Bonds & Construction

Don't know which polling place is yours? Visit the Oklahoma Voter Portal (OVP):

You can also call the Canadian County Election Board at 405-422-2422.

Don't know which polling place is yours? Visit the Oklahoma Voter Portal (OVP):

You can also call the Canadian County Election Board at 405-422-2422.

All schools will benefit from this Bond whether through direct projects, playground refresh, or recurring funds.  Recurring dollars is money that allows us to address preventative maintenance and respond to emergencies and address program needs as they arise (see more below). 

Additionally, each school will benefit from this 2023 Bond through improvements to safety and security, the purchase of textbooks and technology, as well as technology upgrades, heating and air conditioning improvements, program equipment or materials, new buses and much more.  Also, by moving to a long term Student Investment Plan, we will have the opportunity to address specific needs at sites in 2027 and/or 2031.  That’s one of the benefits of the change in philosophy from less frequent “big bonds” to a phased approach; being able to be flexible and meet the needs that arise, even if we are unable to envision those needs as we sit here in 2022.  

“This is an exciting time for Mustang. People want to move here and be part of our outstanding community and schools,” Superintendent Charles Bradley said. “This investment plan will make a difference for all Mustang students by focusing on pressing needs. We can provide today’s learners with safer schools, improved facilities and more opportunities, while adding classrooms to address current overcrowding and future growth.” 

Absolutely!  In fact, that is the primary purpose of Momentum23.  By adding an elementary school and expanding the high school, we can avoid overcrowding and prepare the district for future growth.

According to a recent demographic study, Mustang’s enrollment is expected to soar to 19,780 students over the next nine years – a 46% increase from the current school year. The district’s long-term capital investment plan will allow the district to keep pace with future growth, while also minimizing the impact to local taxpayers. The plan includes construction of a new elementary school to address the exponential enrollment growth of recent years. In addition to classrooms, it will include secure entrances, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, a library and developmentally appropriate playgrounds. To accommodate growth at the secondary level, Mustang High School will receive an expansion that includes new classroom space and a new cafeteria, along with a new practice gym, athletic turf projects and upgrades to the softball facilities.  

Many Mustang parents and patrons see the addition of classroom space as critical for the immediate future – not just for the school, but also the community. “Mustang is a great place to live and raise a family – and more people are taking notice every day. Our community is in demand and growing rapidly,” said Michael Ray, MPS parent, local realtor, and Vice Mayor of Mustang. “This plan allows us to ensure we have the classroom space we need for every child. It’s an investment in today’s students and Mustang’s future.” 

The #Momentum23 Bond election will be held on 2/14/23 and, if passed, the funds will be used to construct a new elementary school (among other projects). This new school will help address the growth that has happened (and is projected to continue) in our PreK-4th grades.

Make a plan to #GoVote on 2/14!

Questions or comments? Email Us

NOTE: Photos are renderings, not actual images.

The location of Elementary #9 has not been finalized.  MPS does not currently own sufficient land to allow for the construction of a new elementary school, so the funds from the passage of the Momentum23 Bond would be required to secure land.  

There are, of course, preferred locations, but negotiations on land are unable to begin without the passage of the Bond.   

The goal would be to open the new elementary school in the Fall of 2024, but construction delays, supply chain issues, etc. could impact that timeline.  

The #Momentum23 Bond would provide for a significant expansion to Mustang High School that would provide for additional classroom space to accommodate growth in student enrollment; new cafeteria/kitchen space to allow MHS to offer 2 (rather than 4-5) lunch periods for the foreseeable future; a newly/specifically designed space for 9th-12th grade Functional Skills Classrooms; a non-competition gym, programmatic needs (Aviation, Archery, STEM) & more.

Make a plan to #GoVote on 2/14/23.

NOTE: Photos are rendering only, not actual pictures.

Each year artificial turf receives a grade and if the turf falls below certain standards, it is unsafe to use.  This means that no students (athletics, band, intramural/PE classes, etc.) can practice, perform or even step foot on the turf until it is replaced. 

The current turf at the football stadium and baseball field are closing in on end of life and without a replacement will render those facilities unusable.  This would deprive countless students and student athletes of  opportunities.  

Why not replace it with natural grass?

This is a valid question, but entails much more than meets the eye.  The current grade of the land where turf is laid is graded to let water flow off of and away from the field; this is not conducive to keeping grass alive.  In order to replace turf with grass, the entire makeup of the facility would need to be renovated in order to grade the land and update the facilities to allow for water retention.  This is simply cost prohibitive at this time.  

