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Statewide Charter School Board takes termination case for Proud to Partner Leadership Academy under submission
Summary
The Statewide Charter School Board continued a termination hearing for Proud to Partner Leadership Academy (Case No. 2026-01), heard testimony from the charter’s superintendent, received closing arguments from both sides, entered executive session for deliberations and ultimately took no immediate action, adjourning at 1:11 p.m.
The Statewide Charter School Board on May 11 continued a termination proceeding concerning Proud to Partner Leadership Academy (Case No. 2026-01), received testimony from the academy’s superintendent and then took the matter under submission after private deliberations.
Dawn Bowles, superintendent for Proud to Partner Leadership Academy, was sworn as the respondent’s final witness and testified about her education and work history, her role with PTPLA, the school’s founding and early operations, its application and contract history, funding and staffing, communications with SCSB staff, and the procedural history that led to probation and a notice of intent to terminate. Petitioner counsel Thomas Schneider cross‑examined Bowles, focusing additional questioning on the school’s academics and testing; Respondent counsel Cynthia D'Antonio conducted a redirect examination. Board members asked follow‑up questions before Bowles was dismissed.
Thomas Schneider presented closing argument for the Statewide Charter School Board staff; attorney Kwame Mumina presented closing argument for Proud to Partner Leadership Academy. Assistant Attorney General John Hadden acknowledged a Motion to Dismiss filed by the SCSB and an Objection filed by PTPLA and said the board’s rulings on those filings would be reflected in the final administrative order.
After hearing arguments, the board voted to enter executive session under 25 O.S. 2021, § 307(B)(7)-(8) for deliberations on the individual proceeding. The board returned from executive session and Chairman Brian Shellem announced that the board needed more time to deliberate and that no action was taken at the meeting. The board did not issue a final decision or formal order at the May 11 session.
Procedurally, Jared Buswell moved to enter executive session; Dr. Kitty Campbell seconded and the motion carried. Bill Pearson moved to exit executive session; Damon Gardenhire seconded and that motion carried. Bill Pearson later moved to adjourn; Jared Buswell seconded and the meeting adjourned at 1:11 p.m.
The board’s final administrative order, which the minutes say will include the rulings on the Motion to Dismiss and PTPLA’s Objection, was not released at the meeting. The record for Case No. 2026-01 remains under deliberation.
