Bond 2025

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Read here for Frequently Asked Questions.

Planning for a future that works.

Thank you to everyone who supported Moore Norman Technology Center's student investment bond. This is an incredible win for our students and our community!

With this investment, more students will have access to the workforce training they need to succeed in high-demand careers like construction trades and health care. We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to sharing updates as these improvements take shape!

THANK YOU for supporting a Future That Works!

By 2030, it is projected that 42% of all Oklahoma jobs will require technical certification or an associate’s degree, a demand for our classes is only expected to increase. Therefore, we have set our sights on providing a seat for every qualified student by 2033. This ambitious goal reflects a bold commitment to our students, community and regional workforce.   

Now the work begins. We will meet with architects and construction management professionals to review and finalize plans and timelines that will address the capacity challenges - challenges driven by our growing success and the increased demand for skilled workers in our community.

The Student Investment Plan is designed to address these issues in three key areas: 

Upgrades and maintenance of our traditional vocational education areas including construction, electrical, HVAC, architectural/mechanical drafting & design, and aviation maintenance technology.

Expansion and modernization for healthcare programs such as nursing, medical sonography, surgical technology, biomedical, and physical therapy.

Upgraded technology, equipment & construction for a multipurpose Business Workforce Development Training Center.

Progress updates will be posted on this website, so check back often for the latest information.

Download Informational Flier

About the Bond

Community Presentation

2016 Bond: $60 Million

Franklin Road Campus Projects

99,308 sq. ft. new construction

152,363 sq. ft modernization

Classrooms

Welding: two (2) shops, welding bays and two (2) classrooms

CNC shop and classrooms

Cosmetology shop, classrooms, esthetics room

Automotive Collison, shop, two (2) paint booths and classroom

Automotive Service Technology, two (2) shops, classrooms, lift stations

CADD classroom and lab

STEM and Engineering classroom four (4) and maker space lab

Modernization

Straughn Seminar Center modernization and equipment

Student Commons Instructional Design and Development Modernization

Academic Resource Center

Student Services Modernization

South Administration and student entrance, conference room

Safety & Security

Four (4) Safe Rooms/Storm Shelters: Health, BIT, Construction Trades, Student Commons, STEM, South Conference

Security additions: Updated camera system, fire alarm, access control student entrances

Interior lighting,: Main building

Exterior lighting: D Area Parking lot

South Penn Campus Projects

5965 sq. ft. new construction

Health workforce training area

Interior storm shelter

Parking lot replacement

Bond Transparency Act Information

INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE BOND TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2017

Moore Norman Technology Center School District No. 17, Cleveland County, Oklahoma (Moore Norman Technology Center School District Public Schools)

In accordance with the Bond Transparency Act of 2017, please see the information below:

Date of Posting: December 19, 2024

Description of Proposed Bond Projects voting on 4th day of March, 2025:

to construct, equip and/or perform improvements to Franklin Road Campus to include, but not be limited to: construct and equip classroom buildings, construct safe rooms and renovate and remodel existing buildings:

$90,000,000.00

Description of Unpaid/Unfinished Bonds Previously Approved by Voters of the Jurisdiction:

As of the 4th day of March, 2025, Moore Norman Technology Center School District No. 17, Cleveland County, Oklahoma, has 1 General Obligation bond issue(s) outstanding:

$60,000,000 Building Bonds of 2016, dated June 1, 2016 ($13,350,000 outstanding in principal as of the 4th day of March, 2025).

Detailed Description of the Use of Previous Bond Proceeds:

to construct Safe Rooms and perform Security Improvements District wide (4701 12th Ave. NW, Norman, Oklahoma, and 13301 S. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), as needed:

$5,000,000.00

to construct, equip and/or perform improvements to Franklin Road Campus (4701 12th Ave. NW, Norman, Oklahoma) to include, but not be limited to: construct and equip classroom additions and renovate and remodel existing buildings:

$50,500,000.00

to construct, equip and/or perform improvements to South Penn Campus (13301 S. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) to include, but not be limited to: construct and equip a classroom addition:

$4,500,000.00

Download Bond Transparency Act

An average of 96% of MNTC graduates go on to work in their field of study, continue their education in higher ed, or join the military.

graduates go on to work in their field of study, continue their education in higher ed, or join the military.

