Education
Okla. St. U. tops for American Indian graduates
Written by Dick Pryor Friday, 17 June 2011 16:43
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - Oklahoma State University ranks atop a national list that measures the number of American Indian students who graduate with a bachelor's degree. Preliminary data from the National Center for Education Statistics for 2009-10 indicates 355 American Indians received a degree from Oklahoma State during that school year. It's the second straight year the Stillwater university has topped the list. Jason Kirksey, the associate vice president for institutional diversity, says Oklahoma State now has a "tremendous opportunity" to help those students transition into success in graduate school. The data showed Northeastern State University in Tahlequah ranked second in the number of American Indian graduates with 335, followed by the University of Oklahoma in Norman with 241. Oklahoma has 39 federally recognized American Indian tribes.
Regents name Betz president of UCO in Edmond
Written by Dick Pryor Thursday, 02 June 2011 23:06
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) - The Board of Regents for the Regional University System of Oklahoma has selected Don Betz as president of the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. Betz was named to the new post on Thursday. He's served as president of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah since 2008.
He had previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at UCO, where he also was a professor of political science. He has worked at Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa, and as chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Betz will assume his new position on Aug. 1 and replace former President Roger Webb, who is retiring.
AG: Privately paid educ. workers have no authority
Written by Dick Pryor Friday, 27 May 2011 18:44
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Attorney General Scott Pruitt's office says Department of Education workers who were paid by a private foundation were actually not state employees and had no authority at the agency. At least two of Superintendent of Schools Janet Barresi's top administrators were paid by a private foundation after the Board of Education rejected their hiring. Barresi chief of staff Jennifer Carter and communications director Damon Gardenhire were placed on the state payroll earlier this month when the board transferred some of its power to Barresi. Pruitt's office said in a legal opinion handed down Friday that state law does not allow an employee or officer to be directly compensated by a private entity or person. It says such workers are usurpers who have no authority to carry out official duties.
Officials announce Okla superintendent of the year
Written by Dick Pryor Thursday, 26 May 2011 18:34
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The superintendent of the Newcastle Public School District has been named the 2011 Oklahoma Superintendent of the Year.
The Oklahoma Association of School Administrators says Robert Everett was chosen from superintendent finalists from across the state, and will be recognized at the Annual Summer Conference set for June 8-10. It's hosted by the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration.
Everett has been a superintendent for the past 11 years and has 34 years of experience in education. He was an assistant superintendent at Woodward Public Schools from 1998-2000, and was a principal at Mustang High School from 1993-1998. Association officials say to be chosen as a recipient, the selection committee recognizes an individual who represents strong moral values; is a successful, top-level education administrator and inspires and motivates people.
Okla. Senate OKs public school deregulation bill
Written by Dick Pryor Friday, 20 May 2011 18:04
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Public schools in Oklahoma could be exempted from various state education requirements under a bill given final approval in the Legislature. The Senate on Friday voted 29-16 for the "Allowing Local Administrators More Options Act." Opponents argued the bill is an attempt to dismantle state laws designed to improve public education in the state.
The bill would allow local school districts to submit a request to the State Department of Education for an exemption from all statutory requirements and rules from which charter schools in the state also are exempt. Schools would still be required to comply with some state laws, including minimum salary schedules and providing health insurance for teachers. The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.
