Sand Springs heavily represented on the ballot, splits from Tulsa County on Commissioner

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

How did Sand Springs compare with Oklahoma as a whole in this election? Local voter turnout was up by 7% over the 2012 election as more than 12,000 voters showed up at the twelve Sand Springs precincts. 

Sandites were overwhelmingly Republican in the Presidential election, averaging 64% support for GOP candidates. Democratic candidates took home 28% of the vote, while Independents and Libertarians each snagged 4%.

Unsurprisingly, the black and gold went 71% to Donald Trump, who only gained 58% of the statewide ballots. This was consistent with the 2012 election when Mitt Romney garnered 70% of the local ballot, though Romney reached 67% in the rest of the State. Liberal leaning Sandites turned away from Hillary Clinton as she drew only 23% compared to 29% for Barrack Obama. Libertarian Gary Johnson earned just over 5% locally, compared to 6% across Oklahoma. Johnson has announced he will not campaign in 2020, but his performance in the polls will allow the future Libertarian candidate automatic ballot access in the next election.

Precincts in yellow were won by Lloyd Snow, precincts in white were won by Dan Newberry.

U.S. Senator James Lankford overwhelmingly won Sand Springs with 72% of the vote. Democrat Mike Workman took 20%, Libertarian Robert Murphy took 3%, and independents Mark Beard and Sean Braddy both took 2%. The third party candidates drew local support consistent with the Statewide election, but urban centers bumped Workman's support to 29% across the State.

The most heated of the local elections was between two-term District 37 State Senator Dan Newberry and Democratic challenger, former Sand Springs Superintendent Lloyd Snow. Though Newberry won the election by more than 15%, it was far closer in Snow's hometown where he won four of ten precincts and only trailed by 2%. Snow has announced that he does not intend to run for political office again.

Precincts in yellow were won by Jadine Nollan, precincts in white were won by Dianna Phillips. 

For District 66 State Representative, two-term Republican incumbent Jadine Nollan was aided to a landslide 67% of the vote due to her favorable view in the eyes of most Sandites. Though Democratic challenger Dianna Phillips is also from Sand Springs, she failed to win a single precinct in her hometown. Outside of Sand Springs, the two were neck-and-neck with Nollan getting a slight 4% margin of victory. Within Sand Springs Nollan won all nine precincts with 76% of the vote.

Incumbent Republican Vic Regalado easily won reelection for Tulsa County Sheriff with 66% of the vote in the State and 75% of the Sandite vote. Republican Tulsa County Court Clerk candidate Donald Newberry swept 71% of the Sand Springs vote and 63% of the County.

Precincts in yellow were won by Josh Turley, precincts in white were won by Karen Keith.

Another local election with major Sand Springs ties was the race for Tulsa County Commissioner for District 2. Democratic incumbent Karen Keith won the County vote by 13%, but Republican challenger Josh Turley won his hometown with 56% of the Sandite vote. Turley swung eight of ten Sand Springs precincts and overwhelmingly locked up the entire West side of the county. Turley has already announced his candidacy for the 2020 election. 

Sand Springs, like the rest of the region, voted to retain all seven justices. The only Justice not to break 60% approval in Sand Springs was Supreme Court Justice Douglas Combs who came in at 58%. He was also approved by the lowest margin of the justices across the ballot. He barely won Precinct 880 with only 51% of the vote, which is located in the Keystone lake area South of the Arkansas River. No justice has ever been removed via ballot in the history of the State. 

State Question 776 was approved by 61% across the State and achieved 69% in Sand Springs.

State Question 777 was rejected by 71% of both the State and Sand Springs.

State Question 779 was rejected by 57% of the State and 61% of Sand Springs.

State Question 780 was approved by 65% of the State and 58% of Sand Springs.

State Question 781 was approved by 62% of the State and 55% of Sand Springs.

State Question 790 was rejected by 60% of the State and 59% of Sand Springs.

State Question 792 was approved by 72% of the State and 68% of Sand Springs.

