Oklahoma

As conservatives focus on local school boards, Oklahoma lawmakers discuss moving elections

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2024

As conservatives focus on local school boards, Oklahoma lawmakers discuss moving elections

The deputy state director for the conservative political lobbying group Americans for Prosperity argued Tuesday for Oklahoma to move local school board elections to align with the election calendar for federal and state offices.

Bradley Ward, who once worked for the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency at the state Capitol, was the only presenter during a 30-minute-long interim study conducted by the House Election and Ethics Committee and led by Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby.

Banning is a proponent of changing the dates of school board elections, saying doing so will increase voter turnout and save taxpayer money now being spent conducting separate elections. During the just-completed legislative session, multiple conservative groups, including AFP, put a focus on local elections such as school board races.

Critics of the idea say moving the elections could have the effect of injecting partisan politics into what are nonpartisan races.

Oklahoma law now mandates school board elections to be held in February (for primaries) and April (for the general election). Low turnout can be an issue, as evidenced by election results from April.

More: When does early voting start in Oklahoma? Key dates for 2024 presidential election

Among the examples cited by Ward on Tuesday was a race for a seat on the board of Oklahoma City Public Schools, the state’s second-largest district, with about 33,000 students. In that race, 350 people cast ballots, with Jessica Cifuentes beating incumbent Cary Pirrong 233-117. A race for a seat on the Mid-Del Schools board drew 681 of a possible 16,679 voters, or 4%.

“Electing a school board member with just 2% of voter turnout is not conducive to the needs of one of the state’s largest school districts, as it undermines democratic representation and fails to capture the diverse perspectives of the community that the board ultimately serves,” Ward said.

Ward, citing Oklahoma State Election Board data, said about 6% of voters turned out for school board elections in April, compared to 11% in municipal elections in August, 17% in the presidential primary in March and 69% in the 2020 presidential general election.

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Ward said Oklahoma is one of 12 states to have mandated non-November school board elections. Thirteen other states mandate such elections in November of even-numbered years, which would align with election for federal elections. Among those are Michigan, which he used as an example during his presentation. Sixteen states mandate elections in November of odd-numbered years.

Using data from the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System, Ward said Oklahoma school districts spent about $16.9 million on board elections this year, money he said could be reallocated toward other education purposes if board elections are moved. That is assuming the state election board would assume the costs of having a local election item on the same ballot. A spokeswoman for the Oklahoma State Election Board didn’t immediately return a call seeking clarity on that question.

Two bills aiming to move Oklahoma school board election dates – one filed by Banning, the other by state Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore – didn’t make it through the legislative process this year. Banning indicated he plans to file a similar bill for the 2025 session of the state Legislature.

Banning said his measure would have two nonpartisan goals: “It has no other meaning other than to increase voter turnout and save the schools millions, and we’ll also have an accurate representation of the community when those school board members are voted in.”

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Democrat on committee says push to move elections is about GOP ‘retaining power’

The lone Democrat at the meeting table Tuesday was Rep. Mickey Dollens, R-Oklahoma City. He told The Oklahoman afterward he understood Banning’s desire to save money on conducting elections, “but I think it’s more focused on retaining power, otherwise (they) would also advocate for municipal elections to be put on the general election ballot as well.”

Dollens said he likes the current system because partisan politics usually don’t come into play, given that school board elections are “hyper-localized.”

“In this current political environment, we’re already so polarized and divisive. It’s nice to have our municipal elections be separate,” he said.

He suggested better civic education in schools – and perhaps a public messaging campaign on the importance of local elections – might be a solution to the issue of low turnout.

“Each district has its own nuances and its own special needs,” Dollens said. “For highly informed voters, or anyone for that matter, to research the candidates without having all of the other noise around a general election, I feel is a good thing.“

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Oklahoma

POSITIVELY OKLAHOMA: Shining a spotlight on local inclusive theater company

Published

3 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Press Room

POSITIVELY OKLAHOMA: Shining a spotlight on local inclusive theater company

TULSA, Okla. — Holland Hall is known for being a community champion. The school is closely connected with many non-profits, including the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa, and is hosting its Buddy Walk on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. That partnership is thanks to a one-of-a-kind program born in the Theatre department called Company 21.

“Company 21 is an all-inclusive program. It’s an enrichment class for our upper school students and teens and adults in the Tulsa area community with Down Syndrome,” said Upper School Theatre Arts Director Leslie Long.

Long came up with this performing arts community connection eight years ago. “It literally bursts my heart because these are two of my favorite communities!” said Long.

“It’s fun to see friends, especially high school friends,” said Bekah Neely, a Company 21 castmate. Harper May, a Holland Hall Junior and Company 21 Co-President, said, “It just brings me pure joy for the rest of the day. If I have a Company 21 class, I’m having a good day.”

For an hour each Tuesday inside the Walter Arts Center, students and friends from the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa do everything from play with the parachute to put on shows.

Sarita Torres tells 2 News Anchor Julie Chin, “My favorite part was the singing and dancing!”

