CALERA, Okla. (KTEN) — On September 12, Calera Public Schools will ask taxpayers to approve a bond of just under $9 million to build nine new classrooms to accommodate increased growth, including two severe weather safe rooms.

"From the end of this past school year, our student count is up around 100 kids," said Calera Public Schools Superintendent Jon Shepard. "New housing developments have opened up, and more are in the works. It is very needed given our rate of growth."

Shepard emphasizes the bond has no projected tax increase.

"The bond that we're asking for is $8.99 million," he explained. "The taxpayers of Calera have been supportive in the past, and we certainly appreciate that."

In Nov. 2022, an emergency disaster situation was declared in Calera after a tornado ripped through Bryan County.

Calera Public Schools does have a severe weather safe room already. However, Calera Emergency Management says it's not sufficient for the student population.

"That safe room is currently only available for the elementary and middle school and the early childhood [center], " Emergency Management Director Jake Trujillo said. "The high school doesn't have a safe room or a safe place to take kids."

Sample ballots are available through the state election portal, or voters can pick one up in person from the Bryan County Election Board.