Guthrie Public Schools passes $45 million bond issue with overwhelming support

Guthrie Public Schools successfully passed their third consecutive bond issue since 2015, securing a decisive victory with over 70% of the vote in Tuesday night’s election.

With nearly 4,000 votes cast, the $45 million bond measure was approved by 72.23% of voters, Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson expressed his gratitude in a statement, saying, “This is the largest bond issue ever approved by our district and comes with a very high percentage of approval.”

A total of 2,734 voters supported the bond, while 1,051 opposed it. Remarkably, not one of the 26 precincts voted against the measure.

“Over the past nine years, we have consistently shown a commitment to keeping our promises to the community regarding their money,” Simpson said. “Today, our community once again demonstrated their trust in us to provide a quality education with the resources we’ve requested from our taxpayers. Our teachers and staff continue to prioritize our students, and we can now take the next step in providing our community with essential facility improvements.”

The bond’s passage will enable the district to add classrooms to Charter Oak Elementary and Cotteral Elementary in 2025, build a wrestling room addition at the high school in 2026, construct a new elementary school project set for 2029, and address technology, safety, and parking lot needs.

Since 2015, voters have now approved $80 million plus in bonds, culminating in the construction of three eventual elementary schools.

“Just as in 2015 and 2019, we don’t take the community’s trust lightly,” Simpson added. “We must continue to be mindful of our obligation to the community to prove that the trust we’ve earned is deserved. Tonight, we celebrate success and express our gratitude to everyone who supported our children today. In the end, our kids and community won again.”

Simpson also extended his thanks to the community for their overwhelming support. “It is truly humbling to think of how much work has gone into this effort. I want to publicly thank Kristal Flury and Nick O’Connell, who captained the ‘Yes’ team,” the superintendent said. “Watching our students, teachers, and parents on the streets today promoting the vote shows that this was truly a community coming together once again.”