[{"_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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6171298,"mediaKeyId","5394557-d505268b3908342286fed7d01366eeeb","parentId",5394557,"title","Owasso estimates $5.5 million cost to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students after state guidance","audioSeconds",84,"startMs",697000,"endMs",781000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5394557-d505268b3908342286fed7d01366eeeb&start=697&end=781","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5394557-d505268b3908342286fed7d01366eeeb/thumbnail_697000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6171298/OWASSO/School-Districts/Oklahoma/Owasso-estimates-55-million-cost-to-provide-free-breakfast-and-lunch-to-all-students-after-state-guidance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171298-1acc4927be50d64d9f63274e625370a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775208703&Signature=hr4oBO7uozksH-ckD-4k9VpWYmj03W2Fak8m6gxkcy2Qz9MU1kG-CWLcbnfnxPg~WaC1BFOo4IdKn5CrU1jm1sTtdA2mD7tPvfEeocQReoAnOXrqQmnMIiqkOj~qemsKO52HvUVHoBT6PfIz2bSssSan~~DkA45UVcfYvwmGIXgy0WaEAXlTFpA~lnSgfbBl4hgSUTavXCKPYhSJojwNaZpuMeg46-x4YExOmcrgVP-D7naJw3j8uDCPjsA0oomJ-JdEOqiHYerooCrAF73a1z3~Y32u02dpIhP3FhRI3E1VV9wHSUPoOmJ7c7xMvgjFwUJw2eaz3Bx8a3j60Qe3xQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Owasso Public Schools","date","2025-07-15T13:40:32Z","article","The Owasso superintendent told the board the district has not received formal notification from the Oklahoma State Department of Education but will respond to guidance about providing free school meals next year. Dr. Margaret Coates said district staff estimate that offering breakfast and lunch to every student at no charge would add about $5,500,000 to the district's costs for the coming year.

Coates said the district submitted its budget to the state before the fiscal year began on July 1 and before the State Department of Education's July 7 press release and letter to parents. She also disputed claims in the state communication about administrative spending, saying Owasso's current administrative costs make up 3.78% of the budget, \"which falls well below the 5% limit set forth in Oklahoma's state law, title 70, section 18-124.\" Coates said even eliminating administrative positions would not generate enough revenue to meet the estimated $5.5 million cost.

The district plans to send the board briefing to families with information about free and reduced-price meal applications and encouraged all families to complete applications, even if they are unsure whether they qualify, because some families who are eligible fail to apply.

Discussion only: No board vote on the meal issue was recorded at the meeting; Coates said the district will distribute information to families and continue working with the State Department of Education as guidance evolves.

What programs would be affected: Coates said the district currently uses federal reimbursements and local meal payments to support the Child Nutrition Fund; she noted federal reimbursements were about $2.3 million and locally paid meals about $1.7 million in the prior year, and that Child Nutrition had intentionally spent down fund balance this year.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting - July 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates told the board that providing breakfast and lunch at no charge to every student next year would cost an estimated $5,500,000 and that the district's administrative costs are 3.78% of its budget, below the 5% statutory limit cited by the State Department of Education.","taxTitle","OWASSO, School Districts, Oklahoma","taxId",14546,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6171303,"Owasso officials warn federal freeze on Title II, III and IV funds could cut about $500,000 from programs",89,495000,584000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5394557-d505268b3908342286fed7d01366eeeb&start=495&end=584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5394557-d505268b3908342286fed7d01366eeeb/thumbnail_495000.jpg","/articles/6171303/OWASSO/School-Districts/Oklahoma/Owasso-officials-warn-federal-freeze-on-Title-II-III-and-IV-funds-could-cut-about-500000-from-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171303-799b8b7fa5b0eecf5e0c22f43f7fe37b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775208703&Signature=HMCzp~SwQo7ik-bU8JI2IxzsUVMhfHoUIxB~2JLAHrq3S2pyO~NadKSaS6MZcm~HO88O10uaIF1mfzZReold0anAkRHfzlBT0XjEzWWQjdYyHIZV70SImUjIZXN7Z1k6hjXzTckbdm1T2Arqi3prtE49hx4kO~yJ7jPLTseMe7kRpFLPUVu9rOKRFL~UB4-ScSfQhAqBZWKhkYNXts2pEZtFizI~BsSWIqtJ4471sXMRprFqhva4dK22O8nK-UjPQ-cPIEDabr7nEovC15jTODOjoxbUZuwdMovNgu2VIVSDJMVkxliNJQmErlkXqEd-zR-K-9dncDw3fpEy1QYrxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates told the Owasso board that a federal freeze affecting several federal education allocations — specifically Title II-A, Title III and Title IV-A — could cost the district about $500,000 if the funds are not released.

