KPS asking voters to approve bond in special election

Derrick James, McAlester News-Capital, Okla.
·2 min read

Feb. 3—Krebs Public Schools is asking voters to approve a school bond during the Feb. 13 special election to add additional classrooms, a gym, and safe room for the growing school district.

If approved, the bond will be used to add four new classrooms, new restrooms, an additional safe room shelter, and a new elementary PE gym and rec area.

The school says the bond is needed due to the growth of the city of Krebs.

"The city of Krebs is growing," said the district in a handout given to parents and taxpayers during an information meeting held this week at the school. "New housing developments are being planned for our town. Krebs School must grow with it and meet the demand for space for our students."

According to the district, 470 students are currently enrolled with enrollment growing nearly 100 students in the last 10 years while utilizing the same spaces.

"New classroom space would help lower our student-teacher ratio to provide more individualized instruction for all students," the district said. "Need new restrooms to accommodate increased enrollment. Currently multiple grades are using the same restrooms."

KPS says an additional safe room is needed because current enrollment is pushing the capacity limits of 500 in the district's current safe room.

"We have 535 combined students and staff," the district states. "The new safe room would hold 170 students."

The saferoom would be located among the proposed new classrooms and restrooms.

The district says a new gym is needed because not all students "get adequate gym time due to scheduling conflicts."

"A new PE gym would create flexibility in scheduling and could also be used for different events and activities," the district states.

According to the district, the new bond is needed because the district's current bond comes off the books in 2025.

"Need to pass proposal to extend the bond with a minimal tax increase," the district states. "Material and building costs are just going to keep increasing. Need to build now and get the full project approved at one time to save future dollars."

The district states a minimal tax increase of about $4.50 a month for the average property owner will happen if the bond is passed for those who live within the KPS district.

"A yes vote will ensure that all Krebs students, present and future, will be learning and growing in an environment that will accommodate our needs," the district states. "Great schools with great facilities attract future businesses and families."