Classes may resume Tuesday; Town Hall meeting still set for tonight

Superintendent Shelley Arrott said Thursday morning that Ponca City Public Schools are planning to be in session on Tuesday, “as long as we have enough staff to support our students.”

She said teachers are not completely satisfied with Bill 1010xx, which was approved by the State Senate Wednesday night and earlier by the State House of Representatives. Gov. Mary Fallin is expected  to sign the bill this afternoon.

“The staff wants the ask, but we have to look at the big picture and listen to our supporters, too,” Arrott said.

She said she will meet this afternoon with the local Association of Classroom Teachers representative, who has been surveying district teachers.

“We are advocating to fill in the total gap of cuts over the past 10  years,” Arrott said.

Tonight’s Town Hall meeting is still scheduled for 6 p.m. at West Middle School. It is being held by the Oklahoma Education Association. Arrott said she will attend to answer any questions.

OEA President Alicia Priest said Wednesday night the bill represents real progress, even if it’s not everything educators need. She said teachers will meet at the Capitol on Monday.

“This is not a perfect deal,” Priest said. “There are shortcomings that need to be addressed, and we are working with the Legislature to address them.”