Board Allocates $5 Million in Remaining Funds from 2022 Bond

On April 5, 2022, Ozark voters approved a $19 million no tax increase bond issue to construct three storm shelters and an indoor activities building at the high school. In fall 2024, those projects were completed as promised, making our schools safer with a storm shelter at every building. The district not only was able to accommodate growth, but remained under budget.

During a Feb. 6 work session, the Board of Education allocated how to spend the remaining $5 million.

“Our community’s support is one of our most valuable assets. Our district is committed to transparency and takes pride in being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Board President Mark Jenkins said. “We are not only fulfilling our promises by completing these projects, but also strategically allocating funds to support additional initiatives that will enhance the success of our students.”

“Our community’s support is one of our most valuable assets. Our district is committed to transparency and takes pride in being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

- Board President Mark Jenkins

Voters approved the 2022 bond for capital improvements, therefore, all proceeds must be used for bricks and mortar projects, which will include nearly $2 million in roof repairs to the high school. Other projects include resurfacing the tennis courts, turfing the baseball field, bleacher upgrades, retrofitting the theater lights, new chillers at the middle school and East, and an accessible playground at Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center.

Tiger Paw Principal Elizabeth Dawson said adding a playground has been one of her goals since the preschool expanded in 2022. 

“The exciting part is that it will be accessible and inclusive, meaning that students with motor delays and disabilities will be able to use it too,” she said. “This is especially important since we have so many students to which this applies. Also, when they built the cafeteria and storm shelter, it eliminated our playground that the 2-year-olds used and consumed approximately one-third of our other playground space.”

OHS Athletic Director Yancey Little said he is excited to see the upgrades and knows the students will be excited as well.

“These facility upgrades will greatly enhance the experience of our student athletes and fans for years to come,” Little said. “We appreciate the community’s support in helping provide safe, high-quality spaces for our programs.” 

The board has approved funds to go to the following projects: 

• High School Roof
• Baseball - Turf, Move Fence and Lights, Bleacher Upgrades
• Softball - Bleacher Upgrades
• Tennis - Resurface
• Playground at Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center
• Middle School Chiller
• East Chiller
• High School Video Board
• Theatrical Lighting Retrofits