Hilldale and Fort Gibson boards of education are expected to vote Monday on two potential bond issues for March.

Hilldale Superintendent Dr. Kaylin Coody said Hilldale’s bond issue could be for $6.4 million. The board is scheduled to hear a presentation from bond consultant Jordan Smith on finance options related to the issuance of general obligation bonds in the school district.

Hilldale’s bond election could include new, expanded or renovated kitchens and lunch rooms at each school, Coody said.

“It also could improve improvements for traffic flow, particularly at the elementary school,” she said. “It could also include additional classrooms. We’ll see whatever else we can squeeze in.”

Coody said she does not expect new buildings, such as a new high school, would be included in this bond election. She also does not expect buses or other transportation needs to be addressed. The district is trying to fund technology improvements out of its general fund, she said.

The proposed bond issue projects are the result of several community meetings the district has held, Coody said.

The bond issue, if approved, would result in a property tax rate increase, but Coody said she does not know how much it would be until the school gets the latest tax information.

Fort Gibson’s bond election would be for about $5.48 million, said Fort Gibson Superintendent Derald Glover.

He said the election would be set for March 5.

The Fort Gibson board also is to consider the firm of Stephen H. McDonald & Associates as the district’s financial consultant.

At an earlier meeting, board members studied a list of 33 items totaling $5.48 million that could go into the bond issue.

More than $1.1 million of the bond issue could go to technology. New roofs at the Early Learning Center and high school also could be included.

Other potential items could be a new entry gate for the football stadium, new science labs, new school buses, plus new instruments, uniforms and lockers for the band.

Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com.

If you go



WHAT: Hilldale Board of Education meeting.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday.

WHERE: High school/middle school media center, 400 Smith Ferry Road.

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WHAT: Fort Gibson Board of Education meeting.

WHEN:  6 p.m. Monday.

WHERE: Fort Gibson Administration Building, 500 S. Ross, Fort Gibson.