Unofficially, Texhoma Bond passes

August 28, 2012

TEXHOMA, Okla. — The second time appears to be the charm for Texhoma students.
Unofficial results from Tuesday’s bond election show 61.8 percent of Texhoma voters approved the 12-year series of bonds in the amount of $4.725 million by a vote of 241-149.
The Texas County Election Board said there were five provisional votes, but those would still allow the bond to pass even if counted as “no.”
The results are unofficial until certified by the Election Board on Friday.
Texhoma school officials and residents were breathing a sigh of relief Tuesday night once they learned the results of the election — which failed earlier in the year when it didn’t have a 60 percent majority vote.
“It’s a very positive development and a step forward,” said school board member John Nye. “This is going to be a very positive thing for 300-400 kids for the next 30 years.
“It’s the best present we could give our students and our future students. It’s just a wonderful thing.”
The largest amount — $1,098,625 — will be spent on Texhoma High School, which was built in 1950. Renovations include five new classrooms including a science lab, new rest rooms meeting handicap requirements, and an improved entrance with signage.
The gymnasium will get an upgrade, as $785,000 will go toward the new gym, built in 1978. A number of facility improvements are directed toward code requirements with the expansion of the lobby and moving the concessions to the first floor, adding new and larger rest rooms, updating coaches’ offices and locker rooms, and putting in new seating for the home side.
Other improvements include:
•$578,000 for the football stadium area with a new home grandstand and press box, and improved concessions and rest rooms;
•$315,620 for the old gym built in 1950. Plans are to replace the faulty roof and provide interior improvements to the coaches’ offices and locker rooms;
•$268,275 for the Auditorium built in 1963, adding new HVAC and lighting and sound equipment;
•$148,735 for an interior remodel of the middle school, constructed in 1963, including restroom improvements, updating of all flooring and finishes, and a more visible entrance with signage;
•$126,180 will improve the Ag Ed building built in 1961, including interior renovations and significant code upgrades to the electrical system;
•$120,000 will be placed toward technology, purchasing students iPads or laptops and provide the school with the needed server upgrades;
•$114,815 to remove the old middle school building built in 1935 due to safety concerns for the students and allow planning for future growth;
•$62,915 will be spent on interior renovations to the Band Hall that was constructed in 1957.