Latest news with #BixbyPublicSchools
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oklahoma governor signs mandatory one-year school cellphone ban into law
Gov. Kevin Stitt visits a chemistry classroom at the Jenks Public Schools Math and Science Center on Nov. 13 while visiting schools with cellphone restrictions. Stitt signed a bill into law Monday to implement a yearlong cellphone ban in all Oklahoma public schools. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed into law a yearlong ban on student cellphone use in all Oklahoma public schools. Oklahoma will join 11 other states that have implemented similar statewide restrictions. Some school districts in the state enforce a similar policy already. Stitt signed Senate Bill 139 on Monday to implement the 'bell to bell' ban for the 2025-26 school year. The restriction becomes optional for districts in the 2026-27 school year and thereafter. While the yearlong ban is in place, each district's school board must adopt a policy restricting students from using cellphones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, smart headphones and smart glasses from the first bell ringing in the instructional day until final dismissal. The policy must outline disciplinary procedures for enforcing the rule. Gov. Kevin Stitt, center, and Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller, right, listen during a Nov. 13 roundtable discussion with students about a cellphone ban at the Bixby Ninth Grade Center. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) School-issued or school-approved devices used for classroom instruction are still allowed under the law. Districts could permit cellphone use for emergencies and for students who need it to monitor a health issue. Stitt previously urged public schools to find cost-neutral ways to make classrooms cellphone free to reverse a 'worrying trend' of distraction, bullying and learning difficulties. 'We're seeing classrooms across the country struggle with the influx of cellphone use by students,' Stitt said in a statement Tuesday. 'That's why I issued my cellphone free school challenge in the fall. We want kids to be focused and present while they're with their teachers, and this legislation helps promote an environment conducive to learning.' Before the 2025 legislative session began, state lawmakers met with mental health researchers who warned about the negative effect and addictive impact of digital media on youth. They also spoke with Oklahoma educators who said their schools saw better student behavior after banning cellphones. Meanwhile, Stitt visited schools that already have these restrictions in place, where students and educators spoke favorably about their school rules. Among the nation's largest teachers union, 90% of members said they support cellphone restrictions during class time, and 83% favored prohibiting cellphone and personal device usage for the entire school day, according to a National Education Association survey. U.S. adults reported broad support for classroom cellphone restrictions in middle and high schools, but only a third of American adults said they support extending these bans for the whole school day, the Pew Research Center found. Support for SB 139 wasn't overwhelming among Oklahoma lawmakers, either. The state Senate passed the bill with a 30-15 vote, and the House approved it 51-39. The House also passed a similar school cellphone ban, House Bill 1276, that would allow districts to opt out of the policy. SB 139 allows no such option until after a year. Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, wrote Senate Bill 139 to implement a mandatory yearlong ban on cellphones in schools. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) 'This will allow teachers to focus entirely on educating our kids while students can concentrate on learning as much as possible,' an author of both bills, Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, said. 'After two years of hard work on this issue, I'm thrilled to see this legislation become law, and I'm confident students, parents and teachers will see immediate benefits once the new school year begins.' HB 1276 is unlikely to advance in the Senate now that SB 139 has the governor's signature, Seifried said. The bill's House author, Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, called the measure a 'try it before you buy it type of policy.' 'I appreciate Gov. Stitt signing SB 139 to remove the distractions of cellphones from our schools and give our kids their childhood back,' Caldwell said Tuesday. The governor on Monday also signed into law a restriction on virtual school days. Senate Bill 758 will limit districts to using a maximum of two online instruction days per school year. 'Kids learn best in the classroom,' said Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, who wrote the bill. 'Virtual days have their place in emergencies, but we've seen them become a go-to solution in some districts — and that's not fair to students or families. This bill strikes the right balance by preserving flexibility without compromising the quality of education.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Multiple candidates join 2026 race to become state superintendent of public instruction
Two more candidates have filed paperwork with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to run for state superintendent of public instruction in 2026 and a third candidate has announced he'll also join the race. Ana Davine Landsaw, of Tahlequah, and Riley Williams, of Calera, joined current Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller in formally filing paperwork to enter the race on the Republican side. Current state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, also a Republican, hasn't yet announced if he will be running for reelection, for another office or not at all. Landsaw said on her campaign website she grew up in Bristow and now works as the assistant director of the Alternative Certification for Educators (ACE) Institute at Northeastern State University, which provides training for career professionals transitioning into a teaching career. She said one of her campaign priorities is to provide an 