Norman's McKinley and Monroe Elementary Schools celebrate new storm shelters

NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — McKinley Elementary and Monroe Elementary officials announced this week during a ribbon cutting ceremony the official opening of each site’s shelters, marking the completion of all construction projects under the 2019 bond.

According to school officials, all schools in Norman Public Schools (NPS) now have storm shelters ready to keep students safe, just in time for severe weather season.

“As stewards of our students' and staff's safety, it is our duty to provide a secure haven that shields them from the unpredictable Oklahoma weather,”. “With the completion of these storm shelters, we not only fulfill our obligation but also reinforce our commitment to safeguarding our school community.”

Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino.

“Last year, we made a promise to the parents of Monroe and McKinley schools that they would not face another storm season without a storm shelter. I am proud to announce that we have delivered on that promise,”. “These newly opened storm shelters stand as a testament to our unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety of all our students and staff."

Justin Milner, NPS Associate Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer

School officials say, McKinley and Monroe will have two rooms at each school that can hold the entire student population and staff in case they need to seek shelter. When not being used as a storm shelter, these rooms are used for music classes.

McKinley and Monroe were the first to be approved for renovations under the 2023 bond project, which was passed in February 2023.

McKinley additions will include more classrooms and restrooms, a breezeway connection corridor, and renovations to restrooms and parking lots. Monroe additions will include several new classrooms, a library enclosure, and updates to its restrooms and parking lots, said school officials.

WA Group, an architecture and interior design firm, who worked with NPS on the 2010, 2014, and 2019 bond projects said, “CWA Group is honored to be a part of the Norman Public Schools bond projects. We love contributing to the community where our employees live and raise their families,” said Alison Acker, Senior Project Architect, Vice President.

Norman officials concluded saying, safety and security for students was the cornerstone of the $186 million school bond. It was passed in February 2019, with nearly $30 million dedicated to build storm shelters at 16 schools that did not have one.