[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6216492,"mediaKeyId","3651090-c957ed746b681df20a7803b8b4a56577","parentId",3651090,"title","OKCPS officials report $364 million revenue projection; public commenter warns of $20 million shortfall","audioSeconds",1549,"startMs",268000,"endMs",1817000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3651090-c957ed746b681df20a7803b8b4a56577&start=268&end=1817","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3651090-c957ed746b681df20a7803b8b4a56577/thumbnail_268000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6216492/Oklahoma/OKCPS-officials-report-364-million-revenue-projection-public-commenter-warns-of-20-million-shortfall","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216492-b97e7027555376c5314d230167447579/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142214&Signature=NfqbO6zOHe04VuEpienGpibArMcKoPr4RGWxAunwhymSGFDMVW-xCMEnAWqPYU50KFjWwzyvb1TjaO27T-e--IViO92d6xYLoYGC0fTdpN8TuzJUo2yx94rXoGzFWmAyCWFDBpT6Ubske~GPX-tUo~58Qney-wpEsuL7ltwGQS22LEfBoe47X8mKrRJAzBaqiFW8MzKhEDk6ZFYYmU7-jeOG-8PzgN3yrlsKEC1WXyyBF0njFo-qeiKF4jvMQ6ISuISbw2FyhC-CBOiDi86WxtnE3pS5i0AAmGw4yCU8qWRu5Rkj3muem-yDiGtaTWeivAn2PI6O81qwfKtWrormiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oklahoma City Public Schools","date","2025-06-03T12:21:46Z","article","Oklahoma City Public Schools finance staff on Monday told the board the district is projecting roughly $364 million in revenue and the same in expenses for fiscal year 2025, with an estimated general fund ending balance of about $29 million as of June 30.

The presentation by finance staffer Sydney Ward followed a public comment from Zachary Weisman, who described himself as “a private citizen who cares deeply about the future of Oklahoma City Public Schools” and said he was “concerned” after reading the fiscal year 2025 financial report. Weisman told the board the district was “projecting a 20,000,000 deficit” and that the general fund balance was “below 6%, approaching the state's financial wash threshold,” urging the board to adopt a long‑term recovery strategy with public benchmarks.

Ward presented March financial statements and summarized the district’s short‑term projections: “We're projecting an ending revenue of about 364,000,000, and the same with our expenses … with an ending fund balance of about $29,000,000 in general fund.” She said March showed only a slight change from February and that the end‑of‑year position will be clearer when April and May are closed; OKCPS’s fiscal year ends June 30.

Ward also reported projections for other funds: the building fund at about $27 million in revenue with an ending fund balance near $14 million (timing affected by receipt of ESSER funds), and school nutrition projecting about $28 million in revenue, $25 million in expenses and an estimated ending fund balance around $10 million.

During discussion a board member asked whether the district faced a $20 million deficit. Ward responded, “No. We don't have a $20,000,000,” and explained the district had reduced expenses after the end of federal ESSER funding and worked to align spending to current revenues. Ward cautioned that the March numbers will be refined when April and May close but said “it should not deviate much off this.”

Board members and staff also noted components that affect formula funding such as weighted average daily membership (WADM). Ward said formula funding changes would be clearer at year end.

No formal action was taken. The conversation centered on monitoring year‑end results, clarifying fund balances relative to board policy thresholds and continuing public communication about recovery planning.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 2, 2025 | OKCPS Board Meeting Livestream","oneSentenceSummary","Finance staff told the OKCPS board the district projects about $364 million in revenue and expenses for fiscal 2025 and an estimated $29 million general fund ending balance; a public commenter said the district faces a $20 million deficit and urged a comprehensive recovery plan.","taxTitle","OKLAHOMA CITY (Regular School District), School Districts, Oklahoma","taxId",14545,"location","Oklahoma","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6216497,"OKCPS board authorizes notice to charter school after governance, facility and finance concerns",1573,2008000,3581000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3651090-c957ed746b681df20a7803b8b4a56577&start=2008&end=3581","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3651090-c957ed746b681df20a7803b8b4a56577/thumbnail_2008000.jpg","/articles/6216497/Oklahoma/OKCPS-board-authorizes-notice-to-charter-school-after-governance-facility-and-finance-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216497-835489bfe002a1f2941e55e73d4d7239/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142214&Signature=HZ2~deVUkaPKmePqi0nl9LEYCotPjUFlvH60fG4CF-XxlTwh-BWQQGg1n7q6qvrSadONxzomhaGLqz7q4~W5SZ2ryO3470~2hWMOmuD8THSje~OQ8rygK4qDZR~riW2VrJ9qT~oZpBmZZSLYlelLatrpLPwTT37q6x7kAkkH-PzxI0eSqS8sRnKFqJ6krFaSHYHRreL5CFqZCJCeMuvCf-9ADv1hq8CS-DSKlTAyY4SbPzHj90bymE2apqWmFK2El4rAnaA3gr6-NPGAPkMvQG83FFB4wykXy9S~7lq93F-5Sc6sfMVB9GGgFuElxbpY5EvjgmwMUdXUhyqF43Mqvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oklahoma City Public Schools board on Monday voted 7-0 to authorize district administration to issue formal notice to the Oklahoma Public Montessori Initiative (OPMI) of an alleged breach of its charter contract and to begin the 90‑day process that may lead to revocation.

