EDITORIAL: Enid, Woodward voters step up to bolster school districts

Enid Public School and Woodward Public School patrons deserve a big pat on the back for stepping up and supporting bond issues in their communities that were approved Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

It’s never easy for many people to voluntarily tax themselves, but when it’s for the greater good we are happy to see that voters did the right thing.

In Enid, voters approved two measures totaling $10.8 million.

Proposition 1 was for $8.1 million for safety and security and technology. It passed 2,310-1,076, or 68.22% in favor. Proposition 2 was for $2.7 million for transportation. It passed 2,331-1,059, or 68,76% in favor.

Both bond issues are for nine years. A series of $1.2 million bonds will be yearly for the next nine years, with $700,000 targeted for technology, $200,000 for security and $300,000 for transportation.

In Woodward, voters were even more emphatic.

A $5 million bond for transportation passed 1,123-110, or 91.08% in favor.

In Oklahoma, school bond issues require a 60% supermajority to pass, so both districts saw overwhelming support.

Nothing in either Enid or Woodward can be seen as remotely frivolous. The needs for technology, safety and transportation are real, and they are much needed. Voters recognized that and acted accordingly.

Officials in both school districts did a great job explaining the issues, and voters did a great job of making sure the needs will be met.