Incumbents Dan Newberry and Jadine Nollan win third terms, Oklahomans reject SQ 779

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

State and local voters turned out in record-breaking numbers Tuesday afternoon in the conclusion to one of the most bitterly contested Presidential elections in recent memory. Sand Springs precincts saw especially high turnout as this election was close to home for many Sandite voters. Several candidates for State and local government have Sand Springs ties.

Longtime Sand Springs resident Jadine Nollan was reelected to House District 66 for a third term by a large margin. In 2012 she won with 66.8% of the vote and ran unopposed in 2014 to retain her position. Democratic challenger Dianna Phillips, also of Sand Springs, brought in only 32.10% of the vote. 

Incumbent Republican Dan Newberry staved off his Democratic challenger in a battle for the Senate District 37 seat. Former Sand Springs Superintendent Lloyd Snow waged a heated campaign to unseat Newberry, but drew only 40% of the vote. Independent candidate Shawn Ketcher bought in 4%. Newberry was first elected in 2008 with 63% of the vote and was reelected in 2012 by winning the Republican primary with 67% and running unopposed in the general election.

"We thought it'd be much closer, but it isn't," said Snow, in his concession speech. "If you can't run a competitive race with 200 grand working eight hours a day knocking doors, I don't know what will do it..You get what you get. We need more advocates. I've never taken losses to be personal. I'll always be a noisy citizen, but I'll never do this again."

Incumbent Republican Vic Regalado won reelection to the office of Tulsa County Sheriff, handily defeating Democratic challenger Rex Berry with 66% of the vote. Regalado won a special election earlier this year for Stanley Glanz's unexpired term. Regalado holds a Tulsa address, but lives in the Sand Springs Public School district and his kids attend Sand Springs schools.

Democratic incumbent Karen Keith easily fended off Republican challenger Joshua Turley to retain the position of County Commissioner. Keith, a former KJRH television reporter, first won election in 2008. Turley is a lifelong Sand Springs resident and a 24-year veteran of the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office. Keith drew 57% of the vote. 

All seven justices up for retention during this election were retained by an average margin of 36%. Not surprising, as no justice has ever been ousted on the ballot in the history of Oklahoma.

State Question No. 776 passed with moderate support amounting to 60% of the vote. The question amends the State Constitution to affirm the State's right to carry out the death penalty. Its passage will allow the Legislature to designate any method of execution not prohibited by the U.S. Constitution. 

State Question No. 777, the "Right to Farm" amendment was overwhelming defeated with only 28% support. 

State Question No. 779, a constitutional amendment that would have created a 1% sales tax increase to fund raises for teachers, was defeated by a 17% margin. 

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister issued a statement in response to 779's defeat. "Until we are prepared to take bold action on behalf of public education, we will continue to suffer the consequences, as a greater and greater number of teachers leave the state or exit the profession altogether. I believe Oklahomans support teachers, but they did not want to relieve the Legislature of its responsibility. I will be back before state lawmakers this next legislative session, fighting for kids and a regionally competitive wage for teachers - one that reflects their work as highly trained professionals who change the lives of nearly 70,000 students every day."

State Question No. 780, a criminal justice reform initiative, passed with overwhelming support, as did State Question No. 781, who's passage was conditional on the passage of 780. 780 will reclassify several drug possession and property crimes from felony status to misdemeanor, while 781 will create funding for criminal rehabilitation. 780 passed by 65% and 781 passed by 62%. 

State Question No. 790 was solidly defeated with only 40% support. The bill would have abolished an existing clause in the State Constitution prohibiting the use of public funds for religious purposes. 

State Question No. 792, a law to modernize Oklahoma's liquor laws passed with overwhelming support at 72%. 

Unsurprisingly, Republican nominee Donald Trump easily secured the State's seven electoral votes, though it was by the lowest margin of victory since Bob Dole defeated Bill Clinton in 1996. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson took 6% of the popular vote as the first third-party candidate on the Oklahoma ballot since 2000. Trump's 23% victory margin was a tad bit behind the 30% cushion enjoyed by the past three Republican nominees, but was still more than enough to defeat Hillary Clinton.

Johnson's 6% was the highest third-party showing since Independent candidate Ross Perot took 10.84% in 1996, and the highest showing for a Libertarian in State history. The Libertarian Party was on the Oklahoma ballot from 1984 through 2000 and never broke the 1% mark.

