State board discusses mixed local results for technology center annexations; Johnston County measure failed, Bush County area approved
February 01, 2024 | CareerTech, Executive, Oklahoma
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Unidentified Speaker (S2) told the board the meeting packet includes the results of June 13, 2023 elections on whether portions of local school districts should join technology center districts. One measure in Johnston County failed, the speaker said, while a separate Bush County measure passed and now requires state board ratification to become part of the regional technology center district.
Why the Johnston County measure failed was not fully known, board members and staff said. Unidentified Speaker (S2) and others pointed to local newspaper coverage emphasizing potential increases in property taxes as a likely factor behind opposition. “Increasing property taxes, which is what it takes,” S2 said when describing the community’s concerns.
Board members noted local schools in some communities already offer programs such as HVAC and wood shop, which may have reduced perceived benefits of joining a technology center district. S2 said agency staff met with local leaders and held community forums, but that limited community engagement and the tax narrative may have reduced support.
The board also discussed a separate Bush County vote that passed; S2 said that successful annexation covers an area served by the same regional technology center (referred to in the packet with several variant spellings). The board must take formal ratification action at the state level to complete that annexation process.
No formal board action was taken on the Johnston County result because the local electorate voted against joining, and the agenda listed the item as discussion only. The state board will proceed with ratifying the Bush County annexation as required by the district formation process and the board’s rules.
Next steps: the board indicated staff will prepare the ratification paperwork for the passed Bush County annexation and will continue outreach and information efforts in communities considering joining a technology center district.
Why the Johnston County measure failed was not fully known, board members and staff said. Unidentified Speaker (S2) and others pointed to local newspaper coverage emphasizing potential increases in property taxes as a likely factor behind opposition. “Increasing property taxes, which is what it takes,” S2 said when describing the community’s concerns.
Board members noted local schools in some communities already offer programs such as HVAC and wood shop, which may have reduced perceived benefits of joining a technology center district. S2 said agency staff met with local leaders and held community forums, but that limited community engagement and the tax narrative may have reduced support.
The board also discussed a separate Bush County vote that passed; S2 said that successful annexation covers an area served by the same regional technology center (referred to in the packet with several variant spellings). The board must take formal ratification action at the state level to complete that annexation process.
No formal board action was taken on the Johnston County result because the local electorate voted against joining, and the agenda listed the item as discussion only. The state board will proceed with ratifying the Bush County annexation as required by the district formation process and the board’s rules.
Next steps: the board indicated staff will prepare the ratification paperwork for the passed Bush County annexation and will continue outreach and information efforts in communities considering joining a technology center district.
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