Millage Election Information

Report to Our Patrons

Dear Patrons of SOTC,

These are exciting times for Southern Oklahoma with economic growth and promising prosperity. This year SOTC celebrates its 40th year in delivering quality training and education to Southern Oklahomans. In 1966, the world was much simpler and the trade programs offered reflected the uncomplicated times. No doubt, much has changed since many new companies have arrived in our district and the health care industry is facing critical shortages.

As we determine which offerings are relevant to the current and future needs of southern Oklahomans, we look very closely at regional and national trends in employment. Individual research projects from the Governor’s Council on Workforce Development, Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Ardmore Development Authority have all contributed to the determination of future SOTC offerings.

SOTC is currently ranked 24th of the 29 different Oklahoma Technology Center districts in local support. Of the eight Tech Centers closest to SOTC in valuation, SOTC ranks at the very bottom in local millage support. Because of this, other monies are withheld from our district from time to time.

The SOTC Board of Education is committed to opening additional new programs that will accommodate the need for both the individual student and the employers of Oklahoma. The additional millage will allow SOTC to make payments on revenue bonds that will address the facility and operational needs both immediate and well into the future.

Should the voters approve both questions on the February 13 ballot, a succession of additional program offerings will begin, including;

Biotechnology (doubling the capacity with an additional 30 enrollment slots).
A program in the Bio Sciences working closely on projects related to agriculture and agricultural products.

Product Development Technology (30 new enrollment slots).
A program of manufacturing processes.

Industrial Maintenance Technology (30 new enrollment slots).
A program of maintaining and designing manufacturing equipment.

Additional Health Careers Training (60 new enrollment slots). Current health program capacity is not adequate for the ever increasing demand for health care workers

A new building for the Diesel Technology Lab is also proposed, as well as the remodel of an existing building for a Business Development Center. This would be a “one-stop” location to handle corporate training needs. So far this year, 90 companies have contracted to purchase their training from SOTC.

It is important that SOTC keeps pace with the growth of Southern Oklahoma. This year alone, our high school applications exceeded our available seats by over 100 students because our classes were full! Please help us expand with diverse offerings and added capacity to accommodate the serious need of highly skilled workers.

Oklahoma Career Tech graduates add $2 billion annually to the state economy. It truly is your sound investment on a solid return.

Dr. David Powell, Superintendent
Southern Oklahoma Technology Center