NEPC, Lubienski admit choice improves outcomes

Greg Forster explains.

Shameful Tulsa Public Schools

"If parents love their children," the Tulsa Beacon editorializes, "they will take them out of Tulsa Public Schools."

Choctaw teacher accused of relationship with former student

FOX 25 has the story.

Former Edmond school bus driver sentenced in sex abuse case

The Oklahoman has the story.

Lamb opposes Boren tax hike, supports school choice

The Edmond Sun has the story.

Oklahoma GOP calls on school superintendents to follow the law

"Oklahoma Republican Party Chair, Pam Pollard, is calling on all School Superintendents to follow the law regarding the use of taxpayer money to campaign for political candidates," The Okie reports.

This week, Mustang Schools superintendent, Dr. Sean McDaniel, turned himself in to authorities for using district resources to promote and endorse a candidate. 

“This should concern every taxpayer in Oklahoma,” says Pam Pollard, State GOP Chair. “The law clearly forbids superintendents and school employees from using school resources to campaign for a candidate or issue on the ballot. If they want to campaign with their own time and money, that is fine. But it’s not okay to use local and state taxpayer dollars to advance a political agenda.” 

McDaniel admits he used his position and district resources to encourage voters to support one of his employees in the Senate District 45 race. 

In 2010, then-Yukon Superintendent Bill Denton attempted to distribute political materials in his district’s classrooms prompting a parent to file a lawsuit. 

During that hearing, Judge Patricia Parrish admonished Denton not to “engage in advocacy within public schools” and said any superintendent who does this again will be acting at his or her “own peril.” 

“This is not a partisan issue. This has become a recurring event of school employees using school resources for electioneering,” says Pollard. “School superintendents are government employees who have a lot of influence in their communities. Election laws exist to promote fairness to all candidates and we must respect that.” 

Oklahoma law states that in no way can a state employee, on state time, or using state resources, advocate for or against a candidate or ballot issue. 

Canadian County District Attorney Mike Fields must now decide whether to criminally charge Sean McDaniel per state statute.

Sapulpa Public Schools employee describes racism claims

"The Sapulpa School Board on Thursday acknowledged leadership concerns that came to light when a former principal's resignation letter went public," the News on 6 reports. "Bobby Alfred’s letter accused the superintendent of making racist comments to employees and downplaying a major racial issue within the district."

OEA has lost 20 percent of its active members over the last five years

The Education Intelligence Agency has more details.

On a mission to save lives

OCPA's Jonathan Small says schools like Mission Academy are rescuing kids. Oklahoma policymakers should help them rescue even more.

The illiberal campaign against homeschooling

Great piece by Mary Eberstadt.

Broken Arrow Schools employee suspended after drug trafficking, indecent exposure accusations

The Tulsa World has the story.

Union teacher pleads guilty to child pornography charge

KJRH has the story.

#OklaEd activists, education leaders snub teachers on charter bill

The MiddleGround News has the story.