The move follows an administrative update by General Counsel Tony Childers outlining operational, financial and governance shortcomings that, he said, make it unlikely OPMI could open in August 2025 and raise “a very significant question” about readiness for August 2026.

Childers told the board OPMI was authorized in February 2024 and entered into a contract that anticipated operation beginning in the 2025 school year. He said OPMI’s two main startup funding sources are a $250,000 Walton Family Foundation grant and a $2,000,000 Charter Schools Program (CSP) grant intended to be used over an 18‑month planning period. As of April 30, 2025, Childers reported total revenue of “just a little over $370,000,” roughly $182,000 spent and a current fund balance of “just over a hundred and $94,000.” Childers said OPMI’s board voted to freeze future expenditures, including drawing CSP funds, until November 2025.

Childers listed three core problems the district found in reviewing OPMI’s readiness: persistent governance turnover that left the charter with only three board members (OKCPS policy I‑22 requires five), no secured facility or lease and no instructional staff or Montessori‑certified personnel on site. He said there has been no lease, no permits pulled and no contracts for potential construction on candidate properties.

“I think for 2025 they would not be ready for school,” Childers said, and added the district had received a planning timeline from OPMI that the administration characterized as “fairly aspirational.”

Board member Carol Thompson, describing what she observed at an OPMI meeting, criticized the charter’s leadership and urged revocation. “Rufus Howard was the only person there that had educational experience, and they terminated him,” Thompson said, adding that the remaining three board members had limited experience.

After discussion, Chair Paula Lewis called for a motion. Member Carol Thompson moved “to authorize district administration to issue notice to Oklahoma Public Montessori Initiative Incorporated of an alleged breach of contract and the board's potential consideration of revocation of charter sponsorship as provided by Oklahoma law and the terms of the charter contract.” Member Mike Shelton seconded. The board then voted 7‑0 to approve the motion.

Under Oklahoma law and the charter contract, issuance of the notice would begin a 90‑day period during which OPMI may present additional materials to the board before a final decision on revocation. Childers said the authorization would start that formal 90‑day process; it would not itself revoke the charter.

Childers also explained operationally why the November freeze of expenditures complicates readiness: with expenditures paused, OPMI would not have funds available to hire an executive director, secure a lease, or complete permitting and construction should a facility require it. Childers said OPMI had contracted with outside Montessori consultants but had not hired instructional staff or a principal.

The board’s action directs district administration to notify OPMI of the alleged contract breach and begin the statutorily required process; OPMI will have the opportunity to respond during the 90‑day window before any final board vote.

Background: Childers said OPMI received authorization in February 2024 and entered a five‑year charter contract. The CSP grant referenced is administered through the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center and must be spent within the federal grant’s timing rules.

What’s next: Administration will issue the notice, the 90‑day review window will commence, and OPMI may appear before the board to present additional evidence before the board takes any final action.

","The Oklahoma City Public Schools board voted 7-0 to authorize district administration to notify Oklahoma Public Montessori Initiative (OPMI) of an alleged contract breach and begin the 90‑day process that could lead to revocation, citing missing facilities, governance turnover, and constrained startup funding.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6216482,"OKCPS board approves addendum to Dr. Jamie Polk’s contract after closed‑door evaluation",0,5634000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3651090-c957ed746b681df20a7803b8b4a56577&start=5634&end=5634","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3651090-c957ed746b681df20a7803b8b4a56577/thumbnail_5634000.jpg","/articles/6216482/Oklahoma/OKCPS-board-approves-addendum-to-Dr-Jamie-Polks-contract-after-closeddoor-evaluation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216482-538eab429714d6e5c70da107d65ff40e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142214&Signature=DWJ7cLc9ytZsCIY0f~eCoCrL0zbHzL1W8DKqfOWeKE7kMCHIDdgDjV2DMdFi1WjKCBfDCS5U9KgWnsoAivIKShmAlXBDPYpwfEyX2ijV4KrnXo2Irz3W3KsoCnEPpy3Td4u93D2bhj3l6zsNoVU0yGWgv16JsnHMSZcr31NCGTdmgejfhTGOcXeWqr4TO0yYkz~29-59eDS67kdo8waKcSpZdXc~K5StKl4i0zwpAyG0TpNQ8i4XccVVh9msOjrJpwF7qTu3q9yYdVMTJsUNJKapnzWGANclz6SrDL8KWva-O3NuQTyR7kQxGsV5UNMc6f4cpyyTjdu2-aAf8nvZtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oklahoma City Public Schools board voted unanimously Monday to approve an addendum to Superintendent Dr. Jamie Polk’s employment contract after discussing her evaluation in executive session.

