As always, we are so excited for the buildings to fill with students and teachers again to begin a new school year! They are our WHY! Every decision we make is made with students and staff best interests in mind! This year our theme is: BONDED by PURPOSE! This reminds us that our individual strengths become powerful when combined in partnership. No task is too small when it is done with intention, and no goal is too big when we work together. Let’s proceed with compassion, collaborate with clarity, and stay grounded in the reason we are here: to make a positive difference. Here’s to a meaningful, unified, and purpose-filled year ahead!
I would like to give a BIG shout out to the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tahlequah Public School Foundation, and the amazing community members/businesses/churches for the back-to-school celebration on August 11th for our staff. The level of generosity and support grows every year, and we are beyond thankful for their assistance in getting a new year started.
On Tuesday, August 12th we held our annual open house event. Thousands of families and loved ones packed the hallways at our seven sites. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to familiarize your students with their site, teachers, and prepare for that first day of school. Our positive connection with our families is imperative to student success! Partnership at our finest!
On Thursday, August 14th we welcomed back our 3600 plus enrolled students to the schools around the district. Sequoyah PK is at capacity with just over 160 students. Cherokee has 453 students enrolled and Greenwood and Heritage are both near 500 students each. These three sites have a few various spots left for transfers. TMS has 739 students enrolled and THS/Central has 1338 students enrolled. All secondary sites are full and have no room for transfers at this time.
On September 9, registered voters who live within the Tahlequah Public School district boundaries have the opportunity to invest in our schools, our community, and our future. TPS has finalized a capital investment plan to provide students with safer schools, updated facilities, and enhanced academic and extracurricular opportunities without a tax increase. This plan reflects months of collaboration, shaped by civic meetings and listening sessions with students, parents, staff, and community members.
The total investment will be $51,310,000 over 17 years. A tax rate increase is not expected because this is a continuation of the community’s existing investment. This plan is designed to be funded at the current tax level, which has been supported by our community for the past 20 years.
Bond issues require a 60% supermajority to pass. On the September 9 ballot, voters will be asked to consider the proposal through two propositions: $49,435,000 for facility and technology improvements; and $1,875,000 for transportation-related purchases. Oklahoma law requires the two to be voted on separately. If you would like to see potential project renderings or other bond related posts, please visit our district website or Facebook page.
If you are unable to vote in person on September 9, absentee voting is quick and easy! The deadline to request an absentee ballot is August 25. Visit the Oklahoma Election Board online portal: https://okvoterportal.okelections.gov. Early voting will be Thursday and Friday, September 4-5 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cherokee County Election Board, located at 914 S. College Avenue in Tahlequah. Thank you in advance for taking time to vote – and for all you do to make our school a wonderful place to work and to learn.
As we begin the new school year, we are grateful to the Tahlequah community for our ongoing partnership and for the time and expertise shared with us as we developed this plan for our students and the future.
It is my honor to lead Tahlequah Public Schools. As always, if you have any comments, questions, or concerns, I am available. You may contact me by phone at 918.458.4100 or by email at jonest@tahlequahschools.org. Thank you and remember, “Once a Tiger, always a Tiger!”
Tanya Jones