Veterans Day storytime and time capsule dedication
Tuesday, November 10 at 3:30 p.m.
Stillwater Public Library, Storytime Room, followed by an outdoor dedication of the time capsule

The Stillwater Public Library invites families and veterans to join us for a special veteran-themed storytime on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 3:30 p.m., to honor all that veterans do and their role in protecting the freedom to read. After storytime, the library will hold a burial ceremony for its 2126 American Literature time capsule, featuring the top 25 books chosen by the public.

This event is part of the library’s America 250 programming funded through a grant by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

To see a list of books that will go in the time capsule, or to learn more about the library’s American 250 project, visit stillwaterok.gov/America250.

The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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Following a challenging financial shortfall in recent years, Stillwater Public Schools (SPS) has successfully restored its General Fund balance to a strong position aligned with district board policy.

In late August 2024, the district identified a potential $5.5 million shortfall if no corrective action was taken, with the General Fund balance dipping to 4.29%, well below the 11% to 14% target required by board policy. Thanks to disciplined financial management, significant tightening of expenditure, and higher-than-expected ad valorem revenue, SPS stabilized its General Fund balance at 11.75% by June 30, 2025. Continued fiscal prudence brought the balance to 17.47% as of June 30, 2026.

During the height of the budget crisis, SPS was forced to temporarily pause annual step raises for the 2025–26 school year. With financial stability now restored, the district is taking decisive action to compensate staff and realign pay rates:
    Current-Year Step Advancement: Eligible staff members have received their standard annual step advancement for the current school year.
    Make-Up Step Restoration: To address last year’s pause, the district is providing an additional step advancement, returning staff members to their proper career trajectory.
    One-Time Catch-Up Payment: Staff members affected by the pause will receive a one-time payment approximately equal to the cumulative pay difference from the missed step, plus 20%. This payment also counts toward Oklahoma Teacher Retirement System benefits.

To align with board targets, the district projects an $8.5 million General Fund balance for June 30, 2027—placing the reserve comfortably within the board’s 11% to 14% policy range.

During times of tightened budgets and expenditure cuts, some community members often ask how school districts can continue with major capital projects, such as SPS’s  new high school, during an operational budget shortfall. State law governs strict boundaries between different funding sources:

    General Fund (Operational Budget): Covers daily operational expenses, including teacher and support staff salaries, classroom materials, and utility bills. Step raises and staff compensation must be paid exclusively out of the General Fund.

    Bond Funds (Capital Improvements): Approved by local voters, bond funds are legally restricted to long-term capital investments like new building construction, facility renovations, safety upgrades, technology, and transportation. By law, bond funds cannot be used for staff salaries or daily operating costs.

Additionally, beyond the general fund’s state, Bridges said there have been some exciting developments in the area of bond funds. Stillwater's ongoing growth has increased assessed property valuations and allowed the district to pay off existing bonds faster than scheduled. This growth creates the potential for an interim bond to address pressing needs across district campuses.

While planning remains in early stages, proposed capital projects under consideration include:
    Play Space Upgrades: Safer, more accessible equipment at Skyline, turf-enclosed courtyards at Highland Park, and improvements at Stillwater Junior High.
    Performing Arts Center (PAC): Sound and lighting upgrades, new projectors, and restroom renovations.
    Facility Maintenance & Security: Fencing and sidewalk improvements, along with aesthetic fixes (exterior finishes, paint, ceiling tiles, and LED lighting updates).
    Child Nutrition: Modernized kitchen equipment and facility updates.
    Parking & Infrastructure: Drainage repairs at the PAC/Fieldhouse lot and back lot upgrades at Stillwater Middle School.
    Pioneer Stadium: Sound system upgrades, press box and concourse refreshes, and improved exterior signage and lighting.

Meridian Technology Center was awarded a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration for construction of a new workforce and industrial training facility.

“This grant will allow Meridian to expand its training options and help local businesses develop the skilled workforce they need to grow,” said Alex Evers, Meridian’s Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development. “The facility is especially focused on safety and other workforce training which will help local businesses create over 500 new jobs.”

The new 13,600-square-foot education and workforce training facility will be located at 3605 and 3621 N. Prosperity Lane in Stillwater.

The location will provide nearby employers with convenient access to training that supports employee development and retention.

“Part of Meridian’s mission is to secure economic futures,” Evers said. “This facility will help us carry out that mission by bringing workforce training closer to the businesses and employees who need it.”

Local partnerships played a key role in securing support for the new facility.

“Support from our community partners helped make this grant possible,” Evers said. “We’re grateful for their commitment to workforce development and look forward to the opportunities this facility will bring to our district.”

Meridian Technology Center has been a driver of economic development since 1975.

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The City of Stillwater’s September Tax Apportionment Report reflects August 2026 transactions that were reported to the Oklahoma Tax Commission in September 2026 and apportioned to the City in October.

In comparison to October 2025, the City saw increases in General Sales Tax, Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) Sales Tax, Use Tax, and Transportation Sales Tax collections. For more details, see the attached PDF report.

Go to https://stillwaterok.gov/financialcenter for more information about the City of Stillwater budget, taxes, and monthly reports for sales, use, and visitor taxes.

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The American Red Cross asks people to book a time to give blood to help keep the blood supply as strong as possible this fall. The seasons may change, but the need for blood is constant. Donors of all blood types are being called on to roll up a sleeve and give hope to hospital patients who rely on transfusions.

While this can be a shoulder season between severe summer and winter weather, it is often unpredictable. When the blood supply is stable, blood products can be moved wherever and whenever they are needed — even in the face of natural disasters. A single appointment could help provide hope and healing for patients in your community and across the country.

Don’t wait. Make an appointment today and keep it on the calendar. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule a donation appointment.

All who come to give thru Nov. 22, 2026, will get up to $20 in Gift Cards ─ that's a $10 Amazon Gift Card by email and 500 bonus points, which can be redeemed for a $10 e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards!

Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Maze for details.

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