Hillary Clinton's 35% was the highest mark for a Democrat in Oklahoma since Al Gore took 38% in 2000. She slightly edged out President Obama's percentage, but was significantly behind her husband's 40% in 1996. A Democrat has not won Oklahoma's electors since Lyndon B. Johnson defeated Barry Goldwater in 1964. 

Sand Springs Board of Education discusses recent State Report Cards

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Board of Education met in a regular meeting Monday evening at Charles Page High School and discussed matters of school performance. Special recognition was given to the CPHS varsity softball team, as well as Church That Matters, Inkwell Printing, and David and Jeanie Kvach. 

Head Coach Shelli Brown and the varsity softball team were presented with a Coin of Excellence.

SEE RELATED: Sydney Pennington and Jessica Collins make All-State Fast Pitch team

Members of the Sand Springs Education Association briefly addressed the crowd about the success of the recent Walk For Kids fundraiser benefiting Dayspring Villa, which raised more than $2300 dollars. They also thanked the local Wendy's for a donation of $500. 

Jeanie and David Kvach were recognized for their recent donation to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Initiative. David Kvach is the owner of KLO, LLC, KVR Energy L.L.C., and Guardian Energy Consultants, Inc. Jeanie is the Architect and Master Planner for the Sand Springs School District and owner of Kvach & Associates. 

"Dave and I just believe in this district. We've had two kids graduate from this district. One is a doctor, graduated from Yale Medical," said Jeanie. "We specifically wanted to help improve math in the district, so when I heard about this opportunity I told Dave, 'put your money where your mouth is.'"

Pastor, entrepreneur, and Board of Ed member Rusty Gunn accepted recognitions on behalf of his church and business for their donations to the STEM initiative. Church That Matters volunteers regularly host tailgate fundraiser events prior to all Sandite Football home games. At each game they sell hot dogs, burgers, snacks, and more to raise money for the Sandite athletics programs. According to Gunn, they raised more than $12,000 this year and more than $60,000 since they began doing it a few years ago. Gunn's business, Inkwell Printing, also made a donation to the STEM initiative. 

As the Board moved on from recognitions to business, they spent a hefty amount of time discussing the recent A-F Report Cards issued by the State. 

SEE RELATED: State Releases A-F Report Cards: Sand Springs Schools average B-

Charles Page High School received a C-, but according to Superintendent Durkee, that doesn't tell the whole story. Durkee pointed to CPHS's 51.16% poverty rating as an indicator of why the school appears to perform poorly. Sandite Pride verified Durkee's claims with the State Board of Education's Low Income Report for 2015-2016 and the numbers more than check out. 6A schools with poverty rates below 50% average a score of 86.57, whereas schools over 50% averaged only 69.46. 

When judged against schools with equally economically diverse student bodies, Charles Page is actually above average. Ponca City High School, which holds a poverty percentage of 53.59 scored only a 63% compared to Sand Springs's score of 71%. Neighboring Highway 97 rival Sapulpa scored a 63% as well. 

The only school with a poverty rates over 50% to score above a C was Union with an 82%. Just below Sand Springs in poverty is Booker T. Washington, who received a 97%. According to Durkee, "it's impossible to compare apples to apples here." 

Firstly, Booker T. Washington is a four-year school, whereas Charles Page is only for tenth through twelfth grade. In overall student growth, CPHS scored a 58% in Algebra I, compared to a 92% at Booker T. The difference? Booker T.'s score was based on participation of 296 students. Sand Springs only had twelve participants. The majority of Sand Springs students take Algebra I in ninth grade, meaning the dozen participants at CPHS are students who are already struggling with the subject. Indeed, Sand Springs's Central Ninth Grade Center scored a 94% overall and a 90% in Algebra I based on 374 participating students.

Secondly, Booker T. Washington has admission standards and isn't a typical public school. Applicants to the school must score at the 35th percentile or above in both the reading and mathematics components of the State assessments. They must maintain a cumulative GPA at or above 2.50 and must maintain superb attendance with no suspensions. 

"I'm not making an excuse," said Durkee. "It's a reason that we can't ignore. It's hard to compare with a school that allows selection." 

