Vote Today -- MAPS For Kids

Posted in Oklahoma News on November 13, 2001

Today, Oklahoma City voters will go to the polls to vote on one or two (depending on where you live) proposals concerning school funding. One is a standard bond proposal, the other is the more controversial sales tax proposal. Click the “Read More…” link below to learn a little more about this issue, comment on this story to let us know how you feel about it, and go vote. Ok, you don’t have to do it in that order, but wouldn’t you feel better about yourself if you did? :-) Update: Both proposals passed with about 61% of the vote.

The sales tax proposal will raise city sales tax by $0.005 until 2003, then by $0.01 until 2009. The money will help fund Project KIDS — a long term set of goals to improve Oklahoma City schools.

Although it’s hard to argue with any initiative to improve schools, there is some controversy surrounding this proposal. First, there are those who claim this is unconstitutional — the state is supposed to fund schools, not the city. There is also the issue of closing schools. This money will be used to fund the building of seven new schools, along with the remodeling and/or rebuilding of various buildings for various schools. Twenty-one schools, however, will be completely shut down. How will that affect the students and their families?

What pros and cons do you see with the proposed MAPS for Kids?