Woodward, Okla. — FARGO--Fargo Public Schools has proposed a $14 million bond issue to help the school get some "much-needed" new buildings, according to Superintendent Terry Stevens.

Voters will decide on the proposed bond in an election on Aug. 28.

Stevens said that the bond will be used to build 10 new classrooms, a band hall that will double as a safe room, a cafetorium that will seat 300-400 people and a new gym that will seat 700 people.

He noted that the new structures will be replacing facilities that are several decades old as the school's current gym is 50-years-old and the classrooms are 80-years-old.

Stevens said he hopes voters will approve the bond so the school district can continue to build on recent progress.

"We feel like Fargo has some great things going, our scores are up and we have some great kids and teachers in our school," Stevens said.



CAFETORIUM

The cafetorium is one of the items that Stevens and several school board members traveled around the state to see other schools with similar set ups.

"We don't have an auditorium, but we wanted something that could be used everyday, this way we get a new kitchen and cafeteria that can be transformed into an auditorium when the need arises," Stevens said.

He said that the new cafetorium would be available to the public for reunions, family gatherings and other types of events.

According to the bond fact sheet, the cafetorium will include retractable auditorium style padded seating, a modern stage, dressing rooms, lighting, sound system and central heat and air.



NEW GYM

Stevens said the new gym is important because Fargo is proud of its sports teams, especially basketball, and a new gym would allow the basketball program to continue to develop and improve.

"Last year our boys made it to the state tournament and our girls are getting better each year, with a new gym we can really show our pride for our teams," Stevens said.

The new gym will provide 700 seats with approximately 1/3 of the seats being stadium style with the backrests, according to the fact sheet.

Also the existing gym will be used as a practice/secondary game facility which will add flexibility to scheduling options for both athletic and academic classes, per the fact sheet.



CHANGES WILL COST A PRETTY PENNY

To generate the $14 million needed to fund the new facilities that have been proposed, Stevens said that ad valorem taxes will increase by 29.97 percent across the district and could fluctuate depending upon property values.

The superintendent said that, at present, the vast majority of property taxes paid to support the Fargo School District come from "out of district" property owners, with the biggest percentage coming from energy companies, railroad and public utilities.

The district is also looking to take advantage of cost savings where it can, he said.

According to Stevens, cost efficiencies will take place by utilizing a common lobby area and one set of main restrooms to serve the gym, cafetorium and classrooms and by placing the new facilities on existing school property.

"I'm a firm believer in discipline, which most of the kids here will tell you that I'm strict, but I feel like we are doing good things here in Fargo and want to see the school and community grow and with this bond, those things will be possible," Stevens said.

For questions or concerns about the proposed bond issue, contact any Fargo School Board member or call Terry Stevens at (580) 698-2298.