Chair Paula Lewis read an executive session compliance statement that said the board entered closed session at 6:32 p.m. and returned to open session at 7:02 p.m. The statement said the board discussed “the evaluation and employment of the superintendent” and that no actions were taken in executive session.

After returning to open session, the board approved a motion “to approve the addendum to employment contract of Dr. Jamie Polk based on having met the goals established for the 2024–25 fiscal year,” and voted 7‑0.

The clerk conducted a roll‑call voice vote in open session. The board recorded the following votes in the minutes: Paula Lewis (yes); Carol Thompson (yes); Jessica Cifuentes (yes); Dana Meister (yes); Mike Shelton (yes); Juan Macona (yes); Meg McElhaney (yes). The minutes state the motion carried 7‑0.

The board did not disclose details of the evaluation in open session beyond the compliance statement; board policy and state law permit personnel evaluations to be discussed in executive session. The addendum was approved in open session by recorded vote after the executive session concluded.

","After an executive session to review the superintendent’s evaluation, the Oklahoma City Public Schools board approved a contract addendum for Superintendent Dr. Jamie Polk, finding she met goals established for the 2024–25 fiscal year; the vote was 7‑0.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6216487,"OKCPS board names new south‑side campus Skyline Middle School",3202,364000,3566000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3651090-c957ed746b681df20a7803b8b4a56577&start=364&end=3566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3651090-c957ed746b681df20a7803b8b4a56577/thumbnail_364000.jpg","/articles/6216487/Oklahoma/OKCPS-board-names-new-southside-campus-Skyline-Middle-School","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216487-cc107361f2016db027a366c3bae7b7c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142214&Signature=FrRt037z6JmXVKWQVFDXR8hn3G-MI7sZ5g~fUbnuoNs5MPGeay1ASvWPQGOGMw9ggM7SzyKPjXjU3IUu8FbIOTOmltV3amQH4Q1yUUWsRmXCMhubnYWQmk-Pd3B1GSmVf-jJPp7qfLWkdi~4tf2TogOxzRbu-eSg6XfN8cjnCDAXRXqHt9ki9uTI10h-bZjPkLMbvLNplKv63r~L0OeLzeclXKetOSreMvxfaalrk-Wos0WqXzgcA9-3pXVLQ8NxYOwnG~OeI5~67jy-aIFkeRu~7DbZBrIiMl2hh90lD4MuX5ff2w6KP~K~0KfJtavyWt8yNJWk5xdmtnet0~ltVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oklahoma City Public Schools board on Monday voted 7-0 to name the district's new middle school at South 205th and High as Skyline Middle School.

Board member Meg McElhaney moved to name the school “Skyline Middle School,” and Juan Macona seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Tiffany Beasley, a public commenter, had urged the board during public comment to consider naming the new school for Major General Rita Aragon, detailing Aragon’s career with Oklahoma City Public Schools and later service in the Oklahoma Air National Guard and as Oklahoma secretary of veterans affairs. “General Aragon … was my mentor,” Beasley said, adding that Aragon was “a very strong advocate for this district.”

McElhaney said the name followed a committee process that included students, teachers and community members: “It was a very organized and data driven method of arriving at Skyline,” she said, adding that the committee took nominations seriously and included student representatives in deliberations.

Chair Paula Lewis thanked the committee and noted the name had been selected after consideration of multiple options.

The board action completes the official naming process; the district previously circulated a public input phase and convened a committee to recommend a name for the new south‑side campus.

","The board voted 7-0 to name the district's new middle school at South 205th and High as Skyline Middle School after a committee process that included students, teachers and community members; a public commenter recommended naming the school for Major General Rita Aragon.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

OKCPS officials report $364 million revenue projection; public commenter warns of $20 million shortfall

OKCPS board authorizes notice to charter school after governance, facility and finance concerns

OKCPS board approves addendum to Dr. Jamie Polk’s contract after closed‑door evaluation

OKCPS board names new south‑side campus Skyline Middle School