The goal would be to open the new building school in the Spring of 2025, but construction delays, supply chain issues, etc. could impact that timeline.  

This bond, if approved, will support Athletics & Fine Arts through the continuation of recurring dollars which will prevent budget cuts to programs across the board.  From equipment to instruments to uniforms and more, this bond will allow for the continuation of programs and opportunities for our students.  

Safety and security are key components of the facility plan as well, including cameras, secured access upgrades and fencing. The high school will expand badge access for students and staff, which will provide added security. 

The proposed plan will also provide funding for: 

• Playground refreshes at elementary and intermediate school sites;

• Softball Hitting Facility and MHS turfing projects;

• New buses and transportation vehicles to provide students with safe, reliable transportation to and from school and school activities;

• Expanded student opportunities, including decreased class sizes and increased instructional time; fine arts and athletic equipment, uniforms, materials and instruments; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) equipment; and instructional resources; 

• Upgrades to technology devices for students and staff, along with updates to software and out-of-date classroom technology, like presentation boards; and 

• Improvements and maintenance for existing school facilities, including lighting, electrical, roofing, flooring and heating/cooling units. 

First, it is important to not that approximately 35% of our secondary (7th-12th grade) students participate in Athletics, and only approximately 1.7% of the $180.9 million would be for Athletic purposes.  (3million/180.9million=~1.65%)

The ballot/proposition language is a bit confusing on this as it has to meet certain legal restrictions, but the majority of the $77 million high school expansion is going directly to capital projects.  Out of the $77 Million on the proposition,  about $29 million is for financing costs and $48 million is for the construction costs.     Of the $48 million, about $45 million is slated for the high school expansion (classrooms, etc.) and about $3 Million for the softball hitting facility and for various turf projects.   These are estimates and dependent upon the bids received at the time that construction details are finalized. 

So, in sum, although Athletics is mentioned several times in the Proposition (ballot language), the percentage of the Momentum23 Bond dedicated to Athletics is relatively small as compared to the total proposal.  

MPS Athletics supports 77 sports at four school sites; out of those, only 4 sports are revenue-making (this is not unique to Mustang, but Oklahoma High School athletics, in general).  The revenue generated from those 4 sports is immediately poured back into the other 73 programs to support the 35% of our student body who enjoy the opportunity to participate in athletics. 

It would take approximately four years of using the revenue from those four sports to afford the turf and pad at the Bronco Stadium alone; and that would be at the cost of not funding numerous other programs.  

Mustang Public Schools developed a long-term vision to meet the needs of current students and to prepare for the future.

By achieving this plan over three phases, the district can continue to address enrollment growth, maintain current school facilities and expand opportunities for students - while minimizing the impact to local residents. Priorities will be identified and re-assessed, with community input, before the 2027 and 2031 phases begin. This approach also allows the community to achieve currently unattainable and not-yet-needed building options in the future.  Best of all, after the 2023 phase, no projected tax increase is expected to complete the remaining phases.

A key component of this Bond would be to allow for recurring dollars to impact the Operations of the District.

Recurring dollars are annual dollars allocated over a set period of time (see more below).  These fund provide budgets for operations (Transportation, HVAC, Safety/Security, etc.) to academics (textbooks, instructional technology, etc.) to programs that provide opportunities for our students (athletics, fine arts, archery, STEM, etc.).  
For example, if a rooftop heating/AC unit were to go down, funds form recurring dollars would allow MPS to move quickly to repair/replace the unit, not to mention the funds also allow for preventative maintenance on such units.  

Existing recurring dollars have been provided by previous bonds and will expire after this year; this proposal will allow us to maintain and expand the level of service (and budget) that these areas have received.  Without it, each of these areas will experience deep cuts to budgets and the impact will be detrimental to the Operations of the District.

HOW PROPERTY VALUES ARE DETERMINED

Why does the County Assessor set a value on my property?

The valuation set for your property by the Canadian County Assessor's office is an estimate of the fair cash value of your property – your home, land, business, agricultural, or other taxable property. The value is used to determine your property (also called ad valorem) tax bill. Note: Ad valorem is Latin meaning "according to value."

How does the County Assessor determine the fair cash value of my property?

The fair cash value is based upon detailed information about your property and sales in your area. The location of the property, type of construction, age, size, and condition of the property are all considered.

By law, the fair cash value is the amount the property would sell for under ordinary conditions in the Canadian County real estate market. Such sales are called "arms-length transactions" and do not generally include foreclosures, repossessions, sales between relatives, government sales, or other sales that do not fairly reflect true value.

What if I think the value placed on my property is too high?

