Students urge restored leadership class, more in-school internships and better use of flex time

William Downey, student body president at Monning High School, and other student leaders told the superintendent on a Lawton Public Schools podcast that the absence of an in-school leadership class and uneven use of flex time create barriers for student leaders and students seeking hands-on experience.

"My main concern right now is not having a leadership class in our school," Downey said, adding that student leaders meet after school and some do not have buses or reliable transportation home. Several students said the leadership class historically provided a structured time to create posters, plan activities and coordinate events; meeting after school presents scheduling and equity issues for students who work or lack transportation.

Students also asked for more in-building internship options so learners who cannot drive to off-site businesses can still complete workplace experiences. One student suggested internships with district staff or programs "right across the street," including media production opportunities with school staff involved in the podcast.

The conversation also covered flex time. Superintendent described flex as intended for remediation and enrichment and said principals are working to make flex more purposeful; students reported that in some cases flex functions mainly as breakfast or unscheduled time. Superintendent noted the original design also aimed to increase high school breakfast participation and gave context for start times.

No formal board action or staffing commitments were announced during the podcast. Students and superintendent framed the discussion as feedback the district can use when planning schedules and program access.