It’s back to the drawing board for Ardmore City Schools.
A bond proposal, which would have funded a new high school and additional facilities such as a multipurpose gym and athletic facility, was rejected by the voters.
Unofficial results showed that only 1,702 voters in the school district voted with 823 (48.35%) in support and 879 (51.65%) against the bond. A supermajority of 60% was required for the bond to be approved. Results of the election become official at 5 p.m., Friday.
“We appreciate and commend those who took the time to participate in the voting process,” Ardmore Superintendent Andy Davis said. “Regardless of how individuals vote, every voice matters, and we are grateful for those who engage in this important civic duty.”
Tuesday evening, the district released a statement in which it thanked those who supported the bond. It also discussed the district’s plans for moving forward.
“We want to thank every student, parent, staff member and community member who learned about the district’s needs and shared the information with others. We plan to soon bring the community to the table again to determine the best move forward to provide Ardmore students with the resources and facilities they need to be successful – today and in the future.”
Wednesday morning, Davis said that based on feedback during the campaign, voters felt the district’s request was too high.
“Unfortunately, in today’s economic climate, the total bond amount of $144.88 million would have provided Ardmore City Schools with approximately $86 million for construction, with the remaining cost attributed to interest,” Davis said. “Moving forward, we will revisit our plan and make adjustments to ensure we are doing what is best for our students and community.”
That plan includes an evaluation of current strategies and determining the necessary adjustments. Davis said the process will become clearer after meeting with the board of education to revisit the plan and outline the best path forward.
“We refuse to give up on Ardmore City Schools students and their education,” he said.
During the bond campaign, the district emphasized infrastructure and security concerns at the high school. Davis said the district is fortunate to have dedicated staff who are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. He said there are effective plans in place and the district recognizes the importance of reassessing and strengthening them for long-term sustainability.
“Safety will always be our top priority,” he said. “In terms of infrastructure, we remain focused on addressing and maintaining necessary improvements to create the best possible learning environment for our students.”
