Articles
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Education
Bixby teachers union conducted ‘strategic’ voter targeting at district facility
Bixby Public Schools allowed a teachers’ union to conduct political activities targeting a “strategic list” of voters in the run-up to the June 26 primary election.Stacy Martin | July 10, 2018
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Education
School safety concerns help fuel homeschool, virtual school growth
Proponents of educational options in Oklahoma say that many parents who choose to withdraw their children from traditional public schools cite safety concerns as high on the list of reasons.Mike Brake | June 28, 2018
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Education, Good Government
Gann seeks interim study on CLO distributions
While teachers descended upon the state Capitol this spring seeking more money for schools, one state agency specifically created to support those same schools was sitting on assets worth $2.4 billion.Mike Brake | June 20, 2018
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Budget & Tax
Scamehorn drama shines spotlight on film subsidies
Despite allegations of sexual impropriety on the part of John Scamehorn, the Oklahoma Film and Music Office does not plan to change eligibility guidelines for those receiving taxpayer rebates for films produced in Oklahoma, said chief information officer Leslie Blair.Stacy Martin | June 14, 2018
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Education
OKCPS using Obama school-leniency policy tied to Florida shooting
School shootings are rare; what is much more common are school-based offenses and misbehaviors that disrupt learning and even endanger students, teachers, and staff. And there is increasing evidence that a letter from the Obama administration to education officials has resulted in many schools softening their disciplinary policies—with unfortunate results.Mike Brake | May 31, 2018
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Budget & Tax
'Behavior change' company hired by TSET made millions from Obama Administration
In 2011 Rescue Social Change received a $5 million federal grant that it spent hosting events at bars, giving away free koozies, and even paying people cash not to smoke. The campaign, targeted at “hipsters,” was item number four in U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake’s 2015 Star Wars-themed Wastebook.Staff Reports | May 24, 2018
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Education
Fort Worth recruits Oklahoma teachers
What allows Texas to pay its teachers thousands more per year than Oklahoma has been able to do for decades? There are differences in how Oklahoma and Texas structure and fund public education.Mike Brake | May 22, 2018
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Education
Cushing baseball coach out as police investigation continues
Coach Jon Yates had coached baseball for four years at the school, but every year had drawn criticism for his coaching style even as questions surrounding fiscal issues have swirled.Stacy Martin | May 18, 2018
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Education
School districts' funding confusing to taxpayers
Thanks to the various restrictions on how schools can spend money, it is possible for an Oklahoma school district to be both nearly broke and rolling in dollars at the same time.Mike Brake | April 11, 2018
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Higher Education
OU foundation received $1 million in Chinese government funds for Confucius Institute
The University of Oklahoma may have evaded a federal requirement to report foreign donations by channeling more than $1 million in Chinese government funds for its Confucius Institute through the private OU Foundation, an OCPA investigation has found.Mike Brake | March 27, 2018