Oklahoma City
Tulsa district weighing school closures at urging of Oklahoma education officials
OKLAHOMA CITY — Tulsa Public Schools now faces the possibility of closing schools as the state adds new demands for academic improvement. The Oklahoma State Board of Education created another set of goals for Tulsa to achieve by the end of the school year, and state Superintendent Ryan Walters said “all options are on the […]
Public Montessori school approved to open in OKC, three other charters rejected
OKLAHOMA CITY — A public Montessori elementary school has been approved to open in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma Montessori Initiative would be the only public school in the city using the renowned Montessori method of student-driven, hands-on learning. It was the only charter school to gain approval out of four that have applied recently with Oklahoma […]
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority goes back to drawing board as work resumes on $5B ACCESS plan
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is rethinking its $5 billion turnpike expansion and improvement plans now that two lawsuits have been settled. The agency recently acquired $500 million in bonds that will allow it to resume engineering design work and property acquisitions, but will reprioritize the order of the projects, said agency spokesperson […]
Opinion: Oklahomans are watching to see if big bet on Canoo pays off
This week, an Oklahoma City electric vehicle company announced it had manufactured three vehicles in the state — the first Oklahoma-made automobiles since 2006. The announcement marked a momentous occasion for both Gov. Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma’s economic development officials. They’ve continued to bet big that the state can capitalize on the shifting automobile market […]
Proposed charter schools hope to add educational options in historically Black OKC community
OKLAHOMA CITY — With efforts underway to boost businesses and housing in Oklahoma’s City’s northeast side, LaTasha Timberlake saw a need to strengthen another core piece of the historically Black area — its schools. That’s why the longtime educator and nonprofit director is part of a group trying to found a charter middle school in […]
Four new charter schools applying to open in OKC
OKLAHOMA CITY — Four potential charter schools have applied to open in Oklahoma City, with three seeking to expand educational options in majority-Black neighborhoods. It marks the first time in four years that Oklahoma City Public Schools has received any charter applications. The district’s school board reviewed the applications for the first time on Monday. […]
Local leaders call for auto workers’ gains to spread to EV plants, Southern Black workers
Local Black elected leaders aligned with racial and economic justice groups want to build on the labor gains made through the United Auto Workers’ six-week strike. The union’s tentative deals with the big three automakers include major wins such as a 25% rise in pay and getting rid of the two-tier worker system. More than […]
School leaders question proximity of potential Oklahoma County jail sites
OKLAHOMA CITY — The first Oklahoma County jail relocation in generations has raised questions and worries over how close a detention center can — and should — be to schools. Multiple school district superintendents spoke out in recent weeks as county commissioners considered potential sites less than a mile from school facilities. The three-member Board […]
Libs of TikTok scrutiny puts unwanted national spotlight on Oklahoma schools
OKLAHOMA CITY — Some Oklahomans are concerned a right-wing social media account run by an out-of-state conservative figure is politicizing Oklahoma schools, harming districts, educators and students in the process. As Libs of TikTok has taken a growing interest in Oklahoma schools, some parents are questioning Superintendent Ryan Walters’ decision to back the account that […]
Western Heights school district under investigation for hiring principal who performs in drag
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Department of Education will investigate a southwest Oklahoma City school district for hiring a principal who performs as a drag queen in his spare time. The investigation could put Western Heights Public Schools’ state accreditation at risk. The school district already is on probation, the lowest possible accreditation status […]