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McAlester Voters to Consider $4.7M Bond for STEM & Safety

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. oters-to-consider-4-7m-bond-for-stem-safety.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 17:18 GMT by Fox 23
      Locale: Oklahoma, UNITED STATES

MCALESTER, Okla. - On February 12th, voters in McAlester will be asked to consider a $4.7 million bond issue that promises to significantly enhance educational opportunities for students and dramatically improve their safety during severe weather events. The proposal, spearheaded by McAlester Public Schools, focuses on the construction of a cutting-edge STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) facility at the high school, coupled with a comprehensive safe room designed to protect the entire student body.

Superintendent Brian Newby emphasizes the transformative potential of this bond issue, stating, "This is a tremendous opportunity for our students. The STEM facility will provide hands-on learning experiences, preparing them for future careers. The safe room will offer a secure space during severe weather." This sentiment reflects a growing national trend prioritizing STEM education as a crucial component of preparing students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce, and acknowledging the very real risks posed by Oklahoma's often volatile weather.

The proposed STEM facility isn't just about adding another building to the high school campus; it's about fundamentally reshaping the learning experience. Details released by school officials indicate a facility designed to foster collaborative, project-based learning. The plans include dedicated labs equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, flexible classrooms adaptable to various teaching methods, and a dedicated project space encouraging innovation and hands-on application of knowledge. This approach moves away from traditional lecture-based learning toward a more immersive, experiential model proven to increase student engagement and retention.

Oklahoma, like many states, is facing a growing need for skilled workers in STEM fields. Industries ranging from aerospace and energy to healthcare and advanced manufacturing are actively seeking graduates with strong backgrounds in these disciplines. By investing in a dedicated STEM facility, McAlester Public Schools is directly addressing this need, ensuring that its students are well-equipped to compete for high-demand jobs both within Oklahoma and beyond. The facility aims to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, giving students the practical skills and critical thinking abilities employers are looking for.

However, the bond isn't solely focused on future careers. The inclusion of a comprehensive safe room addresses a critical safety concern for the McAlester community. Oklahoma is located in a region prone to tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and other extreme weather events. The proposed safe room, designed to accommodate the entire high school student body, would provide a secure shelter during these emergencies, offering peace of mind to parents and staff. This isn't merely a precautionary measure; it's a proactive step toward ensuring the wellbeing of students in a state where severe weather is a recurring threat. Existing facilities often lack the capacity to adequately protect all students during a major weather event, forcing administrators to make difficult decisions about where and how to shelter in place.

Importantly, school officials have assured voters that the bond issue will not necessitate an increase in the current property tax rate. This is achieved through careful financial planning and the strategic phasing of debt repayment. This commitment to fiscal responsibility is a key factor in garnering community support for the project. The school district has highlighted its efforts to minimize the financial impact on taxpayers while maximizing the benefits for students.

Early voting is currently underway, from February 5th to 11th, at the Pittsburg County Election Board. This provides voters with a convenient opportunity to cast their ballots before the official election date of February 12th. School officials are encouraging all eligible voters to participate in the election and make their voices heard.

For those seeking more information about the bond issue, including detailed project plans and financial breakdowns, the McAlester Public Schools website ([ https://www.mcalesterps.org/ ]) serves as a comprehensive resource. The website provides answers to frequently asked questions and allows community members to stay informed about this crucial investment in McAlester's future.