Guthrie Public Schools releases timeline following successful election

If estimated plans for Guthrie Public Schools stay true the new elementary school will set to begin construction in January 2017. In the meantime, other projects are expected to begin this November.

On the two week anniversary of the largest successful bond issue passage in the history of Guthrie Public Schools, leaders from the district are pleased to reveal an estimated timeline of events.

“This timeline is obviously an estimate based on many variables including weather. As we’ve seen from just the last few days, weather in our state can be very unpredictable, especially when you are forecasting in some cases three years in advance,” Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson said.

Simpson says the timeline will detail what happens next in the progression including dates of bond sales as well as construction and when district patrons can expect the change in their property taxes.

“The property tax increase is still well below the last bond issue that expired in 2012. The projects followed the recommendations of the Long Range Planning Committee which toured GPS buildings and other school districts over several months during the 2012-‐2013 school year,” Simpson said.

The timeline calls for work on Phase I to begin in October or November of this year with roof replacements at Central, Fogarty and the Upper Elementary Schools. The remainder of Phase I includes new windows, heat and air conditioning units and external masonry work at Central Elementary.

“Portions of Phase I will be completed while the buildings are occupied. Our architects welcomed the challenge in order to produce a better environment for our students as soon as possible,” Simpson added.

Phase II includes a new Elementary School constructed on land the district recently purchased near the intersection of Charter Oak Road and Douglas Boulevard. Construction is expected to begin in January of 2017 with an estimated completion in the Fall of 2018. The new school is expected to accommodate up to 500 students in the fastest growing region of the school district.

Phase III renovations are expected to begin in the Spring/Summer of 2018 and include complete reworking of the heating and air conditioning system in the central portion of the High School along with Phase I of the Junior High restoration.

On May 12 voters of the school district approved a $16.2 million bond issue by the largest margin since 1977. Almost a third of eligible voters participated in the election and approved the issue by almost 77 percent.

“We understand the trust that has been placed upon us by our district patrons. Consequently, we want to show it was well earned by open and frequent communication as these projects progress,” Simpson concluded with.

Guthrie Public Schools — 2015 Bond Issue Project Timeline

July 13, 2015 — Series I Bond Sale $2 million

August 20, 2015 — $2 million in bond funds become available for GPS

Early September, 2015 — Open sealed bids for Phase I

Mid-‐September, 2015 — Accept bids at regular meeting of Board of Education

October/November, 2015 Begin Phase I

April/May, 2016 — Stakeholder input on Southern Elementary School Design/Development

Summer, 2016 — Phase I completed

July, 2016 — Series II Bond Sale $11.5 million

August, 2016 — $11.5 million in bond funds become available for GPS

November, 2016 — First Property Tax Statements with increased millage are sent out

December, 2016 — Open and accept bids for Southern Elementary School