Oklahoma school election 2026: Inola, Liberty, Mannford, Verdigris, Central Tech
Some information on other school board races and school propositions in the Tulsa area.
Keep in mind that I don't live in these communities, and so my information is limited, but what I've found, I present below, and hopefully you'll find it helpful. I'd welcome any additional information readers could offer. I will tell you how I would vote based on what I've presented, but treat it as a very tentative recommendation, particularly in the school board races.
Inola school bond issue:
Inola Public Schools has two propositions, each for $29,900,000, over 18 years, with very similar lists of specific projects on each. The Bond 2026 page has a pretty detailed explanation and a response to Frequently Asked Questions, such as the impact of the expansion Sofidel facility on the Net Assessed Value of property in the district, which is the basis for calculating property tax increases to repay the bonds. They acknowledge that property taxes will increase if either or both propositions pass, while a more recent 2023 bond issue will expire in 2028. The Sofidel plant expansion will not benefit the school district for 7 years because it is in a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district and any taxes resulting from the increase in property value will be captured for TIF district improvements. Proponents state that the taxes are necessary to address overcrowding in schools, as new housing developments are being built and modular buildings are already being used to house the 1st Grade. The expansion would also allow 5th graders to move out of the middle/high school campus and back to elementary school.
The Inola Bond Transparency Act statement lists the spending on the much smaller 2023 bond issue propositions, $2,075,000.00 for building improvements and materials, and $510,000.00 for vehicles for pupil transportation.
As in Tulsa, the Inola bond propositions are a hodgepodge of different types of projects. There's no way to vote for air conditioning for the secondary gym or additional elementary classrooms without also voting for giving out Chromebooks to all the students. Districts and municipalities consistently violate the state constitution's single-subject rule, and they get away with it, because someone would have to pay for the lawsuit to enforce it, with no guarantee that a judge would handle the suit fairly.
I noticed a few Vote No signs around Inola, including the two planted at the intersection of Broadway and Commercial next to two Vote Yes signs (photo above). One of the signs claims that 37% of the money raised by the property tax increase will leave the district to pay banks and investors. Given the amount being raised and the long term of the bonds, that is not surprising.
My inclination would be to vote no and then ask the board to try again, with different propositions to allow voters to pick and choose which spending they deem necessary (more classrooms, air conditioning for the old gym) and which (Chromebooks) they deem harmful. Whittling the propositions down to the most essential would also make it easier and less expensive to finance the projects.
Central Tech 2-mill property tax increase:
Central Tech is the Career Tech district covering nearly all of Creek County, plus parts of Osage, Pawnee, Payne, and Lincoln Counties. The district is seeking a permanent tax increase of 2 mills, to be added to the current levy of 10 mills for general fund and 3 mills for the building fund. The district has no bonded indebtedness. The website for the tax increase says, "Many long-term career programs are at capacity, and there are more than 400 students currently on wait lists." The district's Estimate of Needs lays out Central Tech's revenues and expenditures from 2024-2025 and the forecast numbers for 2025-2026. The additional 2 mills would generate an estimated $3.3 million per year in addition to the roughly $22 million in taxes currently generated. An extra 2 mills is an extra $20 per year on a $100,000 house with a homestead exemption. That would be 15 mills total; compare that with 13.33 mills for Tulsa Technology Center.
A yes or no vote would depend on how confident I was in the stewardship of the Central Tech board and administration. I could see where a district with a lower net valuation would need a higher millage than Tulsa Tech to generate sufficient revenue to meet program demand. You can read the most recent two years' audits on the State Auditor's website: 2023-2024, 2022-2023. I don't see any adverse findings. I'd lean towards voting yes.
After the jump, a look at school board races in Liberty, Verdigris, and Mannford.
Liberty School Board, Office 1: Incumbent board member Kim Perner is not running for re-election. The candidates are Timothy Brown, 44, and Linda Dany, 70, both registered Republicans.
Brown made the following statement about the race on his Facebook profile:
As a longtime resident and parent within the Liberty Public School District, I have seen firsthand the impact of a quality education within a community that values conversation over commotion and people over politics. It's where my wife grew up and where we've raised our three children. Watching them thrive in this district has been one of my greatest joys.Since 2012, I've been on the sidelines and in the halls--mentoring students and coaching youth sports, with 8 of those years spent leading the Liberty Youth Football League. Whether I'm volunteering with the Varsity football team today or with our youth programs in years past, my goal has always been the same: helping our kids find success through growth and development both on and off the field.
Today, I'm ready to bring a new level of service to our community. I am officially running to serve as your next Liberty School Board Member.
In addition to my years of coaching and mentorship, I bring over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. I understand that for a district to be sustainable, it must be built on a foundation of fiscal discipline. I am running to ensure our schools operate with a Culture of Excellence by focusing on:
• Financial Stability & Responsibility: Leveraging my banking background to ensure every dollar is maximized for our students' futures.
• Accountable Leadership: Ensuring district leadership is transparent and held to the highest standards.
• Empowered Educators: Making sure our teachers are fully equipped to foster the success of every student who walks through their doors.
• Comprehensive Student Growth: Focusing on a well-rounded education that values both academic achievement and the practical life skills necessary for students to thrive in their professional and personal lives.
