Proponents of Purcell’s $19.465 million school bond proposal say there will be no tax increase if the measure is passed August 27.

The improvements to the District are focused on safety, security, Vo-Ag and  other activities.

Plans include:

• A new storm shelter and classrooms at the Elementary School
• Renovations to the Elementary School gym
• A new storm shelter and classrooms at the Intermediate School
• A new competition gym at the Junior High, which will also serve as a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  rated shelter. The shelter will be open to the public after school hours
• A new 82-space parking lot for Junior High and High School use, which will provide a bus loop
• Construction of a new Ag barn, which will include animal stalls and a wash bay, in closer proximity to the schools

With the safety of students always at top of mind for parents, the storm shelters may be the centerpiece of the bond project.

The 2013 tornado which swept through Moore,  specifically the Briarwood and Plaza Towers elementary schools, brought the realization to the public of the need for FEMA storm shelters at school sites.

While the current Junior High has a FEMA shelter on site, across town at the Intermediate and Elementary buildings students and staff don’t have the same protections.

“(Storm shelters) are something we’ve needed, particularly at the Intermediate and Elementary buildings,” said Purcell Schools Superintendent Dr. Sheli McAdoo. “Having FEMA shelters available gives everyone peace of mind.”

McAdoo pointed out the fact that a good number of teachers in the District have kids of their own who attend class in Purcell as well.

“It’s really hard as a teacher to be asked to stay with your class while knowing you have kids in another building without a shelter,” McAdoo said.

With the shelters also doubling as classrooms, it gives school administrators options as the District continues to grow.

“The nice thing with the new shelters is they can double as classrooms, and they don’t have to stick them under ground anymore,” McAdoo said. “We know growth is coming. There are 1,100 requests for water.

“We know it will take a few years for the growth to happen, but we can’t just build at the drop of a hat. We have to have some foresight.”

With the vote being held August 27, the last day to register at the McClain County Election Board is Friday, August 2.

To pass, the proposition  must carry at least 60 percent of the vote.

Purcell schools has a webpage with information on the proposal. It can be found at www.purcellps.org/page/bond.