Two Okmulgee County school districts, Wilson and Preston, are set to hold special bond elections on February 11, 2025, to address significant infrastructure needs. Both districts have outlined detailed plans to enhance their facilities and are seeking voter approval to fund these projects.

— WPS Bond Proposal The Wilson Board of Education, during a special meeting on December 3, 2024, approved a resolution to call a bond election for $540,000. The funds will be dedicated to constructing and improving the district’s sports complex. The proposition requires a three-fifths majority to pass.

Ballot Language:

• Shall Independent School District Number 7 of Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, incur an indebtedness by issuing its bonds in the sum of $540,000 to provide funds for constructing, equipping, repairing, and remodeling school buildings, acquiring school furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and acquiring and improving school sites, and levy and collect an annual tax upon all the taxable property in such District sufficient to pay the interest on such bonds as it falls due and to constitute a sinking fund for the payment of the principal thereof when due?

If approved, this bond will allow Wilson Public Schools to modernize its athletic facilities, providing better resources for students and community events.

The bond will be repaid through an annual tax levy on taxable property in the district, with interest rates capped at 10% per year and repayment scheduled within ten years.

— PPS Bond Proposal Preston Public Schools also approved a bond election during a special meeting on December 10, 2024. The district is seeking $2,750,000 to fund the construction of a classroom/storm shelter building at the high school, as well as to improve and remodel other school facilities. This proposal also requires a three-fifths majority for approval.

— Ballot Language:

• Shall Independent School District Number 5 of Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, incur an indebtedness by issuing its bonds in the sum of $2,750,000 to provide funds for constructing, furnishing, equipping, and/or acquiring a classroom/storm shelter building at the High School, constructing, equipping, repairing, and remodeling school buildings, acquiring school furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and acquiring and improving school sites, and levy and collect an annual tax upon all the taxable property in such District sufficient to pay the interest on such bonds as it falls due and to constitute a sinking fund for the payment of the principal thereof when due?

The funds will be allocated to:

• Construct and furnish a classroom and storm shelter building at the high school.

• Repair, remodel, and equip school buildings.

• Acquire school furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

• Improve school sites. This bond also requires an annual tax levy for repayment, with a maximum interest rate of 10% and a ten-year repayment schedule.

— Election Details

The elections for both districts will take place on February 11, 2025. Polling locations and hours will be determined by the Okmulgee County Election Board. Voters are encouraged to participate and decide on these critical measures, which aim to enhance educational and community resources.