I believe in this district because I've seen what it can do for our children. Now, I want to use my professional experience and my passion for this community to keep Liberty Public Schools strong for not just this, but every generation.
My commitment to this district is deeply personal and I would be honored to have your support. VOTE April 7th!
This appears to be Linda Dany's Facebook profile, but I can find no comments here about the school board election or about education generally.
I would lean toward voting for Mr. Brown.
Verdigris School Board Office 1:
This is an open seat for a five-year term. Alicia Nees, a registered Republican, faces Samantha Baumert, a registered Democrat. Nees grew up in Verdigris and graduated from Verdigris High School in 2003. Baumert has lived in Verdigris for about 5 years.
Here is Alicia Nees's statement about the election on her Facebook profile:
"Why would you run for school board?"It's a question I've been asked more than once. With a full plate as a nurse practitioner, a wife, a boy mom of two, coach, and a community volunteer... why add something else?
The truth is simple: because Verdigris made me who I am.
I am a proud Verdigris graduate -- Class of 2003 -- a class that got to finish where we started thanks to this wonderful community that believed in us. My strongest values, lifelong friendships, and my work ethic were shaped right here. I was a multisport athlete, member of the band, National Honor Society member, a 4.0 student, JOM member and I attended Northeast Votech for Business Computers during my high school career. I was supported by teachers and coaches who pushed me, cared for me, and still show up for students today.
Now, as a parent of a 1st and 8th grader, who are both involved in multiple sports and extracurricular activities, I want the same -- and more -- for all of the students at Verdigris.
Verdigris has continued to grow and evolve in incredible ways over the years. With growth comes opportunity, and I want to help ensure every student has the chance to discover their true worth and abilities.
My husband and I chose to move back home because we want our boys to grow up in a school system that invests in every child. I love that I can walk into a school event and immediately see familiar faces -- people who helped raise me, people I grew up with, and friends who are now raising the next generation beside me.
I love this community, I believe in our schools, and with my experience and commitment to Verdigris, I'm ready to serve as a school board member and to help our district continue to grow and thrive.
I would be honored to have your support.
Vote Alicia Nees (McDoulett) -- Verdigris School Board on April 7th.
For safe schools. Strong academics. And a future full of opportunities.
Here is Samantha Baumert's statement about the election on her Facebook profile:
BIG NEWS, VERDIGRIS!I'm excited to share that I'm officially running for the Verdigris School Board.
Our family has called Verdigris home for the past 5 years, and we absolutely love this community. My son is in 4th grade, my daughter is in 2nd, and both are deeply involved in multiple school activities and sports. Watching them grow within this district has strengthened my passion for supporting all students, families, and teachers.
I'm running because I care deeply about the future of our kids and our schools. My priorities reflect the things I'm most passionate about:
Strong Academics & Classroom Support
Every student deserves a high-quality education with the tools they need to succeed.
Anti-Bullying & Safe School Culture
No student should feel unsafe or unheard. I'm committed to strengthening support systems and promoting a culture of respect and kindness.
Equity Across All Schools in Our District
Whether a student attends one campus or another, they should have equal access to opportunities, resources, and support.
Fairness & Equity Within Athletics and Activities
Sports and extracurriculars build confidence, leadership, and community. I want every program--and every student--to be supported fairly and transparently.
I believe in our students, our teachers, and the incredible community behind them.
Verdigris is strong, and together, we can make it even stronger.
I would be honored to have your support in February.
Samantha Bauman also has a Facebook campaign page.
I would lean toward voting for Alicia Nees, the Republican with deep roots in the district.
Mannford School Board Office 1:
Two candidates, both Republicans, are seeking the position. Clayton Paslay, 51, a graduate of Inola High School, has served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Mannford, since 2017, after ministering at First Southern Baptist Church, Springerville, Arizona, and First Baptist Church of Rolling Hills -- the church where I came to faith many decades earlier. Kelly Boyer, who moved to Mannford in 2020, is the other candidate in the race.
Paslay posted the following on Facebook after filing in December:
After prayer and seeking some counsel, I submitted my paperwork for the Mannford Public School Board of Education vacancy.I was informed by the election board that there's at least one other candidate...maybe more.
I appreciate and support anyone who has a vested interest in the health and success of Mannford Public Schools and is committed to strengthen our community by making the children and students our utmost priority!
I trust God's will for my life and will not promote myself for a position, so this will be the extent of my campaigning...
1. Pray faithfully for our school administration, leadership, faculty, and staff.
2. Practice your civil responsibility by going to the polls and voting your conviction.
3. Pursue opportunities to get involved at MPS through numerous avenues that make a significant impact in the life of a child on a daily basis. ***You don't have to have children in the school to get involved.***
Examples: Drive a bus, pack a meal through the Backpack Program, attend school events and support the different student organizations, give to unpaid lunches, substitute teach, etc.
The children are not our future...they're our TODAY. If we lose them today...we have no future!
God bless and go Pirates!
Here is Kelly Boyer's Facebook profile. He has not posted anything about the election, but he posts about his family's involvement with the school, particularly the athletics program. I did not find a campaign web page or Facebook page for either candidate.
I would lean toward supporting Pastor Paslay. I would point out to him, however, that "trust[ing] God's will for my life" doesn't forbid the use of means, such as a candidate communicating with prospective voters, through which God ordinarily accomplishes His purposes.
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