OKC district seeks input on schools’ future

Oklahoma City Public Schools is asking families, staff and others to weigh in on a far-reaching project that could lead to school closures and consolidations in the coming year.

The district, which is operating at about 60 percent of capacity, is facing $11 million in cuts to state aid over the next two years based on projected enrollment declines.

“Our enrollment has been declining and we will be leveling off over the next decade,” Superintendent Sean McDaniel wrote this week in a blog post to district families. “We are spending money to operate schools that could serve over 60,000 students for only about 38,000 students.

“We also have to acknowledge the urgency of meeting students’ social and academic needs.”

On Monday, the district launched a public survey to gather input and is planning a series of community meetings to discuss the process, which includes a facilities assessment and demographic study.

The survey is open through Nov. 4 and can be accessed on the district’s website.

McDaniel has embarked on a project he calls Pathway to Greatness meant to align district resources with instructional needs. That means schools will be closed if they no longer serve a useful purpose, McDaniel has said.

“Would you be willing to send your child to a larger school than they attend today if they had greater access to more electives, an expanded curriculum, or other educational opportunities?” is among the survey questions.

The superintendent, with guidance from two recently formed committees, will recommend whether to close buildings or repurpose them. The groups are charged with studying the

data, evaluating relevant research and providing recommendations related to facilities, bonds and educational offerings.

“It is very important to me that we bring an unprecedented level of transparency and access to this process so that everyone has the opportunity to engage in this important conversation about the future of OKCPS

in whatever feels most comfortable to them,” McDaniel wrote in the blog post.

Additional community meetings — those to present the data — will take place in January, according to the project timeline. In February,

McDaniel will present the best option to the school board, and community hearings on potential changes are scheduled.

The board is scheduled to take action on McDaniel’s recommendation in March.