Massive renovation work at Ponca City High School is proposed in the Oct. 12 bond project that Ponca City voters will decide on in just a few days. One of the projects is building a new state-of-the-art STEM space in the current Anderson Building.

The Homer S. Anderson Building was built in 1961. It was remodeled in 1999 for about $500,000. A new chiller was also added to the building for approximately $65,000 in 2014.

With a focus on college and career readiness, the Anderson STEM space is intended to marry a cutting-edge approach to physical layout construction and design with a researched, proven curriculum that will make academic offerings more adept at creating students who are more workforce and college ready.

Proposed plans for this facility include:

• The MakerSpace in the Anderson building will allow for more rigorous and robust courses in robotics, 3D printing and design, computer science, engineering, digital electronics, aerospace and other STEM-related curriculum.

• In addition, a new firstfloor counseling area will create new efficiencies for staff to better meet the needs of students. Counselors also need the space to help ensure the district meets the challenge posed in a post COVID world.

• Replace HVAC systems

• New flooring, wall systems, windows, window systems

• Elevator addition (ADA compatibility)

• Expose concrete structure, mechanical systems throughout the upper level

• Moving counselors to a lower level with more office space, natural light, secure entrance

Additional work is also planned in the Howell/MSB/ Commons area at the high school. This project will preserve the high school’s history, charm and beauty while making it feel clean, modern and fresh. The entire high school will undergo incredible remodel that updates ancient plumbing systems, dated electrical and creates a more efficient space for administrators, teachers and students.

• Remodel and expand administration offices

• Remodel all the restrooms in the Howell building from the 90s

• Remodel historic doors to make them more intruder resistant and maintaining their historic look

• Repair, refinish all wood wainscoting trim in main corridors and stairs of Howell

• Install blackout shades in the common areas

• Polish terrazzo flooring The bond issue is for $49.7 million, plus an additional $10 million of CARES funds, which will allow improvements to the school district and aid in the mitigation and spread of COVID-19.

In addition to plans at the high school, every single school site in the school district will see improvements. Other projects include work at the tennis courts, baseball stadium, softball stadium, new soccer field and an indoor athletic facility. All projects can be viewed on the district’s website at www.pcps.us.

“I am so very excited about this academic opportunity for the students of Ponca City Public Schools. We are in such need of a dedicated STEM academy to help teachers support their students with understanding how the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics impact their world and prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow. STEM education will help us combine these four individual fields of study to create an interdisciplinary way of thinking and creating that lead our students to be innovative and competitive to ensure they are college and career ready. We are working hand-in-hand with our curriculum department to best impart these critical thinking skills and processes not only for our high school students, but for all students. If this proposal passes, new and creative opportunities will open for our students, and these skills will enhance our community for years to come!” said Superintendent Shelley Arrott.

“In the 1990s Ponca City Public Schools vowed to build and maintain state-of-the-art facilities for our students, staff, families, and community while keeping our school sinking fund mill levies EVEN at 22 mills. Since the 1990s, we have been able to do so with the unwavering support from our community, with NO tax increase. The October 12, 2021, proposed bond project, coupled with leveraging our CARES funds to prevent, prepare, and respond to COVID-19, will allow for generational changes for our students and community. While maintaining the lowest sinking fund mill levies in our area and among our peer schools, our students and community are able to benefit from the experiences these outstanding facilities provide with NO tax increase. I am so excited about the possible future benefits for the Ponca City Wildcat and for our wonderful community of Ponca City. Thank you for ‘holding that line’ to enhance the lives of our students!”

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 12. This seven-year bond project will NOT be a tax increase for residents.