Durant ISD release
These are historic times facing public education in the state of Oklahoma. During the last few years, our district, along with many districts across the state, has felt the effects of inadequate public school funding – in our classrooms, in our schools, and in our community.
In Durant, we have weathered the financial storm due to the overwhelming support of our community through the continued approval of bond proposals and our district’s effective stewardship of available funding. However, public education in Oklahoma, due to the lack of adequate state funding, has reached a crisis point.
After visiting with various stakeholder groups last week and conducting several surveys, it became evident this is an issue with no clear, definitive solution. After much careful consideration and input from many sources, a decision has been reached regarding the district’s response to next week’s potential teacher walkout.
All Durant school campuses will be closed on Monday, Apr. 2, to allow school employees time to travel to our state capitol to advocate for adequate public school funding. This day will be switched with the DEA Day scheduled for May 7. Classes will be in regular session on May 7. On Apr. 3, all classes will resume as normally scheduled at all campuses in the district.
Last night, the House of Representatives passed legislation providing hope for educators and the future of public education in Oklahoma. These bills now head to the Senate for final consideration. It is vital we contact our legislators to thank them, or ask for their support, regarding legislation benefitting public education in Oklahoma.
As always, thank you for supporting our teachers and our schools. We are very blessed to live in a great community that truly values public education. It is truly our honor and privilege to be part of your child’s educational journey.
~ Superintendent Duane Merideth