Why it matters: The district uses those federal funds for salary and benefits for subject-area coordinators and instructional staff, substitutes to allow teacher collaboration, on-site coaching and professional development (Title II-A); English learner paraprofessional salaries, EL materials and EL professional development (Title III); and counseling curriculum, STEM and coding curriculum, trauma training, student safety training and educational technology (Title IV-A). Coates said the district was allocated approximately $332,000 for Title II-A, about $63,000 for Title III and roughly $113,000 for Title IV-A in the last year.

Coates said the freeze is administrative and the district has not received a timeline for when funds will be released. \"If they do not come forward and provide this funding that's already been allocated ... then it could mean a $500,000 reduction for the district,\" she said. The superintendent said she plans to notify the district's U.S. congressional delegation and both U.S. senators about the local impact.

Discussion only: Board members asked questions; staff provided charts placed at members' seats to show allocations and program uses. No formal board directive or vote regarding the freeze was recorded at the meeting.

What the district uses the funds for: Coates described Title II-A spending as supporting professional development and stipends that reduce instructional disruption; Title III funds for EL paraprofessionals and curriculum; and Title IV-A funds for counseling and STEM curriculum, trauma training and other student supports. The district will continue to monitor the situation and update the board if the funding status changes.","Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates told the board an unexplained federal funding freeze affecting Title II-A, Title III and Title IV-A could reduce the district's budget by roughly $500,000 and would curtail professional development, EL supports and counseling/STEM resources if it is not resolved.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6171308,"Owasso district prepares September bond vote as residents debate ‘safety-first’ vs. fifth-grade center plan",6314,428000,6742000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5394557-d505268b3908342286fed7d01366eeeb&start=428&end=6742","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5394557-d505268b3908342286fed7d01366eeeb/thumbnail_428000.jpg","/articles/6171308/OWASSO/School-Districts/Oklahoma/Owasso-district-prepares-September-bond-vote-as-residents-debate-safety-first-vs-fifth-grade-center-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171308-71adb46e61bf8e0e6a8f416c4d395a2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775208703&Signature=IlsaTvoFyUqdc1JiupraSpi~CnQ9Y95V5vtjaXNaQi5O3yEbBy8qSKatjaCCOIpf9B~a-9mQLJjPXMjBPO2aBnhf~PDr7EVHXQN9qvX0gkdmZ5STcVtYUrhqYePtkSMRQ-0jhwP5iuZ8K2PtKORYnZ3C8S3mkhykXZb11nzFviDadjQ4YkajKjNp~vKk5Kd0FAk0KNuWWLwPRR~QNkmNnbCp7C~UWyWMek6jsttzEufATmMeC5TzD1r86KBDwuiAMBwUnTx0sFwSiT~YSu~6qPzmoL7v3263gDJidsfCPMh95vuwJSR1TJFKoc2TB3~gY5MrJH6RApaKQEQ1dMSGew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates told the board the district will place a single bond proposition on the Sept. 9 ballot that would fund a range of facility projects and, she said, will appear “as the only thing on the ballot.” The board approved a resolution to set the election date at a prior meeting, and Coates said the district has adjusted project lists and schedules so the proposition can deliver a 13% reduction in annual expenses with “no tax increase.”

Why it matters: The bond would fund classroom safety upgrades, capacity projects and extracurricular facilities affecting district buildings, preschool access and long-range capital planning. A public commenter who reviewed the district’s planning documents urged the board to consider a “safety-first” alternative that would phase some other projects, arguing that building tornado-safe classroom space should take priority over centralized fifth-grade plans and other amenities.

Board and staff presentations emphasized timing and scope. Kerwin Kerner, director of district services, described active summer construction projects, roofing work and punch-list activity at several campuses, and said crews are working to meet timelines ahead of school start. Treasurer Philip Storm reported the district’s bond fund balance and said proceeds from prior authorizations will carry planned capital work for the next two years.

Public comment outlined an alternate approach. Doug Hall, a resident who reviewed the bond planning documents, said the district’s “safe plan”—which he described as prioritizing classroom structures built to storm-shelter standards—had become more costly after adjustments but would better guarantee “100% full-day preschool” and safe classrooms at multiple elementary sites. Hall cited multiple cost items that he said were added to the district’s current plan, including $1 million added to each of five safe-expansion proposals and $3 million for a parking garage tied to Hudson’s limitations; he said a safety-first bond could be structured to delay other projects and still cover critical safe spaces, at slightly lower long-term cost and operating expenses.

