Keeping students safe: NPS celebrates opening of storm shelters at final school sites

May 10—McKinley and Monroe Elementary Schools held ribbon cuttings Thursday and Friday to officially open new storm shelters for students.

"As stewards of our students' and staff's safety, it is our duty to provide a secure haven that shields them from the unpredictable Oklahoma weather," NPS Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino said. "With the completion of these storm shelters, we not only fulfill our obligation but also reinforce our commitment to safeguarding our school community."

The ribbon cuttings marked the completion of a goal set by the district to install storm shelters at every public school in Norman. Something NPS Associate Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer Justin Milner said was a No. 1 priority.

"Last year, we made a promise to the parents of Monroe and McKinley schools that they would not face another storm season without a storm shelter. I am proud to announce that we have delivered on that promise," Milner said. "These newly opened storm shelters stand as a testament to our unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety of all our students and staff."

The new shelters at McKinley and Monroe are separated into two rooms that can hold the entire student population, but won't stay vacant until a tornado emergency.

"These are wonderful music rooms that are gong to be used every day." Milner said. "Even at McKinley they could probably do a performance in there, So the use is constant. But also in the event of a horrific situation we can get in here and be safe."

McKinley Elementary School principal Carol Emerson said the shelter goes a long way to making the students and teachers feel safe. Something she says is important to everyone at the school.

"We've already had the kids in here practicing," Emerson said. "We can actually get in here with all of their belongings, so it is just amazing."

Emerson says the new shelters make the process of keeping students safe less chaotic and give the staff the ability to keep things more manageable.

"Before we were in all of the bathrooms, so that meant that I had kids all over the building," Emerson said. "We have a very good system to make sure we know where every child is all of the time, but to have the kids in two central places is amazing; to know we can close the doors and totally be safe is one thing that is a dream for me."

The project was part of a school bond approved by voters in February 2019, which called from significant investment in the safely and security of students, and also included interior and exterior door enhancements, protective window film, security camera and alarm system upgrades, perimeter security and health services equipment. Several schools also received multi-classroom additions, library renovations and parking improvements. Fine Arts was also a part of the proposal, with many schools receiving new or upgraded facilities for music, band and visual arts programs.The total bond proposal called for an investment of $186 million over six years.

NPS is also working with CWA Group on the 2023 bond project. McKinley and Monroe were the first to be approved for renovations under the 2023 bond project, which was passed in February 2023.

McKinley additions will include more classrooms and restrooms, a breezeway connection corridor, and renovations to restrooms and parking lots. Monroe additions will include several new classrooms, a library enclosure and updates to its restrooms and parking lots.

"Nothing brings you more pleasure to know that we have delivered on a promise to the community," Milner said. "We've delivered on a promise to parents, so it's a great joy for all of us to be able to know we have accomplished that. I can't express our appreciation enough of the bond passage and for our taxpayers that payed for it."