The bond funds will be used to modernize Marlow Public Schools’ transportation fleet by purchasing:

• Six new standard yellow school buses to replace aging buses currently in daily service

• Two new 14-passenger student transportation vehicles to support small groups, extracurricular travel, and special transportation needs

These upgrades aim to improve safety, reliability, and long-term efficiency for student transportation.

The district needs new transportation vehicles because many of the current buses are nearing the end of their service life. The six new buses will replace four 18 year old buses and two 21 year old buses. 

Older buses are more prone to mechanical issues, higher maintenance costs, and breakdowns. Replacing them with modern vehicles improves safety, reliability, and efficiency, ensuring students can get to and from school and activities dependably every day.

The 2026 Transportation Bond is a $1 million proposal. Below is a cost breakdown:

• Six standard yellow school buses – approximately $150,000 each
• Two 14-person student transportation vehicles – aproximately $100,000

Yes. The bond would be funded through a 1.37% property tax increase, so it would result in a small increase to property taxes for residents within the Marlow Public Schools district.

To help illustrate what that looks like, here are examples based on current monthly property tax payments:

• If you currently pay $50 per month, the increase would be about $0.68 per month
• If you currently pay $100 per month, the increase would be about $1.37 per month
• If you currently pay $500 per month, the increase would be about $6.85 per month

To find your specific increase, multiply your current monthly tax amount by 0.0137.

In Oklahoma, school bond funds are strictly limited by law and can only be spent on specific projects that voters approve on the ballot. This means districts cannot use bond money for salaries, utilities, routine maintenance, or day-to-day operating costs. Bond funds may only be used for long-term investments such as constructing or renovating facilities, purchasing equipment, or acquiring school transportation vehicles.

For a transportation bond, like the one proposed by Marlow Public Schools, funds can only be used to purchase or equip student transportation vehicles—such as school buses or passenger vans—and cannot be redirected to other projects or operational expenses. The district is legally required to spend bond dollars exactly as outlined in the voter-approved proposition, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible use of taxpayer funds.

Bond Transparency Act

The bond proposal requires 60% voter approval to pass. If the bond does not pass, the district will not be able to purchase new student trasnportation vehicles at this time.

Key Dates:

• Voter Registration Deadline: January 16^th
• Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: January 26^th at 5PM
• Early Voting: Feb. 5^th & 6^th from 8AM to 6PM at the Stephens County Election Board Office  (Duncan, OK)
• Election Day: February 10^th from 7AM to 7PM at your assigned voting location

You can call the Stephens County Election Board or visit the Oklahoma State Election Board’s OK Voter Portal to verify your voter registration, find your assigned polling place and learn about absentee and early voting options.