This is the last year for the current standards of A-F report cards, and next year's scores could look very different due to new laws passed in the most recent legislative session. Next year's reports will be based on math, biology, English, reading, and U.S. history.

"Even if Charles Page gets an A+, I will have a hard time celebrating," said Durkee. "There are flaws in the system."

Durkee also discussed the Twin Cities Elementary property that was vacated by SSPS in 2003. "We may want to look seriously at tearing it down." The building is the oldest school in Sand Springs and has had little to no interest from buyers in the last several years. Though the district isn't making any definitive plans one way or another for now, they're considering razing the building and holding on to the property for potential future expansion years down the line.

Chickasaw Nation to develop resort hotel and tourist destination at Lake Texoma

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SUBMITTED

OKLAHOMA CITY - The state of Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation recently announced plans to develop a resort hotel and other amenities at Lake Texoma in southeastern Oklahoma.

The initial plans call for the Chickasaw Nation to construct a three-story hotel, a restaurant and gift shop, a casino featuring up to 300 electronic games and as many as 10 lakefront fishing/boating cottages, Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby said. The project covers 50 acres of lakefront property, overlooking Lake Texoma and the historic Roosevelt Bridge. It also involves about 11.5 acres of land acquired by the Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) from the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation.

The hotel will include a lounge and meeting rooms, an outdoor pool and recreation area, a fitness center, gift shop, restaurant and a business center, he said.

The project is the result of a settlement negotiated by the CLO, which worked to bring a resolution to the property that was once home to the popular Lake Texoma Lodge and Resort. A private developer bought the property in 2006 and the lodge was demolished in 2009, but plans did not come to fruition. Developers blamed the economic downturn of 2008.

“We believe this project will help launch a transformation of this area into a major tourism and recreation attraction,” said Anoatubby. “We look forward to working with the state on a project we expect to have a positive impact on jobs and our economy for decades to come.” 

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin said she has been a long-time believer in the potential of the Lake Texoma area to be an economic driver in Oklahoma.

“This project will create jobs and revenue for southern Oklahoma while at the same time maintaining the beauty of the site,” said Fallin. “The Lake Texoma lodge and golf course for many years were a top tourist attraction in the region. This hotel and commercial development will be the catalyst to stimulate significantly greater economic development in the future. I appreciate Governor Anoatubby’s vision and willingness to partner with the state of Oklahoma to continue our joint efforts focusing on tourism in this beautiful and strategically located part of our state.”

The development will be off U.S. 70, across from the Chickasaw Pointe Golf Course near the site of the old Lake Texoma State Lodge.  Preliminary plans allow for future expansion of the hotel and the construction of additional waterfront cottages.

The Chickasaw Nation must first apply to place the land just north of the Texas border into trust status – a process that potentially could take several months or more.

“If the land can be placed into trust, our intent and plan is to develop this premier lakefront property into destination lodging and a casino,” said Bill Lance, secretary of commerce for the Chickasaw Nation.

Sand Springs bans electronic-cigarettes on City property, approves purchase agreement with OmniTRAX

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs City Council unanimously voted Monday evening to ban the use of electronic cigarettes on all City property, including public parks. Ordinance No. 1290, presented by City Planner Brad Bates, amends the existing City of Sand Springs Tobacco Free City Properties and Buildings Ordinance to include vapor-based products that have gained popularity in recent year. 

The City of Sand Springs has been a "tobacco-free" city since 2009 in an effort to alleviate public health concerns and promote a healthy public environment. The City qualifies as a Certified Healthy Community and Certified Healthy Business through the State of Oklahoma's Certified Healthy program, entitling it to certain grant funding through the State Health Department. To-date, the City has received $50,000 that have been used toward healthy living and improvement studies. This new amendment is a step toward Gold Level recognition from the Health Department that would qualify the City for an additional $50,000 grant.

