Enid has a lot to boast about these past few weeks. First, the community steps up and makes a commitment to education by passing a $99.5 million bond issue.
And now, local families and businesses have stepped up to announce their private donations to the capital improvements of Enid’s school facilities. With the private donations of $3.4 million total, Enid can proudly point to a renewed commitment and investment in education.
The timing of such a commitment is critical. While the state and nation struggle with economic tough times, Enid has gone ahead and said it will work toward bettering its schools.
The voter approval on Feb. 9 was key. Before private donors could commit their dollars, they needed to see if the community at large was serious about working toward making major improvements to our educational infrastructure. This voter approval set in motion the possibility for these families to make their own commitments.
The dollars these families are adding to the capital investment fund helps keep Enid’s mill levy at the desired level of 25 mills. Now, Enid will see about $103 million new improvements for the district.
The public-private partnership shows Enid is on the move when it comes to economic development. The fact local businesses also are investing in the school districts shows Enid leaders “get” the very real connection between high quality education and business and job growth.
Having success stories to tell makes a difference in community morale and also in developing new contacts and new business growth. We are sowing the seeds of success with these capital improvements for schools.