MNTC graduates have an average starting wage of $19.86/hr. up to $50/hr.

By 2030, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission projects a 12.2% increase in job openings in healthcare.

By 2030, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission projects a 9.3% increase in job openings in construction-related fields.

Business Workforce Development Center

Construction Trades building

Frequently Asked Questions

Purpose

What is the purpose of this bond campaign?

As stewards of Moore Norman Technology Center’s mission to prepare students for success, change lives and build better tomorrows, the district’s leadership has made a bold commitment to eliminate wait lists and provide a seat for every qualified student by 2033. To achieve this goal, we must address the capacity challenges that are a direct result of our growing success and the increased demand for skilled workers in our community.

How will this benefit students?

These improvements will provide students with a better educational experience, increased opportunities and a more supportive learning environment, including:

Improved Access to High Demand Programs: The bond initiative will allow Moore Norman Technology Center to expand its capacity in high-demand fields like health and construction trades. This means more students will have the opportunity to acquire the skills and training needed to pursue these in-demand careers.

Upgraded Facilities and Infrastructure: The initiative will address aging infrastructure and facilities, providing students with a modern and safe learning environment.

Enhanced Safety and Security: Additional safe rooms will be built to ensure the safety of all students and staff, creating a more secure learning environment.

How will this benefit industry and workforce?

These improvements will enable us to better serve industry and workforce needs by increasing the number of skilled workers ready to fill high-demand jobs.

Customized Skills Training: Flexible learning spaces will be created to offer more customized training programs for businesses and industry that meet their specific workforce training needs.

Addressing Workforce Shortages: By serving more students and providing targeted training programs, the center can help address workforce shortages in specific industries. This will benefit businesses by ensuring they have access to the skilled workers they need.

Improved Economic Development: A well-trained workforce is essential for economic growth. By investing in workforce development, the bond initiative will contribute to the overall economic development of the region.

Why is this investment necessary?

Rising Student Demand

These results have created an increase in student demand beyond our current capacity limits. Unfortunately, this last school year, we had to turn away 25% of qualified applicants.

Growing Employer Demand

The need for skilled workers is particularly high in industries like healthcare and construction trades, and it continues to increase.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission projects:

A 12.2% increase in demand for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) by 2030.

A 9.3% increase in the construction industry over the same period.

Industry Feedback Confirms the Need

Earlier this year, focus groups with industry leaders in trades and health care consistently highlighted widespread shortages of skilled workers. Health care workers and trades positions like carpentry, HVAC and electricians are in critical demand and only projected to increase.

How were the projects for the bond selected?

What led to the decision to propose a bond, and why was this the right time?

In 2023, after examining the issue of wait lists and qualified students being turned away due to capacity issues, the MNTC Board of Education set a goal for the district: Have a seat for every qualified student by 2033. For reference, during the 2024-25 application period, MNTC had to turn away 25% of qualified applicants due to lack of space.

Beginning in late 2023, instructors, administrators, and board members participated in brainstorming sessions designed to offer solutions to the capacity problem. Stakeholder groups comprised of industry representatives from healthcare, construction trades, and other community business leaders met in mid-2024 for a series of focus groups. During these meetings, the business leaders talked about their workforce needs and provided possible solutions for bridging the gap between training and employment.

It became evident that the district could maximize existing spaces and add new construction to effectively increase capacity and meet the BOE’s goal. To cover the cost, MNTC would have to find a funding solution outside of its normal operating budget. With Moore Norman requesting bond funds only twice in its 50-year history (1972 and 2016), a bond was identified as the best solution.

Having gathered informal data through these discussions, we were prepared to conduct formal research to gauge the community’s attitude toward a Moore Norman Technology Center bond measure. To account for potential shifts in voter perspectives following the U.S. presidential election, the decision was made to conduct our community survey after the November 4, 2024 election.

