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The state Board of Education meets at 9:30 a.m. today, and there will be a new limit on the number of public comments.
Since Superintendent Ryan Walters took office, citizens have lined up in droves to speak during the public comment portion of state Board of Education meetings. Many use their allotted time to air frustrations and criticize Walters; others praise his work.
At today’s meeting, the number of people allowed to comment on items on the agenda is limited to 7, according to the agenda. That’s different from October, when the board didn’t limit the number on-agenda speakers. The limit of 3 people on topics off the agenda is unchanged.
The right to address a public governing body isn’t guaranteed. The Oklahoma Open Meeting Act doesn’t require they give citizens an opportunity to speak, though most boards do.
Also of note, the board is set to vote on rules regarding alternative education. Amendments to the rules roll back a proposal to require students to attend class in-person, which would have eliminated online-only alternative education.
While you’re here, my colleague, race and equity reporter Lionel Ramos could use your help. He’s reporting on undocumented students who attend college or career tech but after graduating, can’t get a professional license because of their immigration status.
These students could fill workforce needs as teachers, nurses, engineers, and other high-level professional workers.
Do you have a degree in nursing, teaching, engineering, or another field that requires professional licensure who can’t get certified because you’re not a citizen? Do you know someone who fits that description? Anyone willing to share their story can reach Lionel at Lramos@oklahomawatch.org or 405-905-9953. We will not publish anything without contacting you first.
Comments, questions, story tips? As always I can be reached via email or direct message.
Recommended Reading
- A conversation with interim Tulsa Public Schools superintendent Ebony Johnson. [The Frontier]
- The Department of Education has reversed course on a requirement that alternative education students attend in-person classes. An online-only alternative school said it’s model was at risk. [NonDoc]
- After Arizona implemented universal school vouchers, private schools raised tuition, pricing out some of the students they were supposed to serve. [The Hechinger Report]
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