'open forum' at the Oklahoma State Department of Education 'where all Oklahomans can access educational resources, receive professional development, and voice concerns freely without backlash.' She also wants to 'reclaim control of education by empowering local communities, educators and families to have a stronger voice in shaping policies that impact students.' According to her LinkedIn page, Williams spent more than five years with the Federal Aviation Administration, most recently as a radiation safety program manager. In December, she started the 'Innovating Education' podcast, with a focus on discussions on education reform, policy advancements and innovative teaching practices. Her campaign website notes she has 'two children who need extra educational support, including a son with Down syndrome.' Among her ideas to improve Oklahoma education are 'competency-based, personalized learning,' the thought that students should advance based on understanding and skill development, not seat time. Multiple Tulsa-area media outlets have reported that former Tulsa Public Schools board member Jerry Griffin also will run for state superintendent. Griffin sent out a press release saying, 'It's time to put education back in the hands of educators, strengthen our schools, and prepare students for a future of success.' It's unclear if Griffin, who served on the Tulsa school board from June 2020 through January 2024, is running for a party nomination or as an independent. As of Thursday, he hadn't yet filed campaign paperwork with the Ethics Commission. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 3 more candidates say they're entering race for state superintendent
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bixby Supt. Rob Miller announces candidacy for State Supt. of Education
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – It was a big announcement on the south steps of the state capitol Tuesday morning when Bixby Public Schools Superintendent announced he was running for State Superintendent of Education in 2026. 'I'm running for state superintendent,' Miller said followed by cheers from the crowd. LOCAL NEWS: Bixby Public Schools Superintendent announces run for State Superintendent He threw his hat in the ring during a rally for Public Education Day at the state capitol Tuesday, which is part of Public Education week there. 'This is about going to the State Department, rolling up my sleeves and working hard on behalf of Oklahoma's students and families because I have no aspirations beyond this job,' he said. You might remember last July, Miller asked the State Department of Education how much Title I funding Miller's district would get. When they reportedly didn't get an answer, a reporter asked Walters about the inquiry during a news briefing. 'He's a liar, he's a true embarrassment, Rob's a clown and he knows that,' Walters said back on July 31. That and alleging financial issues with Millers district resulted in a defamation lawsuit that is still ongoing. After the rally, Miller spoke to news outlets about his decision and his emphasis for his campaign. Among the things he mentioned was the state's teacher shortage. 'Right now, teachers feel like they're under a storm cloud,' he said. 'We support you, we value you. You make a difference in the lives of kids every single day.' Multiple speakers preceded his speech and announcement to advocate for public education. 'Education is the great equalizer. It bridges the gap between privilege and disadvantage and offers a pathway to upward mobility,' Oklahoma PTA President Jane York said. LOCAL NEWS: Former Speaker of the House Charles McCall announces run for governor They advocated for everything within public education from teachers, funding and student mental health, to arguing against vouchers and recent rules from Walters on immigrants and bibles. 'Imagine sitting in class trying to focus, but in the back of your mind, you're wondering if your best friend will be gone tomorrow,' middle school student Jade Valentine said. 'Social studies is supposed to teach us about history and government, but lately it feels like a bible study class instead.' Miller said he plans to retire as Bixby's Supt. at the end of this school year to prepare for the upcoming race. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill could prohibit state employees from protesting during work hours
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A proposed bill that would keep state employees from protesting during work hours passed through a Senate committee on Tuesday. Senate Bill 481 was authored by Senator Dusty Deevers (R-Elgin). It would prohibit public employees from school districts, state agencies, and political subdivisions whose 'salary or wages are paid with taxpayer dollars' to protest while on the clock. 'It maintains employees free speech rights, but they may still express political views on their own time, but not on the taxpayer's time and the taxpayer's dime,' said Deevers. OKLAHOMA POLITICS: Bixby Public Schools Superintendent announces run for State Superintendent The bill would also prevent state workers from using taxpayer-funded computers, equipment, or vehicles during a protest.'It's important to know that the First Amendment guarantees the right of citizens to speak freely, but not the right of government employees to engage in political activism while on the clock,' said Deevers. In recent weeks, protests against immigration and school board decisions have happened in Oklahoma. Many also remember the Oklahoma Teacher Walkout in 2018, where teachers and staff demanded higher wages. A decision was made nine days later. Lawmakers against the bill question its broad scope.'This is intended to limit public employees from associating with each other, from conducting community outreach,' said Sen. Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City). 'The definitions are so broad as to distinguish protests from advocacy and community outreach. I think it would create problems at the local level. I cannot support this roadway.' The bill, which passed 6-2, will now head to the Senate floor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bixby Superintendent Rob Miller announces bid to replace Ryan Walters with rap: Watch
