2023 Bond - Frequently Asked Questions
We'll continue to update the FAQ page until the election day so please check back often
Who can vote? Where do I vote?
Anyone who lives in the Dewey School District and is registered with the appropriate County Election Board by March 10, 2023 is eligible to vote on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
In person voting will take place at your assigned polling location.
How can I vote early?
EARLY VOTING is available on March 30 & March 31 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
(no absentee ballots are needed)
Early voting location will be at City Hall at 401 S. Johnstone in Bartlesville.
ABSENTEE BALLOTS. The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is March 20 at 5:00 PM. Absentee ballots must be received by mail at the county election board on or before April 4.
Didn’t schools get a lot of federal funding because of COVID-19?
Dewey Schools received funding over the last 3 years for the purpose of preparing for or responding to COVID-19. These funds allowed the district to purchase additional curricular resources and pay staff for additional teaching duties to support student learning loss. The district was also allowed to complete several necessary campus enhancements that would have typically been addressed by future bond proposals. HVAC replacement, window/door and roof replacement/repairs and buses are a few of the projects that were able to be eliminated from bond proposal consideration due to the utilization of federal funds.
What kind of roof at the Elementary School is being planned?
The roof structure will remain as a flat roof. New roof material options to include full tear off and replacement of roofing material (TPO or PVC single ply system) and/or liquid application to seal and cover existing roofing materials. Option(s) selected will be determined by current roof and deck material conditions, longevity of roofing option, and budget.
How many parking spaces are expected to be available in the new parking lot?
Approximately 300 parking spaces, including physically disabled parking, are being planned but final count will be determined by the budget. It is in the plans for the parking lot to be lighted.
What options are being considered for the interior ceiling in the High School Gym?
The current ceiling is made of acoustic drop tiles that are in need of replacement. We are considering 2 primary options:
- Remove the current ceiling tiles and replace with new acoustic drop tiles similar to those currently installed.
- Remove the current ceiling tiles and instead of replacing them, expose and paint the roof’s structural pieces and interior metal decking to create a different interior ceiling design.
Selection of style will be determined by the budget.
What kind of spectator seating is planned for the High School Gym?
Plan includes the removal of all current aluminum seating to be replaced by plastic seating throughout and to include sections of chairback seating. Number and style of chairback seats will be determined by the spacing specifications and budget.
Will this bond proposal cause a tax increase?
Yes. While this proposal will replace the retiring bonds from the 2013 bond issue, several factors have contributed to the cost of these projects to be much higher than the projects in 2013. The cost of this proposal will lead to a first year property tax increase of approximately 5.59%. This means that for every $100 of property tax you pay, your property tax will increase by approximately $5.59 in 2023-2024. You can view your current property tax payment by visiting Washington County Treasurer.
When comparing the Dewey community’s investment in the school to other communities in the region, we are in the bottom 40%. With passage of this proposal, this new community investment into the school will rise to the upper third. Additionally, we continue to see increased community investments in school districts in our region with the passage of several recent bond issues.