Oakwood passes $4.5 bond

I was at the Oakwood school Monday morning and witnessed teacher after teacher come into the room squealing with delight, whooping, and chanting, "We won! We won!" No, they didn't win the lottery but they sure felt like they had. It is evident that Oakwood ISD believes in the old saying, "try, try again." After losing the November bond election by only 13 votes, the school board made it their mission to bring it to a second vote for the May election. This time, it was successful.

Have you ever wondered if your one vote really counts? The end vote was 421-For to 399-Against ... a difference of a mere 22 votes.

OISD Superintendent Richard Scoggin had this to say about the turn of events:

“This is a great opportunity for the school and the community to improve what is already a good environment. The Oakwood ISD community made this opportunity possible for the students through a commitment to see the bond election have success. I must thank all the people who volunteered their time and resources to bring success for the bond election."

So, what is the next step? According to Scoggin, "The district will move forward with the design of the building, the hiring of a construction firm, and the selling of the bonds during the next few months. Once this process is complete the construction of the new elementary school will begin in Oakwood. This building will allow for the completion of a vision that many have had for years."

Three positions on the school board were up for re-election also on this ballot. There were five people running for those positions, and the three with the most votes were elected. Larry Lipsey (507 votes) will retain his seat, as will Winnie Hodges (435). Derek Lancaster, who has served on the board in past years, came in a close third place (425) and will be taking over the seat left vacant by Kim Hardin. Candidates not elected were Leon Moore (371) and Arthur Koym (178).