Rapping his announcement on the Oklahoma Capitol steps during a celebration of public school education on Tuesday, Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller — who's been a thorn in the side of state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters — announced he was running for Walters' office in 2026, whether or not Walters seeks reelection. Miller, 63, filed his candidacy papers with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission on Monday. He's the first Republican to officially file to run for state superintendent. Walters, who's a little more than two years into his first term as state superintendent, has not said anything about his future political plans, but it's widely believed he will seek the GOP nomination for governor. Since 2018, Miller has served as the superintendent of Bixby, a suburb south of Tulsa. He was named as a region superintendent of the year in 2020. During his time as a teacher and administrator in Jenks Public Schools, he was named as the state middle school principal of the year in 2014. That fall, he was a finalist for the national principal of the year award. While working in the Sand Springs Public Schools district, Miller was the state assistant superintendent of the year in 2018. Last week, Miller made a snow-day announcement for Bixby that went viral, as he rapped to the tune of Eminem's 'Lose Yourself.' He did a reprise for his campaign announcement, wearing a Marines beanie while doing so: 'Yo Oklahoma, listen up, it's time to decide / If you had one shot, one chance, can't let it pass by / You know the words, you know the beat, you know the song / But today, this moment, it won't last long / If you had one shot, one opportunity to stand for our schools and lead with unity / Would you capture it, rise up, answer the call, or let it slip, watch our futures start to fall,' Miller said. 'Well I'm not letting it slip, no way, not today / I'm stepping up, I'm all in, I'm here to stay / With experience, heart and a vision that's strong / For our kids, our teachers, I'm bringing it on.' Miller is the first announced candidate for the superintendent's office. Jena Nelson, a Democrat who lost to Walters in the 2022 general election, told The Oklahoman she hasn't yet decided if she'll run again. While not endorsing Miller, Erika Buzzard Wright, the founder of the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition, said she was 'absolutely thrilled that Rob Miller is stepping up to the plate to run for state superintendent. A man of his character is exactly what we need right now ― someone who recognizes it's about the kids and not self-serving ambition.' Grace Kim, a spokeswoman for Walters, said decisions about his political future will be "made at a later time." Walters' critics have said he spends more time focusing on culture-war issues and on securing national media interviews — using public money to do so — than on the day-to-day operations of the Oklahoma State Department of Education and on improving educational outcomes for children. "Superintendent Walters remains focused on keeping woke administrators out of the classroom, implementing President Trump's education reforms, and empowering parents to have a greater voice in their children's education," Kim said. Miller moved into a broader state spotlight last summer. On X on July 27, Miller questioned why there had been a long delay in the Education Department informing school districts as to how much their federal funding allocations under Title I might be. After his post, Miller's counterparts from districts across Oklahoma said they, too, wondered about the delays but had received no answers from the state agency. Title I money is allocated based on the number of low-income students served by schools. Those numbers, provided to districts by the agency's past administrations in late spring or early summer, are vital in helping districts plan budgets and determining how many teachers they could hire. The fiscal year began July 1. After a State Board of Education meeting four days later, Walters verbally lashed out against Miller and hinted of potential financial improprieties within the Bixby district. 'He's a liar,' Walters said when asked about Miller. 'I mean, he's really a true embarrassment. He knows every year when he gets the Title I funds, and we're dealing with all kinds of financial problems with his district that we're hoping to address right now. So you know, Rob ― Rob's a clown and a liar. So he knows that. Same time every year — at least late August. It's the same way it's been every year for, my team tells me, over a decade. So he knows that has been communicated to districts. Rob's never reached out, never indicated there's an issue. There's not an issue. He made it up. So he wants his name in the press.' Miller soon sued Walters in Tulsa County District Court for defamation and libel. Walters asked a judge to dismiss the case, but the judge allowed the case to continue and it's still pending. Bixby's most recent audit was clean and a document signed by Walters in July granted all of the district's schools accreditation with no deficiencies. Earlier this month, Gov. Kevin Stitt — in what appeared to be an attempt to make a political point to Walters — recognized Miller during the governor's annual State of the State speech for the Bixby district's policy limiting cellphone use during the school day. As both Republican and Democratic lawmakers rose to applaud Miller, Walters sat stone-faced in his chair on the House floor. 'There's no wrong time to do the right thing,' Miller said Tuesday. 'The right thing right now is to stand up for the kids and our families in Oklahoma. Our state Department (of Education) needs strong leadership and a vision for the future.' He said his announcement covers 'the governor's recent comments about his dissatisfaction with the direction of education in Oklahoma. He said that we need a new set of eyes and we need to renew our focus on what's really important and that's the kids.' This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Bixby superintendent running for Oklahoma superintendent: See rap