District staff confirmed the bond package has been adjusted to respond to construction cost increases and to reduce the district’s annual financing need without raising taxes. Coates said the bond requires a 60% supermajority to pass and reminded residents that Aug. 15 is the last day to register to vote for the September election.

Discussion only: No bond-specific vote or new board action was taken at the meeting; the board had approved an earlier resolution to set the election date. Staff said they will continue outreach and provide materials to voters explaining project lists and schedules.

What’s next: The district will finalize voter information, continue construction work this summer, and provide updated project timelines and cost breakdowns before the September election.","Superintendent Margaret Coates told the board the district will place a single bond proposition on the Sept. 9 ballot to fund school facility projects; public commenters and staff debated whether the package should prioritize tornado-safe classroom structures or the proposed centralized fifth-grade center and other athletics/arts projects.",{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6171293,"Parents, advocates warn Owasso board of special-education staff departures and classroom strain at Stone Canyon",225,6835000,7060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5394557-d505268b3908342286fed7d01366eeeb&start=6835&end=7060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5394557-d505268b3908342286fed7d01366eeeb/thumbnail_6835000.jpg","/articles/6171293/OWASSO/School-Districts/Oklahoma/Parents-advocates-warn-Owasso-board-of-special-education-staff-departures-and-classroom-strain-at-Stone-Canyon","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171293-35eeb85a03eabeb0b4c34e319607a79f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775208703&Signature=AbtRnUqeAWUGm8hHQp6AAUYjfcNN9JWHAmf6YyxseRE0n6lAfjePIa46oStdM0bLDHrCJUzhQm3bJFgdCsDor1USRi583CF0NLJQl9t3Ac9kgLyPBS-dQE1Sn45XoCLnDmNp6TpibPi1c2iONX8G95xRCWcgrqLy7DktlsCJ82jJISKGtOyufh-nBcIWFh95W7j-toleU8BHHRgPUIgov3dWbVGEjgkOCcO70e73RzVr23PJlNQXq70MPYye3vJRHc83uLx-AOLxbcjGQbGyFXr75s5oXaOclBNgYwiZRdP8t8Kn1MIwEC1-Mi5GoSoxZryBwD0bvoADQ~hlyjYZ1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Stone Canyon family member urged the board to address an apparent staffing crisis in the district's special-education program, saying four staff members resigned from a single program over the summer and that the departures have left classrooms without certified teachers.

Regina Bogar, who identified herself as a grandparent and caregiver of a special-needs student, told the board the resignations represented a “mass exodus” that has left her grandson's program in transition and families uncertain about supports for the coming year. \"We lost not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 staff members in 1 program at Stone Canyon,\" she said. \"Currently, no certified teachers in the classroom because all of the teachers left.\"

Bogar said she had met with district staff, including the superintendent, and thanked the district for discussing accommodations such as changing tables. But she pressed the board for answers about why multiple employees resigned and for assurances about continuity of services for students with individualized needs.

Why it matters: Families of students with significant disabilities often rely on consistent staffing and specialized training. Bogar said the departures were voluntary resignations rather than retirements, which she described as a \"red flag\" for families who rely on established staff relationships.

Discussion and response: Bogar said she had spoken with departing staff and was told their concerns had not been sufficiently addressed. She urged the board to investigate what led to the resignations, to improve supports to retain staff and to provide clarity to families about classroom staffing prior to the start of school.

What the board did: Bogar's comments were heard during the public-comment portion of the meeting. District leaders present for the meeting included the superintendent and other administrators; no formal board action or vote responding to these observations occurred during the session.

What families asked for: Timely communication about staff replacements, clarity about program continuity for the school year, and review of working conditions and supports that might affect staff retention in special-education programs.","A family speaker told the board four staff resigned from a Stone Canyon special-education program this summer, leaving no certified teachers in that classroom and prompting concerns about continuity of care and program stability for students with significant needs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Owasso estimates $5.5 million cost to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students after state guidance

Owasso officials warn federal freeze on Title II, III and IV funds could cut about $500,000 from programs

Owasso district prepares September bond vote as residents debate ‘safety-first’ vs. fifth-grade center plan

Parents, advocates warn Owasso board of special-education staff departures and classroom strain at Stone Canyon