If you believe that the value placed on your property exceeds the fair cash value, contact our office. We will be happy to answer any questions and review the value our office has placed on the property.

What is a Notice of Change in Assessed Value?

The Canadian County Assessor's office is required by law to inform you if the assessed value of your property has increased. The notice informs you of the fair cash value of the property, the assessment ratio percentage, and the assessed value of your property. This notice is not a tax bill. The law provides that if you wish to protest the value placed on your property you must do so within thirty days of the date the notice was mailed. If you have any questions about the notice, please feel free to contact our office.

-Canadian County Assessor Website (accessed 10/26/22)

What is the Assessed Value?

In Canadian County, the County Assessor places your property on the assessment rolls as close as possible to 100% of Fair Cash Value. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, however, taxes cannot be levied against more than 13.5% of the fair cash value. This is called a "fractional assessment system." The State Constitution states that real property shall not be assessed at a value less than 11% nor greater than 13.5% of its Fair Cash Value. This percentage or Assessment Ratio cannot be increased except upon approval by a majority of voters in a county. In Canadian County, the Assessment Ratio is 12%. The Fair Cash Value multiplied by the Assessment Ratio results in the Assessed Value.

How are tax rates set for my property?

Tax rates or millage levies are set by procedures established in the Oklahoma Constitution or voted directly by the taxpayers. Rates are not set by the County Assessor.

There are approximately 50 different tax or millage rates in Canadian County, and those vary across the county depending on the school district, municipality, and technology center district where the property is located. The millage rate is the tax per dollar of Assessed Value of the property. The rate is expressed in "mills," where one mill is one-tenth of a cent ($0.001) or one-thousandth of a dollar. The tax or millage rate levied against a property makes a great deal of difference in the taxes paid. Rates vary in Canadian County from $65.59 to as high as $123.72 per thousand of assessed value in 2017 and can change each year.

How do I figure my tax?

The method for figuring ad valorem taxes requires four steps: you must know the Fair Cash Value of your property, the Assessment Ratio, any exemptions, and the tax or millage rate for your area of the county. The following example is based upon a property that has a Fair Cash Value of $100,000 with homestead exemption and a millage rate of $107.21 per thousand Assessed Value: $100,000 Fair Cash Value

$100,000 x 12% Assessment Ratio = 12,000 Gross Assessed Value

12,000 - 1000 Homestead Exemption = 11,000 Net Assessed Value

11 (thousand) Assessed Value x 107.21 millage rate (one example of many millage rates) = $1,179.31 Taxes

OR

11,000 Assessed Value x .10721 millage rate (one example of many millage rates) = $1,179.31 Taxes

When do I pay my taxes?

The County Treasurer sends out a tax bill at the end of November each year. Taxes may be paid in two installments according to a payment schedule. If exactly one-half is paid by December 31st, then the last half is due by March 31st. If nothing is paid by December 31st, the full amount becomes delinquent January 1st. Questions concerning tax bills can be answered by the County Treasurer.

Where does my property tax money go?

Property taxes are an important source of revenue for local schools, vocational-technical education, libraries, and city and county government. As in most states in the United States, property taxes are the backbone for funding of local government and schools. Oklahoma's property tax with some changes has fulfilled this basic function since statehood.

Generally, local schools receive the largest share of the property tax. Schools are followed by city bond issues, county government, vocational-technical schools, and the county health department.

-Canadian County Assessor website (accessed 10/26/22)

Tax rates or millage levies are set by procedures established in the Oklahoma Constitution or voted directly by the taxpayers.

There are approximately 50 different tax or millage rates in Canadian County, and those vary across the county depending on the school district, municipality, and technology center district where the property is located. The millage rate is the tax per dollar of Assessed Value of the property. The rate is expressed in "mills," where one mill is one-tenth of a cent ($0.001) or one-thousandth of a dollar. The tax or millage rate levied against a property makes a great deal of difference in the taxes paid. Rates vary in Canadian County from $65.59 to as high as $123.72 per thousand of assessed value in 2017 and can change each year.

-Canadian County Assessor website (accessed 10/26/22)

The actual tax rate is made up of a lot of different sources.  For example on the sample tax bill to the right, you can see that the Town, Vocational Institution, County, & School all make up the total tax rate.  The total taxes paid relate directly to the value of the property, so if taxes have gone up vs. previous years, that is due to an increase in property value, but not due to any component controlled by MPS.  

The S Sinking Fund is the only part of this tax bill that relates to school bonds.  The other S amounts are set by State law.  