Long adds, “I try to focus a lot on the movement skills. Also, we do acting. They love to act, and they love to sing, so anytime we can incorporate self-expression and build confidence, not just in them but in my high school students, it’s a win-win.”

KJRH

It’s time spent together filled with laughter and life lessons. “I’ve learned so much about inclusion,” said May.

Senior and Company 21 Co-President Kingsley Craft said, “I’ve learned to take a step back and realize the joy that every day brings.”

With fall, spring, and summer camp sessions, the castmates even put on musicals. And these connections go beyond the theater. Company 21 is preparing for the Buddy Walk on the Holland Hall campus—a partnership born from Company 21.

“98% of the volunteers at the event are Holland Hall students. We’ll probably have 1500 to 2000 people on campus. We’ll have vendors and snow cone machines, and we do the walk—it’s just one of our biggest events!” said Long.

POSITIVELY OKLAHOMA: Shining a spotlight on Company 21

And it’s just one of many campus and community connections born from a theatre teacher everyone calls a superstar.

“Ms. Long is really good to us, and she’s a great drama teacher,” said Neely. “I love Ms. Long. She’s such a sweet, kind person,” said Torres.

“Thank you so much for the best time ever!” said Haley, another Company 21 castmate.

The Company 21 program is free to the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa community. For more information, click here.

You can find out more information on the Buddy Walk here.

Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere —

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Oklahoma

Game Preview: Kick Time, TV Info, Stats for Oklahoma State-West Virginia

Published

11 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Press Room

Game Preview: Kick Time, TV Info, Stats for Oklahoma State-West Virginia

The Cowboys need a win in the worst way, and they’ve had the Mountaineers’ number over the years.

Oklahoma State hosts West Virginia in Stillwater this weekend after the Cowboys’ 0-2 start to Big 12 play. The Cowboys are, though, 9-3 against WVU since the Mountaineers joined the conference. Here is a preview of Saturday’s game.

Viewing Info

Time: 3 p.m. Saturday
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium
Watch: ESPN2 (Mike Monaco, Kirk Morrison and Dawn Davenport)

Betting Info (via BetMGM)

Spread: OSU -3.5
Over/under: 65.5
Oklahoma State money line: -110

Team Stats

	Oklahoma State	West Virginia
Record	3-2	2-2
Points Per Game	33.4	31.8
Points Allowed Per Game	25	28.5
Total Offense	422.8	410
Rushing Offense	102.2	181.5
Passing Offense	320.6	228.5
Total Defense	480.6	410.3
Rushing Defense	204.2	153.8
Passing Defense	276.4	256.5

Statistical Leaders

Passing:
OSU — Alan Bowman — 117-for-195 (60%)/1,537 yards/11 touchdowns/6 interceptions
WVU — Garrett Greene — 63-for-111 (57%)/902 yards/7 touchdowns/4 interceptions

Rushing:
OSU — Ollie Gordon — 88 carries/334 yards/4 touchdowns
WVU — CJ Donaldson — 51 carries/284 yards/3 touchdown

Receiving:
OSU — De’Zhaun Stribling — 27 catches/502 yards/3 touchdowns
WVU — Hudson Clement — 14 catches/231 yards/1 touchdown

Tackling:
OSU — Trey Rucker — 63 total tackles
WVU — Anthony Wilson — 29 total tackles

Sacks:
OSU — Obi Ezeigbo and Kendal Daniels — 2 sacks each
WVU — T.J. Jackson — 3.5 sacks

Series History (OSU Leads 10-5)

Season	Winner	Score	Location
2023	Oklahoma State	48-34	Morgantown
2022	West Virginia	24-19	Stillwater
2021	Oklahoma State	24-3	Morgantown
2020	Oklahoma State	27-13	Stillwater
2019	Oklahoma State	20-13	Morgantown
2018	Oklahoma State	45-41	Stillwater
2017	Oklahoma State	50-39	Morgantown
2016	Oklahoma State	37-20	Stillwater
2015	Oklahoma State	33-26 (OT)	Morgantown
2014	West Virginia	34-10	Stillwater

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Oklahoma

PRESS RELEASE: Oklahoma City Firefighters respond to 131 calls for service during State Fair

Published

19 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Press Room

PRESS RELEASE: Oklahoma City Firefighters respond to 131 calls for service during State Fair

The Oklahoma City Fire Department sends this information as posted below:

Oklahoma City, OK — September 30, 2024

From September 12 to September 22, Oklahoma City firefighters recorded a total of 131 official calls for service at the Oklahoma State Fair. This major event contributed approximately 7% of the city’s total EMS call volume during that period.

Firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel were actively engaged in addressing a variety of incidents. While the 131 documented calls reflect official emergencies, many additional interactions—such as transports to vehicles and general assistance—were provided but not officially recorded.

Emergency responders were present on-site to ensure public safety and to assist attendees as needed.

As the fair concludes, the fire department reaffirms its commitment to delivering quality emergency services and preparedness for future events.

Respectfully,

Scott Douglas

Public Information Officer

Oklahoma City Fire Department

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