In other news, the Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which is made up of items considered to be "routine," including:

  • Approval of Resolution No. 17-07 for the 2017 City Council Election.
    • Mayor Mike Burdge (Ward 3) and Vice-Mayor (Ward 4) will both be up for reelection in 2017. Citizens do not vote for Mayor or Vice-Mayor, but vote only on City Council positions. The Council itself elects a Mayor and Vice-Mayor from within.
    • The filing period will open December 5th, 2016 and will close December 7th, 2016. Candidates must reside within the Ward they are running for election in, and must be at-minimum 25 years of age by May 1st, 2017. If more than two candidates file for an office, a primary election will be held on Tuesday, February 14th, 2017. The general (runoff) election will be held April 4th, 2017. City Council elections are non-partisan. 
  • Approval of a Traffic Enforcement Agreement between the City of Sand Springs and the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office for reimbursement of overtime and operating expenses incurred for the grant period October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017. 
    • The Sand Springs Police Department will receive a $50,000 grant from OHSO for the purpose of reimbursing overtime and operating expenses resulting from the targeting of impaired and aggressive drivers. It will also allow for a designee to travel to the Lifesavers Conference in Long Beach, California. 
  • Approval of an Emergency Management Performance Agreement between the City of Sand Springs and the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management providing a 50/50 sub-grant portion of funds to develop comprehensive emergency preparedness for all hazards.
    • This is a routine fund-matching grant that the City has taken advantage of for nearly two decades. The City allocates $20,000 for emergency preparedness each year, and FEMA matches with a contribution of $20,000.
  • Acceptance of $20,090 from Sand Springs Park Friends, Inc.
    • This is the final portion of the $70,000 pledge by the Sand Springs Rotary Club for construction of the Rotary Super Splash Pad in River City Parks. 

Following the Consent Agenda, the Council also unanimously passed Resolution No. 17-08, with the purpose of informing Sand Springs citizens of potential impact of State Question 777 on the ability of the City to to regulate land use activities and other potential effects. 

SQ777, also known as the "Oklahoma Right to Farm Amendment," will be on the November 8, 2016 ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. The specific text of the question can be viewed here. Resolution 17-08, drafted by Vice-Mayor John Fothergill, reminds citizens of the role local government plays in regulating land usage and zoning according to the community desires and needs. The full resolution can be read here.

City Council unanimously approved a resolution concerning the location of the future public safety facility for the City. Resolution 17-06 was unanimously passed, authorizing the City to purchase 10 acres at a cost of $1.00 per foot from OmniTRAX. The current planned location of the facility is on the South side of Morrow Road, across the street from the Walmart Supercenter. The transaction will cost the City approximately $435,600. The purchase is not final yet, but the terms of the agreement are not expected to change. 

Stone Villa Second addition.

Council unanimously approved the final plat for the new Stone Villa addition in South Sand Springs. The addition will include 87 lots on 19.8 acres.

In Council Correspondence, Pogue Airport and Airport Supervisor Ken Madison received praise for the quality of the airport and the hospitality of the administration. 

Boy Scout Troop 507 was on hand to observe the City Council meeting and get a taste of local government.

Resolution No. 17-08 passed by Sand Springs City Council

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RESOLUTION NO. 17-08

RESOLUTION PROVIDING ESSENTIAL INFORMATION TO THE CITIZENS OF SAND SPRINGS CONCERNING STATE QUESTION 777 (SQ777), THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE OKLAHOMA CONSTITUTION, WHICH IS ON THE BALLOT FOR A STATEWIDE VOTE ON THE STATE GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2016; INFORMING CITY VOTERS OF THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF SQ777 ON THE ABILITY OF THE CITY OF SAND SPRINGS TO REGULATE LAND USE ACTIVITIES AND TO ENACT OTHER ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS WITHIN THE CITY FOR THE PROTCTION OF THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE OF ITS CITIZENS; AND URGING ALL REGISTERED VOTERS WITHIN SAND SPRINGS, BEFORE CASTING THEIR VOTES ON SQ 777, TO CAREFULLY STUDY AND CONSIDER ALL THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF SQ 777 ON THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE OF SAND SPRINGS RESIDENTS

WHEREAS, a core function of the City of Sand Springs, as authorized by Article 43 of Title 11 Oklahoma State Statues is to regulate land usage and zoning according to community desires and needs, through community-based processes and zoning ordinances, while protecting property rights of all citizens, and planning for the successful growth and development within city limits; and

