On April 7th, Fort Supply Public Schools voters will consider two bond propositions:

Proposition 1 – $5,005,000

• New AG Ed/Science building
• Suburban or enclosed utility vehicle and AG truck for District use

Proposition 2 – $315,000

• Pupil transportation vehicles/buses

Fort Supply’s AG Ed facility has served students well for many years. However, agricultural education and science programs have continued to grow and change.

Today’s programs require:

• Updated lab space
• Equipment that reflects what students will see after graduation
• Flexible instructional areas for hands-on learning
• Technology that supports real-world training

A recent graduate shared that when he entered college science coursework, he had to spend valuable time learning how to use equipment other students were already familiar with, all while trying to stay on track in his classes. That experience reinforced for us how important it is to prepare our students with the right tools before they graduate.

In addition, portions of the current building do not meet current building codes. As facilities age, it becomes more difficult and costly to bring them up to today’s safety and compliance requirements.

This proposal focuses on making sure Fort Supply students have the equipment and learning environment they need to be ready for college, certifications, and career opportunities.

The estimated project construction cost for the new AG Ed/Science building is approximately $3.1 million.

We talked through the options, and because of the strength of our FFA program and how it connects directly to the livelihoods and future opportunities in our area, there was strong support for building a new Ag Ed/Science building. Renovation costs were higher than building new once we factored in what it would take to bring the existing facility up to code.

Building new allows us to meet current educational needs and building requirements while also repurposing the old site to better support our baseball and golf programs and create a more functional weight training space. This approach strengthens multiple programs and reflects what our community values.

The proposed building is designed to support both agricultural education and science instruction, bringing classroom learning, lab work, and hands-on shop experience together in one connected facility. 

It will include:

• AG Education classroom
• Science lab
• Instructor office
• Storage areas
• Prep space for lab materials and projects
• AG shop for hands-on instruction
• Restrooms
• Rolling overhead doors for equipment access and project work

The existing Ag portion of the old gym is approximately 3,250 square feet.

The proposed AG Ed/Science building would be approximately 6,250 square feet

The District looked at three possible locations on campus and evaluated each one carefully. Construction costs are very similar for all three options.

The main differences between the sites come down to how each location would affect parking, traffic flow, student access, and overall campus layout.

The goal is to choose the option that best supports students while keeping the campus safe, functional, and easy to navigate for daily use and events.

Selected Option – North Side of Campus (Reservation Ave.)

• Aligns cleanly with existing buildings
• Close to academic areas
• Existing carport needs to be removed

If the bond passes, the existing AG Ed space will be converted into an indoor baseball and golf practice area and relocated weight room. The district plans to reuse existing weight room equipment and make necessary updates using the school building fund.

This approach allows Fort Supply to make practical use of the existing space. It reflects the district’s commitment to being responsible stewards of community resources.

School building funds are used for smaller improvements and ongoing facility needs. They cannot be used to construct large capital projects like a new AG Ed/Science building. That is why a bond is required for the new facility.

Fort Supply currently has no outstanding General Obligation bond debt.

After years without bond obligations, this proposal represents a new investment in facilities and student preparation.

Across Oklahoma, school districts are working to stay strong and competitive. Facilities play an important role in supporting teachers, families, and the long-term future of the district.

If approved, the sinking fund millage rate would move to 20.99 mills.

This represents a 28.39% increase over what property owners currently pay in school property taxes.

Example:

If you currently pay $1,000 per year in school property taxes, the estimated increase would be approximately $284 per year.

(Your actual amount will vary depending on property value.)

Even after the proposed increase to 20.99 mills, Fort Supply would remain comparable to neighboring districts.

Yes. Bond funds may only be used for the specific capital projects approved by voters. They cannot be used for salaries, daily operating expenses, or routine maintenance.

Under Oklahoma law, school bond issues must receive at least 60% voter approval in order to pass.

If 60% or more of voters support the proposition on April 7th, the bond will be approved.

Election Day: April 7th | 7 am – 7 pm

Voter Registration Deadline: March 13^th

Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: March 23^rd

Early Voting: April 2nd & 3rd | 8 am – 6 pm

Visit the Oklahoma Voter Portal to request an absentee ballot, locate your polling location and confirm your voter registration status: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/voters/ok-voter-portal.html

If you have more questions or need more information, please contact Superintendent John Barrett at john.barrett@fortsupply.com or 580-766-2611.