School Projects in Phase 2; Bond Sale set for January

A Jan. 26, 2024 date has been set for the $1,200,000 bond sale for Marlow Public School District. The board of education members approved the sale at Monday's meeting. "The sale of the bonds will continue to occur as we spend down funds," said Superintendent Corey Holland. "We have to sell more until we raised and, at completion of the bond project, spend all the funds."

In February 2022, Marlow voters approved a $34M bond proposal for major improvements to the school campuses. Among those improvements - FEMA approved Safe Rooms (buildings) at both the middle and high school campuses, a performing arts center at the high school campus, more high school classrooms, concession and bathroom improvements at Outlaw Stadium, a new wrestling facility and more.

"I'm hoping we get some competitive rates so we can maximize our revenue to finish the projects," said Holland. He outlined the project in his October 26 column published in The Review. The bond project has three phases: 1 - Saferooms and Wrestling Facility; 2 - High School classrooms and Performing Arts Center; 3 - Fieldhouse and Football Stadium concession and restrooms. The bond and FEMA revenue included a $25.3 million budget to complete all projects. The budget revenue is $1.8 million less than originally anticipated during the proposal.

Holland said this is because of the increase in interest rates, plus massive increases in construction costs resulting from the impact of COVID pandemic economy. To adjust for the $2 million overage, adjustments were made to cut costs without sacrificing the integrity of the projects. These changes have helped save more than $2 million in construction costs.

Phase 2 has started and has a $14.7 million budget.

In July 2022, Senate Bill 783 became law, affecting transfer policies for students. Board members approved the 3Q Capacity, related to this new law. "Each quarter we update what our availability is at each grade level to accept transfers. Currently we are at capacity in all grades except 12th grade, so this information lets anyone who may want to transfer know we are still at capacity. In rare cases, as the school year goes on, we could have enough students leave that may drop a grade below capacity. By doing this quarterly, we are just being more transparent to our community," Holland said. The district office has a form that provides more information regarding this law, including Marlow's transfer capacity by grade and transfer availability openings.

In executive session, Holland's annual evaluation took place, which provides the board to give him feedback on his role as superintendent.

School Resource Officer Ronnie Branch submitted a written request to establish a new activity account for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (D.A.R.E.), to help track funds used for the program and other SRO-related programs.

"Officer Branch has been a fantastic addition. He, along with the entire Marlow Police and Fire Departments are assets to our district and community," Holland said.

In other business, the resignation (retirement) letter of Linda Lessig, effective Nov. 30, was accepted. Lessig was the cafeteria cashier and had worked for the district for 17 (1/2) years. An individual was hired at the start of the school year and has been trained in that position.

Requests from both the wrestling and baseball programs for out-of-state travel to tournaments were approved. Marlow wrestlers will be attending tournaments on Dec. 15-16 to Harrisonville, MO, and Dec. 23 to Kansas City, MO. Marlow Baseball Team will be in tournament games March 17-20, 2024 (Spring Break) in Texas.

*Note: Holland's column is available on our website (no charge to read) and we have limited copies of back editions to purchase that are available in our office.