Students protest shared space, class sizes

Not all students who attend Northeast Academy for Health Sciences and Engineering are happy about sharing space with Oklahoma City Public Schools administrators while the district’s new home is being renovated.

Several took their concerns to Superintendent Aurora Lora on Monday following a lunchtime protest at the school, 3100 N Kelley, that drew about 150 students.

Lora, speaking at Monday night’s school board meeting, said she met with student leaders to address their concerns “and clear up some miscommunication and misinformation that has gone out about ... how we are sharing the building with Northeast.”

Lora and her staff, along with several other departments, have occupied space at Northeast since July, and are expected to do so until the district’s administrative offices are relocated to 615 N Classen in 2019.

Student Timmy Thongkham spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. He characterized district staffers as “visitors in our building.”

Thongkham complained about students and teachers having to change to accommodate the school district, and requested more support for Principal Sue Starr.

“We understand it’s not the ideal space for you guys ... but you have to understand it’s not ideal for us (either),” he said.

“I’d like to see more action, because actions speak louder than words. I’m a senior ... I shouldn’t have to be up here fighting for what’s right.”

Parent Sherelle Davis said the district has to come up with a less disruptive plan for occupying the building.

“Our foundation has been rocked,” Davis said.

“Classrooms have too many students and not enough teachers. We want you to do something better for our students.”

Lora said she addressed several concerns, including class sizes, which have been a point of contention among students and parents alike.

A few weeks ago, a Northeast student told the school board she knew of classes with as many as 50 students.

“We talked about ... class sizes and shared some information they were not aware of about new teaching positions that were added,” she said.

A district spokesman said three teaching positions have been added at the school since August.

“They didn’t realize we were trying to work with them on a better solution,” Lora said.

Monday was the first day back in the classroom for district students after a two-week break.