The Norman Public Schools Board of Education adopted a resolution on two general bonds and approved the purchase of a new fine arts center during its Monday meeting.
The board adopted a resolution providing for the issuance of a $58.5 million general obligation combined purpose bond and a $4.6 million general obligation building bond.
These bonds are part of a nearly $354 million bond proposal in 2023 and will provide funds to improve or acquire school sites, repair and remodel school buildings and acquire school furniture and equipment.
This project includes the expansion of Norman North High School football stadium, an Oklahoma Aviation Academy Facility and an additional district performing arts auditorium.
The board confirmed the purchase of the 3801 Journey Parkway facility for a new fine arts center, where the Fellowship Church used to be.
Justin Milner, associate superintendent and chief operating officer, said the purpose of this purchase is to use the facility as the new district auditorium, instead of waiting on construction.
“We were able to tour the facility,” Milner said. “It also includes most of what the fine art stakeholders are looking for.”
Milner said the formerly proposed construction site would be 19,000 square feet with 800 seats and 50 parking spots, while the Journey Parkway facility has 60,000 square feet, 1,600 seats and 500 parking spots.
The new facility will also be cheaper, Milner said. While the proposed budget for the construction was around $18 million, the facility will cost $12.5 million.
“With your approval, we will be able to deliver a project that’s three times larger than the size of what we’re able to build,” Milner said. “Instead of waiting 12 to 18 months for construction … we believe we can host performances this fall of 2024.”
Holly McKinney, executive director of teaching and learning, presented the 2024 NPS summer programs.
McKinney presented the Summer Enrichment Program, which goes from pre-k to 12th grade. She said this will give opportunity to students to do summer activities, field trips and, in the case of high school students, a STEAM camp in a specific area of interest.
While the enrichment program doesn’t supply transportation, it does offer enrollment to the reduced-meals program, McKinney said.
These enrichment programs will also be done at Norman North.
McKinney said these programs will be open for enrollment the first week of March.
After coming back from the executive session, the board approved the renewal of the employment contract of Migliorino for the period of July 2024 through June 30, 2027.
This story was edited by Peggy Dodd and Anusha Fathepure. Lily Grace Battles and Avery Avery copy edited this story.