The formal survey took place from Nov. 11-13, 2024, and results were favorable. With formal and informal research in place, the recommendation to move forward with a bond was made to the MNTC Board of Education at their December 16, 2024 meeting. The motion passed and MNTC filed with the Cleveland, McClain and Oklahoma County Election Boards for the first available election, March 4, 2025.

Throughout January and February 2025, MNTC Superintendent/CEO Brian Ruttman and several key administrators have been making in-person presentations throughout Moore, Norman, and south Oklahoma City. A detailed list of presentations can be found in the FAQ section of the 2025 Bond webpage along with contact information for anyone interested in scheduling a presentation for their group or organization.

What factors do you consider when projecting enrollment numbers?

MNTC enrollment projections rely on multiple data sources. In addition to measuring population trends and the local enrollment pipeline from our partner school districts (Norman and Moore Public Schools), we assess and respond to workforce needs. Our programs are intended to serve as direct pipelines from training to employment in high demand, high wage jobs and, therefore, it is equally important for us to understand workforce trends. Among the sources we use for this data are the MIT Living Wage Calculator, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oklahoma State Public Enrollment Totals, Oklahoma State Department of Career & Technical Education, annual employer surveys, and others.

Funding and Timeline

What is the cost?

$90 million, 10-year obligation
1.25% property tax increase
Approximately a $40 increase for the average homeowner.

Assessed Value of House First Year's Tax Increase
Cleveland County
$100,000 $16.28
$150,000 $25.16
$200,000 $34.04
$250,000 $42.92
$300,000 $51.80
$350,000 $60.68
$400,000 $69.56
$450,000 $78.44

McClain & Oklahoma County
$100,000 $14.80
$150,000 $22.94
$200,000 $31.08
$250,000 $39.22
$300,000 $47.36
$350,000 $55.50
$400,000 $63.64
$450,000 $71.78

Data provided by Stephen H. McDonald and Associates, Inc.

What will the funds be used for?

$90 Million Student Investment Bond

Technical Trades: $33M toward construction of a new construction trades facility, as well as upgrades and maintenance of the traditional vocational education areas including construction trades, electrical and heating ventilation & air conditioning.

Healthcare: $25M toward expansion and modernization for nursing, medical sonography, surgical technology, biomedical, and physical therapy. 

Business Workforce Development Training Center and renovation of existing facilities: $32M toward technology, equipment, and construction/renovation of safe rooms and facilities to expand capacity of high demand programs such as aviation maintenance technology, cyber security, programming AI, architectural/mechanical drafting & design.        

How were the projects for the bond selected?

How many years will it take to complete the 2025 bond projects?

What factors do you consider when projecting enrollment numbers?

What is the expected payoff date of the bond, and what is the actual cost with interest?

The total cost of the bond is $90 million in principle plus interest. If the bond passes, the Board of Education will sell the bonds through a competitive bid process with the winning bid going to the lowest bidder/rate. Current projections assume an average interest rate of 4.5% which is comparable to bonds that have sold in the last 3 months. Bonds will be paid off in school fiscal year 2034-35.

The property tax information projects only the first year’s cost. Is the property tax rate expected to increase or decrease in subsequent years? What about the millage rate?

The annual tax levy to repay the bond typically goes down each year as principal and interest is paid down similar to how the 2016 bond issue was paid down. Once the bonds are sold principal and interest payments will be set and will be levied annually each year after.

The current sinking fund millage for Moore Norman Technology Center is 2.13 mills and is projected to increase the sinking fund to 3.65 mills in school fiscal year 2026-27.

Voter Information

Where can I vote on March 4?

Who is eligible to vote?

What percentage of voters must support a bond election for it to pass?

Can I still vote if I am out of town on election day?

Communications

Can you provide information about the community survey conducted in November?

Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates conducted a survey of 400 randomly selected registered voters in the district for whom they had a phone match. It was completed from November 11-13, 2024. Respondents were contacted by live agent and text/web. The sample accurately reflected the electorate by controlling age, gender, party affiliation, and geographic region of the district.