OKCPS has chosen 26 people to serve on the Northeast Taskforce (NETF). The NETF will address significant issues facing OKCPS sites in northeast Oklahoma City and the Spencer area. “I worked with OKCPS Board Member Ruth Veales to create the NETF because we are very concerned about equity in our schools and the declining performance of our sites serving predominantly African American students”, said Superintendent Aurora Lora.

255 people originally applied to become members of the NETF. Chosen members include: elected officials, clergy, principals, teachers, students, parents, community members, business leaders, school board members, charter school representatives, volunteers, and alumni. The district’s selection committee worked to ensure that all northeast and Spencer area schools were properly represented. OKCPS Board Member Ruth Veales will also sit on the panel, along with OKCPS Chief of Staff Rebecca Kaye who will provide support from the superintendent’s office.

“I will be charging the taskforce with reviewing research and best practices to improve chronically low-performing schools and to develop cost-neutral recommendations that the Board of Education and I can consider implementing in order to set these schools on a path to transformation”, said Lora.

The goal of task force is to involve representatives from a variety of key stakeholder groups to:

• Ensure that the District’s implementation of The Great Commitment is implemented for the benefit of all students.
• Provide consistent and transparent communication with the NE school community.
• Work collaboratively in the decision-making process at the school and district level.
• Build trust and improve the relationship and communication with the families and community in Northeast Oklahoma City.

Representatives will share their perspectives on the topics discussed, and will share the meeting information with other stakeholders not directly involved in the process.

Q: When does the NETF start their work?

A: The NETF will hold weekly Thursday meetings starting January 19, 2017, from 6pm – 8pm.

Q: How were the NETF members chosen?

A: An OKCPS committee reviewed 255 applications and created several applicant categories to ensure various stakeholder opinions were represented. This included principals, teachers, students, parents, elected officials, clergy, community members, business leaders, school board members, charter school representatives, union representatives, volunteers, and school alumni. The committee also worked to ensure that all Northeast and Spencer area schools were properly represented by NETF members.

Q: Are NETF meetings public?

A: Yes, all meetings will be open to the public/media and are scheduled to be held at Metro Technology Centers – 1900 Springlake Drive in Oklahoma City.  (Business Conference Center, Room I)

Q: What topics will the taskforce be discussing?

A:  The taskforce will be reviewing research and best practices to improve chronically low-performing schools and will develop cost-neutral recommendations that the Board of Education and Superintendent can consider implementing in order to set these schools on a path to transformation.  This may include controversial issues and tools for improvement and cost-savings, including school consolidations and charter schools.  The district looks forward to hearing the community’s recommendations for the right mix of strategies for the children in the northeast portion of OKCPS.

Q: How will NETF recommendations be released?

A: NETF will share their findings/recommendations with the OKCPS Board of Education and OKCPS staff during board meetings. Information will also be available on the district website: www.okcps.org/netaskforce