Education
Trent England | March 3, 2015
OKC Schools: How great a conversation?
Trent England
This week, the Oklahoma City Public Schools is embarking on a listening tour. They have titled it, “The Great Conversation,” a phrase usually applied to the significant literary works of Western civilization.
The listening tour is part of a “strategic alignment process” launched by District Superintendent Rob Neu, who is in his first year on the job. Neu deserves credit for recognizing that the school district has failed and is failing many of its students.
The press release introducing “The Great Conversation,” quoted Neu saying, “Most everyone in this community is concerned about the performance, accountability and direction of Oklahoma City Public Schools.” Yet in a recent op-ed, Neu made clear who he believes is not concerned about kids. Ironically, he singled out state legislators, particularly those working to expand the educational options available to students.
Whatever Neu’s position, this week’s sessions are an opportunity for community members to question the status quo. The meetings start tonight and continue, two per evening, through Thursday. Details are at the school district’s website.
Trent England
David and Ann Brown Distinguished Fellow
Trent England is the David and Ann Brown Distinguished Fellow at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, where he previously served as executive vice president. He is also the founder and executive director of Save Our States, which educates Americans about the importance of the Electoral College. England is a producer of the feature-length documentary “Safeguard: An Electoral College Story.” He has appeared three times on Fox & Friends and is a frequent guest on media programs from coast to coast. He is the author of Why We Must Defend the Electoral College and a contributor to The Heritage Guide to the Constitution and One Nation Under Arrest: How Crazy Laws, Rogue Prosecutors, and Activist Judges Threaten Your Liberty. His writing has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Times, Hillsdale College's Imprimis speech digest, and other publications. Trent formerly hosted morning drive-time radio in Oklahoma City and has filled for various radio hosts including Ben Shapiro. A former legal policy analyst at The Heritage Foundation, he holds a law degree from The George Mason University School of Law and a bachelor of arts in government from Claremont McKenna College.