Two school bond propositions totaling $9.3 million were approved by Stratford voters during a special election Tuesday. Both propositions passed by more than 80%, according to unofficial election results posted Tuesday night.
The first proposition, for $8.82 million to be used for projects including construction of a new elementary classroom building and updating auditorium seating, passed 246 to 51, with 82.83% of voters casting ballots in favor of the bond issue.
A second proposition for $500,000 to fund additional school buses for the district passed 243 to 55, with 81.54% of voters approving that proposition.
Stratford Superintendent Michael Blackburn released a statement on social media Tuesday evening thanking voters in the district on behalf of the district’s administration and board of education for their “overwhelming” support of the propositions.
“We are fortunate to live in a wonderful community with incredible students and dedicated staff. Your consistent support of our schools and students is something we deeply appreciate,” Blackburn said. “We recognize the great responsibility entrusted to us to provide our students with the best education and experience possible and we do not take that responsibility lightly. We are excited to move forward with these projects, and we know they would not be possible without your commitment and generosity.”
According to voter registration numbers available from the Oklahoma State Election Board, which show just over 2,300 voters in Garvin, McClain and Pontotoc counties who are registered to vote in the Stratford School District, the nearly 300 votes cast in Tuesday’s election represent a voter turnout of around 12.5%.
Tuesday’s election results are considered unofficial until certified by the county election board. That is expected to happen after 5 p.m. Friday.