Author
Opinion: Walters makes good on his promise to draw more teachers to Oklahoma’s public schools
OKLAHOMA CITY — A big thumb’s up to Oklahoma’s state superintendent for actually implementing what appears to be a successful program aimed at alleviating one of public school’s biggest challenges — experienced teacher shortages. In April, Ryan Walters unveiled a signing bonus program to bring qualified, certified, early elementary and special education teachers back into […]
Oklahoma lawmakers double poll worker pay to help address shortages
OKLAHOMA CITY — Angela DeBose often hears the same question each time she asks people if they’d be interested in working the polls on election day. What does it pay? “I often get a giggle when I say, but at the end of last year, when I told them that we were being considered for […]
Oklahomans’ expectations should be high when it comes to driver’s license services
After years of promised fixes, Oklahoma’s state-run driver’s license program remains broken. Perhaps nothing illustrates that as clearly as the fact that Oklahomans are having to get in line at 1 a.m. just to obtain a basic driver’s license replacement. On a recent morning, reporter Carmen Forman encountered Tim Hartshorn, a 66-year-old Oklahoma City resident. […]
Commentary: Desperate for a seat at the table, Oklahomans wait hours to get into education meetings
OKLAHOMA CITY — What’s happening outside the state Board of Education meetings these days has become as big a flashpoint — and as newsworthy — as what’s happening inside. For months now, hundreds of Oklahomans have begun lining up at 4 a.m. to stand in long winding lines in hopes of securing one of a […]
Oklahoma Voice aims to help shape the conversation and hold those in power accountable
OKLAHOMA CITY — Over the past nine years living here, I’ve fallen in love with Oklahoma. I love its diverse geography from the rolling plains to its tree-covered mountains. But even more, I love its diverse people. I love that in the face of overwhelming adversity, Oklahomans are resilient, generous and, overall, optimistic. I have […]