12 Comments
User's avatar
Gregor's avatar

Is there even one school superintendent in Oklahoma who is doing a great job and the evidence is seen in the outcomes of the student's academic performance? Amongst the 50 largest school districts in terms of enrollment?

Expand full comment
V1SUT's avatar

That's a great question. There are a few bright spots in the four OK Blue Ribbon Schools awarded in 2024 (Schwartz ES-MWC; Bethany HS-Bethany; Maple PS-Canadian County; and Morrison ES-Noble County), but finding an entire, sizable district with commendable state assessment scores is difficult. Average proficiency for OK school sites in 2023-24 was 36.1%.

Expand full comment
Michael Srite's avatar

Thank you. Is data available for private and parochial schools?

Expand full comment
V1SUT's avatar

In addition, student assessment data and other performance indicators for non-public schools are locked (not publicly accessible) on the oklaschools.com portal for school report cards (example: https://oklaschools.com/school/55P011001/)

Expand full comment
Michael Srite's avatar

Thank you. Now that the state is contributing thousands of dollars towards tuition for private school pupils wouldn't it be reasonable to require the schools to provide performance data?

Expand full comment
V1SUT's avatar

Taxpayer SHOULD have transparency wherever their money flows.

Expand full comment
Michael Srite's avatar

Thanks. I'll ask my representative, Annie Menz, to see what she can do.

Expand full comment
V1SUT's avatar

Unfortunately, non-public schools do not report superintendent salaries to the OSDE. https://oklahoma.gov/education/services/school-personnel-records/school-personnel-salary-information/certified-staff-salary-information.html

Expand full comment
Red's avatar

Thank you for this information. It's unconscionable that someone in a service position could take advantage of the families of Norman, and of the teachers who also serve those families, to line his pockets so thoroughly 😤 How many new teachers choose not to stay in Oklahoma, or veteran teachers quit, because of low pay? This is so frustrating!

Expand full comment
V1SUT's avatar

Thank you for reading and sharing the information. Perhaps truth can flip that pay paradigm on its head so we can keep more of those hard working, experienced teachers and attract some bright, motivated new educators. Its never been harder to successfully manage a classroom...dedicated teachers should be well compensated.

Expand full comment
Mary C. Findley's avatar

Thank you for all this diligence! Horrifying but necessary.

Expand full comment
V1SUT's avatar

Thank you for the kind words and for reading. Public education truths need to be told and shared.

Expand full comment