March 26, 2018
Warrior Nation:
For the last few weeks, the possibility of a teacher walkout, scheduled to begin April 2nd, has dominated news headlines across the state. Several school districts have already made the decision to close indefinitely until the state legislature adequately funds public education in Oklahoma.
At this time, Idabel Public Schools is still gathering data and continuing to hold conversations with various stakeholder groups to explore how a teacher walkout could impact our district. The district is carefully weighing each option in order to reach a decision that both shows support for public education and our teachers, while safeguarding valuable student instructional time in the crucial window before and during state testing.
No final statement or decision has been reached, but I wanted to let you know there is a real possibility Idabel Public Schools may cancel classes for the week of April 2nd. We are looking at other changesto our calendar as well. I want to provide parents as much time as possible to make plans for alternate arrangements for your student(s). Any lost instructional time will be made up utilizing the scheduled “snow days” in May. In the event Idabel Schools closes campuses for the week, there will be a plan implemented to ensure our students are provided an opportunity to receive meals. Keep track of a future meal plan on Facebook, Twitter or at www.idabelps.org.
Every decision we make in the forthcoming days will strive to meet the needs of our local community, prioritize our students’ physical and academic well-being, and show our support for the statewide plea issued to our legislators to adequately fund public education. We are “One Team, One Family” in Idabel, Oklahoma, and challenge legislators to develop this same mentality as they are tasked with making vital decisions affecting the present, and future, of every Oklahoman.
The most critical and effective measure that everyone can do right now is to contact their legislative representatives and Governor Fallin and implore them to join together to adequately fund the education of the next generation of Oklahomans. You making your voice heard will make a difference.
Governor Mary Fallin (405) 521-2342
Representative Johnny Tadlock (405) 557-7363 or johnny.tadlock@okhouse.gov
Senator Joseph Silk (405) 521-5614 or silk@oksenate.gov
A final decision regarding this matter will be made and announced no later than Tuesday, March 27th .
Enthusiastically
Doug Brown, Superintendent