As voters prepare for Tuesday’s election, much of the attention in Sapulpa has focused on city council races. But a separate item on the ballot—impacting Central Tech—could have long-term implications for local students and workforce development.
The proposition asks voters to approve a two-mill increase to the district’s building fund, a move school leaders say is necessary to address growing demand and limited space across its campuses.
Superintendent Kent Burris said the need is driven by a simple but significant number: 402.
That’s how many students were turned away from Central Tech programs last year due to capacity constraints, despite being qualified and interested in enrolling. Out of roughly 1,600 applicants, only about 1,200 were able to secure a spot.
“We are completely out of space at both of our campuses,” Burris said. “Every year, that number grows, and those students don’t just loop back in—they get replaced by the next group applying.”
Furthermore, Burris says their research shows the number is increasing year over year. “By about 12 students a year this next year, then 14 students a year the year after that, and so on.”
While some students may return later as adults, many never re-enter the pipeline, missing out on training that could lead directly to employment.
The proposed funding would allow the district to expand its facilities, creating more classroom and hands-on training space to accommodate additional students.
At the same time, Central Tech is also investing in earlier exposure to career paths through its “Explorer Program,” which introduces middle school students to a range of professions through hands-on learning.
The initiative is designed to help students make more informed decisions about their futures before reaching high school graduation.
“We only do what we see,” Burris said. “If students aren’t exposed to different career options early, they’re less likely to pursue them.”
Breaking Down the Cost
One of the most common concerns raised by residents is the potential impact on property taxes.
Burris said the increase would amount to approximately $24 per year for a home with a market value of $100,000, based on current assessment ratios in Creek County.
The calculation is based on the assessed value of a property—12% in Creek County, and typically around 11–12% of market value in each of the 5 counties that Central Tech serves—multiplied by the proposed millage rate of .002 which equates to an increase of less than $25 per year.
While acknowledging broader concerns about rising costs, Burris emphasized that the investment is modest relative to the potential benefits.
“I understand people are stretched,” he said. “But I hope the value they see in this is worth it.”
First Increase in Nearly 30 Years
If approved, the measure would mark the first building fund increase for Central Tech in nearly three decades. The district last approved a similar measure in 1998.
Since then, officials say they have relied on a pay-as-you-go model—avoiding debt and saving funds over time to invest in new construction and maintenance.
That approach has allowed the district to expand facilities gradually, including recent construction projects in Sapulpa, but leaders say it is no longer sufficient to keep pace with demand.
Addressing Workforce Needs
Central Tech serves primarily high school juniors and seniors, who attend tuition-free, as well as a smaller number of adult students in specialized programs such as nursing and law enforcement.
The district is also a major contributor to workforce development in Oklahoma, particularly in high-demand fields like commercial driving. Nearly 700 CDL certifications were completed through Central Tech programs last year alone.
Despite that output, demand for trained workers continues to outpace supply.
“We’re trying to get students into careers faster, with less cost and less uncertainty,” Burris said.
Decision Day Approaches
Early voting is already underway, with Election Day set for Tuesday, April 7. Voters are encouraged to review their sample ballots and determine whether the Central Tech proposition applies to their district.
While opinions may vary, school leaders say the goal is straightforward: expand access, reduce waitlists, and better prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing workforce.
“We think about those students every day,” Burris said. “This is about giving them an opportunity they’re currently missing.”
Learn more about the upcoming proposition at centraltech.edu/futures
Get a sample ballot at okvoterportal.okelections.gov
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