Please note that the millage of 25.79 is less than the current target of 28 target.  Mustang has traditionally (11 of last 12 years) been below the millage target of 28.  

Millage Formula
Home Value x 12% = $X - $1,000 (homestead exemption) x .002 (2 mills) = Taxes Due
          $225,333 x .12 = $27,039.96 - $1,000 x .002 = $52.08 
                    Divide $52.08 by 12 months to get monthly rate of $4.34

Median Home Value Source:  Rocket Homes, 10/26/22
Formula courtesy Canadian County Assessor:  https://www.canadiancounty.org/1008/How-property-tax-is-figured

Possibly.  We are asking to move from a millage target of 28 to a target of 30.  This could lead to an increase in property taxes depending upon local economic factors.   The 2023 investment plan could cost those who live in a $100,000 home about $1.83/month. The investment for the average Mustang household could be $4.34/month. Fortunately, though, because Mustang's tax base is stable and quickly growing, previous bond programs have consistently impacted taxpayers less than expected at the time of the election.

The bond package came as a recommendation from the district’s Long Range Planning Committee. This group of administrators, faculty, parents and community members has been meeting for months to identify and prioritize the district's future needs. The committee determined overcrowding is a top concern for the district and recommended these construction projects as a way to alleviate overcrowding while still meeting the district's future needs to accommodate continuous growth. Other projects will not only help alleviate overcrowding but they will also provide opportunities for kids. 

The language is required by state statutes; both have to be written using very specific, legal language. The list of the projects shown on this page will be what the bond fund will be used for should it be approved by voters.

 No salaries, benefits or related costs can be paid with bond fund proceeds. Bond issue proceeds must be spent for improving or acquiring school sites, construction, repairing, remodeling, equipping school buildings, acquiring school furniture, fixtures, equipment, and transportation.

For more, check out School Finance 101 and Bond Basics.

On April 22, 2022, working in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and local law enforcement, Mustang Public Schools (MPS) announced that they had become a victim of embezzlement by a longtime employee.  The statement read:

One of our staff members was placed on leave and eventually resigned late this week after district internal financial controls uncovered irregularities which pointed to potential embezzlement. Within hours, district administration contacted law enforcement and auditors to initiate investigations which are on-going.  
“We are disappointed and saddened by this alleged wrongdoing perpetrated by a longtime District employee, but we will fully cooperate with any/all investigations into the matter,” Superintendent Charles Bradley said. 
As this is a personnel matter and the allegations are currently under investigation, the district is not able to provide further information at this time.  

The investigation has now concluded and the matter has been referred for prosecution through the Judicial System. 

Additionally, the MPS Board of Education learned of a potential breach of contract by then Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Nancy McKay, which led to the termination of her contract at the Board meeting held on Monday, May 6, 2022.  

From the onset, MPS fully cooperated with investigative agencies and, under the guidance of newly hired CFO Mr. Jeff Landes, an independent audit was conducted and presented to the Board at last night's meeting (January 9, 2023).  The audit found that the “District had internal controls in place, however, the payroll administrator…had the ability to circumvent [these] procedures.”  The audit recommended that MPS enforce current procedures and provide sufficient oversight to prevent future misappropriation(s).  

Current Procedures, Oversight, & Steps Taken To Address Audit Findings:  The director of payroll and the chief financial officer are no longer employed by Mustang Public Schools. A separation of duties has been implemented between the payroll staff to minimize the risk associated with a singular point of data entry. Payroll entries now directly correspond to the personnel system to provide consistency and clarity. Additionally, a full set of payroll processing reports are now computer generated and given to a third staff member to review each pay period, and in-depth payroll reports for each member of the finance team will be reviewed by the CFO and the audit team.

It is important to note that this employee embezzlement affected payroll services and at no time were Bond funds implicated or impacted by this former employee's actions.  Based on recommendations from law enforcement, the IRS, and independent auditors, additional financial controls have been put into place to safeguard the finances of MPS.  While this incident is very disturbing, it is important to note that this was the action of an individual, and not reflective of the greater financial stability of the District.  

In sum, our team of financial professionals uncovered this wrong-doing, reported it, cooperated fully during the investigation, implemented recommendations to improve and prevent future misappropriation of funds and stand ready to support the responsible management of all funds, including Bond funds, moving forward.  We greatly value the trust that is placed in us by our community of stakeholders, and understand that this incident has led to a question surrounding that trust.  We vow to work hard to prove ourselves trustworthy, and look forward to that opportunity.  

Why not use leftover COVID money?

