Work ethic, forward thinking and perseverance are traits students can acquire from strong athletics that prepare them for success in college and beyond. The 2021 Bond for Tulsa Public Schools will invest in athletics for all students, and on June 8, Tulsans will have the opportunity to vote on a $414 million investment in Tulsa children, teachers, and families, of which $25 million will enhance athletic programming across the district. 

Students who participate in athletic programs have opportunities to learn hands-on about accountability, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance on the field and in the classroom. In addition to building strong peer relationships that create lasting memories, student athletes also learn to succeed and fail gracefully, developing the tenacity they need to productively tackle academic, personal, and social challenges. Students learn a winners mentality and apply that in the classroom, college, careers, and life.  

Student-athletes also benefit from eligibility for college scholarships, giving the opportunity for a seamless transition after they graduate high school. The National Collegiate Athletic Association provides more than $3.6 billion in athletic scholarships annually to more than 180,000 student-athletes. At Tulsa Public Schools, our most recent class of student-athletes received more than $1 million in athletic scholarships and graduated with the skills they need to balance academic and athletics in college and beyond.

The 2021 Bond for Tulsa Public Schools will benefit all middle school athletic programs. The proposed bond package includes $25 million in supplemental funding for physical education equipment budgets at every school. Bond funding will also support essential pool repairs and maintenance at Memorial Middle School, Monroe Demonstration Academy, and Thoreau Demonstration Academy. Memorial, Monroe, Thoreau, and East Central Junior High School student athletes will also benefit from the 2021 Bond’s investment in improved practice fields for sports such as football and soccer. The 2021 Bond for Tulsa Public Schools will also provide new team uniforms, football helmets, and football equipment for student athletes at every high school in the district.

The 2021 Bond for Tulsa Public Schools includes four propositions totaling $414 million in investments that support every student in every school. You can click here for more details on each proposition, and save the date of Tuesday, June 8 to get out and vote. If you are not yet registered to vote, the voter registration deadline is Friday, May 14.

"This bond investment will have a lasting impact on our middle school student-athletes and fund facilities and equipment we haven't had in the past," said Gil Cloud, Tulsa Public Schools Executive Director of Athletics. "Our kids have been lucky to have such strong support from Tulsans in prior bonds, and it is exciting to think about the opportunities that the 2021 Bond for Tulsa Public Schools will create for generations to come."

The proposed bond package will not increase your tax rates - it is designed to keep your property taxes level. Learn more about the 2021 Bond for Tulsa Public Schools.