Lawton Public Schools

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Lawton, OK: With the passing of the 2014 bond proposal, Lawton Public Schools made a promise to the citizens of Lawton that led to the establishment of the first-ever LPS Bond Oversight Committee (BOC). The committee comprised of community members and school volunteers meets bi-annually –twice a year.\r\n

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 “The purpose of the committee is to verify that the district is spending both bond and sales tax funds as described in the ballots and as communicated by the school district,” said Dr. Tom Deighan, LPS Superintendent. \r\n

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With the passing of the 2017 Lawton Can: Student Investment Program Bond in November, the committee had its first review of the report covering the new bond funds on May 7, 2018. \r\n

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“It is exciting to see the progress of all the projects that are enhancing the education experience of the students and staff,” said Brian Henry, Co-Chair of the BOC Committee. “I feel like I get to watch the projects go from paper to reality.”\r\n

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The district currently has a number of simultaneous projects taking place with the replacement of Eisenhower Middle School, construction of seven functional safe rooms, HVAC, window replacements and fencing. In addition, the district is adopting three core subject textbooks – Math, Science and Social Studies. The committee adds an additional level of transparency between the district and the community. \r\n

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“I take my role on the BOC very serious, we are the community’s “eyes and ears” on the bond purpose fulfillment,” said Henry.\r\n

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“We could not do it without the help of our community volunteers,” said Deighan. “They are making sure we are following both the letter and spirit of the proposals.”\r\n

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At the end of each BOC meeting, the committee completes a report for the superintendent to present at the Board of Education meetings. To date, the district has received the BOC’s approval for expenditures along with some suggestions to consider. Stay up-to-date with current and upcoming bond and sales tax projects by visiting the Lawton Can SIP page at http://www.lawtonps.org/lawton-sip-2017.\r\n