that would have made even more improvements and made even more contributions to educating our young people — but fell short of the 60 percent supermajority needed to approve the measure.

We don’t need to make a similar error this time.

The message important to many is simple: Taxes will not increase. May I repeat for emphasis — taxes will not increase.

The honorable people who have put together this plan have made that pledge. Take them at their word. Trust them. Hold them accountable.

They reacted to results of the September election by cutting in half the amount of money requested Tuesday. They eliminated components of that issue they assumed were offensive and they watered down this version so that its chance of passing improves.

Gone from the September issue are security and safety measures that targeted a one-building concept. Missing are enhancements for band, vocal music and drama departments. Eliminated are the competitive gym, dressing rooms and renovated press box. Deleted are buses, vehicles and transportation safety components.

Strategically, that’s probably wise. But, personally, many of us saw merit in the September plan and wished it had been carried over for another try.

That, obviously, doesn’t matter today.

The facts, again, are simple. Registered voters in the Duncan Public School District can approve or reject a $19,030,000 bond issue Tuesday that is designed to make substantial improvements at the 50-year-old Duncan High School and to provide funds for technology and instructional materials. A supermajority of 60 percent must vote “Yes” to ensure approval. Taxes will not increase if the bond issue passes.

A more important, more direct, message is equally basic.

Improvements at the school are sorely needed and sadly overdue.

I spent two hours with Duncan High principal Gary Reed, a longtime, respected, local educator, last week. We toured the halls of each building on the sprawling campus, peeked into classrooms and visited labs. We walked under the canopies that connect all the structures. And we talked about an atmosphere conducive to learning.

Frankly, we’ve fallen behind.

A “Yes” vote Tuesday will correct some, but not all, of that.

It will provide funds to renovate classrooms and labs, build a new library and support area, create a new cafeteria and commons area, relocate the administrative complex for efficiency and safety enhancements, update and utilize the west building, renovate student restrooms, replace canopies and improve pathways between buildings and enable wiring and cabling to handle changes that have taken place over the past five decades.

If you remain uncertain, see for yourself. An open house is scheduled Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Duncan High. Officials will accompany you on a tour of the buildings, answering whatever questions you have.

I’m not convinced the plan is a perfect one. Nor will it likely solve all existing problems.

But a “Yes” vote Tuesday is a major step in the right direction.

It ensures our children they will no longer lack the tools necessary for a quality education. It places them on equal competitive footing with other schools and students in Oklahoma. It will encourage them to strive for goals of achievement and accomplishment through whatever path they seek. And it will solidify their knowledge that a community supports and encourages their efforts.

While our commitment to improved education sends a positive message to businesses and companies looking to expand or to bring jobs here, Tuesday’s bond issue is really about our kids.

We made a mistake last September by failing to approve a more comprehensive plan that would have cost each of us very little.

We need not repeat that error Tuesday.

Voting “Yes” seems such a responsible decision.



edarling@duncanbanner.com

580-255-5354, Ext. 130