COVID funds (ARP/ESSER) were used for immediate needs as prescribed by law.  Fund were used for salaries to prevent job losses during the pandemic, to purchase supplies (sanitizer, etc.), and to construct a 6 classroom addition to Riverwood Elementary.  
Allocation of the COVID Funds was based on free/reduced lunch percentage, so MPS did not receive as much money as some surrounding school districts.  More information can be found here.

No, any funding from the MAPS for Kids sales tax expired in 2018, and all funds were closed out in December 2018.    

We need another high school; why not build that now?

The short answer is that it is simply not financially possible at this time.  However, it may be possible in the future with the Momentum Bond Plan.  More details can be found above.

Why not use leftover COVID money?

COVID funds (ARP/ESSER) were used for immediate needs as prescribed by law.  Fund were used for salaries to prevent job losses during the pandemic, to purchase supplies (sanitizer, etc.), and to construct a 6 classroom addition to Riverwood Elementary.  
Allocation of the COVID Funds was based on free/reduced lunch percentage, so MPS did not receive as much money as some surrounding school districts.  More information can be found here.

Why not go 1:1 Districtwide?

MPS is currently 1:1 in 5th-12th grade and each teacher also has a device throughout the District.  The 2023 Bond funds will not be enough to extend 1:1 below 5th grade, but will be used to upgrade infrastructure and maintain the existing devices/replace older devices that are aging out.  Our long-range plan includes expanding 1:1 to additional grades, but the 2023 Bond will be more maintenance for Technology. 

I've heard my taxes will double?

This is simply untrue.  Please take a look at the tabs above to understand how property value is calculated, how property taxes are figured and the potential tax impact to households.  

Does this benefit ____________ program?

If there is not a designated line item, every student/program will benefit from the Momentum23 Bond through the recurring dollars.  These funds allow for the budgeted operations of the entire District.  Essentially every program was polled and the needs of each were discussed by the Long Range Planning Committee, but the growth we have/are experiencing took priority over many of these worthwhile projects. The funds from this Bond are primarily directed at addressing the growth we are seeing and will continue to see, but with this new phased approach, these programatic needs are something that can be revisited in the future.

Why not stop building houses to help with growth?

While MPS has no control over housing development, we are present at zoning meetings in our respective townships to express the growth and how it impacts the District.

Will this Bond provide safe rooms for existing facilities/schools?

There is not a designated line item, this current bond would not address that need, but the phased approach would open the conversation for this to be included in future bonds.  

What about the parking at MHS?

The recurring dollars provided by this bond does including paving projects which could address this.

What happened to the PreK Center that was included in the 2020 Bond that was cancelled due to COVID?

The 2020 Bond was postponed and later cancelled due to the pandemic.  The major facet of that Bond was to turn the current ME building into a PreK Center and build a new Mustang Elementary.  This idea was not included in the Momentum23 Bond due to the feedback received from parents on the plan.  The majority of feedback was centered around keeping siblings together rather than separating the youngest to a different site.  

Why not build a swimming pool?

MPS is proud of the success of our Bronco Swimmers; the lack of aquatic facilities does not indicate lack of support.  Maintenance on a competitive pool would cost between $250,000 to $500,000 per year; and those funds are not Bond eligible.  Given this fact, many local Districts have moved to a model of partnering to provide facilities for swimming.  This is something that MPS is open to pursue.  In addition, the phased Bond approach from Momentum could allow additional options/conversations in the coming years.  

What Instructional Resources/Equipment would be purchased if this is approved by voters?

Mustang Schools spends as much as $900,000 annually of general fund dollars for new textbooks. The state allows $55 per textbook, but many cost as much as $125 each. The state mandates textbook adoption cycles. The subjects are typically on a six-year rotation. 

• With growth of more than 500 students a year, MPS also has to purchase the additional textbooks across all grade levels for all subjects for new students. 

• The request on the bond issue will make a significant difference in the district's ability to provide enough textbooks to meet student needs.

Other purchases could include:

• Interactive Panels & Devices

• Student and staff devices

• Classroom instructional technology

• Cycle to address advancements in technology and maintain current - school is a microcosm of society; we need to be able to teach with tech to prepare students for the future

• Software licenses/subscriptions

• Upgrade/Replace technology to maintain District standard of education (i.e., replace outdated/unusable SMARTBoards with new Interactive Panels)

Why doesn't MPS stop enrolling students to curb growth?

As a public school, it is incumbent upon Mustang Public Schools to enroll any/all eligible students who reside within the legally established attendance boundary.  If a child above the age of 5 lives within the 72 square miles of the MPS boundary, the District is required to enroll them (unless the family chooses another option such as homeschool or private school).