Howe Public Schools passed a $685,000 bond to keep work moving on the district’s new high school building — its second attempt at bond funding this year after a larger request failed in April.
The proposal passed, 160-103.
The $685,000 ask was $310,000 less than the $995,000 bond Howe voters rejected in April, when 59.3 percent opposed it. Superintendent Scott Parks said the proposal would not raise the district’s property tax rate — it rolls over an existing bond — and pays for specialized work like electrical and plumbing on the north side of the building, which attaches to the gym. The district put $1.4 million of its own savings toward the project, including proceeds from the sale of the old BNB convenience store, now the Howe Travel Center.
Mazzei claims GOP nomination for governor
Tuesday’s runoff settled the Republican nomination for governor, with former state Sen. Mike Mazzei defeating Attorney General Gentner Drummond by about 2,020 votes. President Donald Trump had endorsed Mazzei in the race. Mazzei will face Democrat Cyndi Munson, the outgoing House minority leader, along with several independents, in the Nov. 3 general election.
In the runoff primary election for District #1 county commissioner, Mike Parker defeated David Honeycutt, 653-450.
Voters also decided two state questions open to all Oklahomans regardless of party. State Question 844, which would have let the Legislature rewrite how local governments and schools are reimbursed for manufacturing property tax exemptions, was rejected by about 74 percent of voters. State Question 846, which enshrines the state’s existing voter identification requirements in the Oklahoma Constitution, passed.
Down the ballot, Republicans also picked their nominees for state superintendent, insurance commissioner and labor commissioner. In the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, Jasmine Thomas defeated Jim Priest; she’ll face Republican Congressman Kevin Hern in November.
For superintendent of public instruction, Robert Franklin edged James Taylor, 197,019 to 163,612.
Results from Tuesday’s election remain unofficial and subject to certification. LeFlore County’s results are expected to be certified after 5 p.m. Friday; statewide and federal results are certified Sept. 1.
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