Enid Public Schools has acquired land for a new, northwest-side elementary school at no cost to the district.
After an executive session, Board of Education members Monday night returned to open session and voted to approve a memorandum of understanding for the acceptance of donated property for the construction of the new elementary school.
“This is an exciting day for Enid Public Schools,” said Superintendent Shawn Hime. “The first new piece of property for a new school.”
The land has been donated by Prairie Development, LLC, a company owned by Cummins Construction. The 22.96 acres is located near the 5000 block of West Willow, east of Garland Road and west of the Country Club North housing addition.
Hime said the land is sufficient to build the school, playground and parking with room to spare.
“No chance of feeling land-locked on 23 acres,” he said.
The new school will be funded by the $99 million bond issue that passed in February.
“We appreciate the support and commitment of Prairie Development, LLC,” Hime said. “Their contribution will not only ensure a prime location for the new school, it will also allow the district to maximize the dollars we have for construction. This is excellent news for our district, our students and Enid residents.”
The elementary school to be built on Willow is one of two new elementary schools to be constructed as part of the bond issue. Garfield Elementary School, currently located on East Broadway, will be replaced with a new school at a new location.
Plans for the design and construction of the new Garfield are under way, and the most probable location for the new school will be at 600 E. Elm, the current location of the National Guard Armory.
“We’re still working on getting the proper documentation from the city and from the Department of Military,” said Hime.
The basic design of the new Garfield has been chosen. The front of the school will face east and a public entrance in the back of the school for evening events will feature an entry way between the cafeteria and the gymnasium. The school also will have a drop-off/pick-up zone for parents taking their children to and from school.
The next regular board meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the central office, 500 S. Independence. During that meeting the board will vote to file for board elections. Offices 2 and 5 will become vacant in February. Molly Helm currently holds the Office 2 seat, and Taylor Branstetter holds the Office 5 seat. Helm said she plans to run again.