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