WHEREAS, the City's authority to enact land use regulations within the City of Sand Springs is critical to the health, safety, and welfare of our community; and

WHEREAS, access to clean, high-quality potable water in appropriate quantities is also of critical importance to City of Sand Springs residents; and

WHEREAS, the preservation of soil and air quality are also valuable to Sand Springs citizens; and

WHEREAS, ensuring these various elements for its residents and businesses is one of the pre- eminent obligations of the City of Sand Springs; and

WHEREAS, providing these local governmental benefits and infrastructure to its residents, and maintaining them, is an on-going and ever-increasing financial burden for the City of Sand Springs; and

WHEREAS, the amendments to the Oklahoma Constitution proposed by SQ 777, would enact special constitutional protections and special constitutional privileges for a specific group of Oklahoma residents and Oklahoma industries (farming and ranching) provided to no other group or industry in the State of Oklahoma, at the expense of all other residents and industries; and

WHEREAS, if approved by State voters, SQ 777 would take precedence over the land-use ordinances, regulations, and plans of the City of Sand Springs, compromising its ability and statutory obligation to ensure compatibility between land uses and the appropriate development and growth within the City and to further protect the health, safety and welfare of its residents; and

WHEREAS, SQ 777 would seriously compromise the City's ability to provide an ample and safe water supply to its residents at reasonable expense; and

WHEREAS, SQ 777 would seriously compromise the ability of the State of Oklahoma, its regulatory agencies, and the City of Sand Springs to take action to manage technology that impacts industrial, farming and ranching operations potentially harmful to its residents; and

WHEREAS, under the provisions of SQ 777, if approved, Sand Springs’ efforts to fulfill its responsibility to guarantee access by its citizens to high-quality and ample quantity of water and maintain and provide efficient and appropriate delivery systems could result in extensive and expensive litigation against the City of Sand Springs merely because it is attempting to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of its residents; and

WHEREAS, passage of SQ 777 could also result in increased expenses in providing high- quality and ample water as a result of agricultural runoff, chemical treatment, and animal by-products; and

WHEREAS, SQ 777 would allow special consideration of one industry ('farming') that could set a precedent for allowing similar special considerations for any and all industries and practices in Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, SQ 777 provides that this special consideration is guaranteed 'forever,' which precludes consideration of any unforeseen practices, treatments, or chemicals, on the obligations and ability of the State of Oklahoma and the City of Sand Springs to provide to their residents an ample quantity of high-quality water at a reasonable rate and manageable expense.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Sand Springs that they are critically concerned that State Question 777, the proposed State constitutional amendment, if approved by State voters at the Statewide election on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, could impact vital municipal land use controls and jeopardize the City's ability to meet the essential needs and requirements of its residents and to otherwise promote the health, safety and welfare of all citizens and residents of the City of Sand Springs.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Sand Springs that they urge all registered voters within Sand Springs, before casting their votes on SQ 777, to carefully study and consider all the potential effects of SQ 777 on the health, safety, and welfare of City of Sand Springs residents.

ADOPTED by the Sand Springs Council on this 24th day of October, 2016. 

State Releases A-F Report Cards: Sand Springs Schools average B-

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The State Board of Education released the 2016 A-F Report Cards for all public schools in Oklahoma Thursday, and the average Sand Springs Public School received an 80.87%, or a B-. 

"The report cards released today are likely to be the last using the A-F calculations that have been in effect since the 2012-2013 school year. Under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and a new state law, House Bill 3218, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is developing a new school accountability calculation to take effect in the 2017-2018 school year," says a press release from the Department of Education. 

“Our sights are fixed on a stronger school accountability system that will be a more meaningful and accurate measure for Oklahoma schools and districts, one that will better provide contextual information that educators, families and communities need to know about our schools, their academic performance, student growth and progress especially for high-need and at-risk student groups,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said.

"Also at today’s meeting, the SBE approved OSDE’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget request of $2.64 billion for common education, which includes an increase of $221 million over the FY 2017 budget. The increase maintains per-student funding to reflect Oklahoma’s student population growth, adding $56.7 million to the school funding formula and restoring funding for the Instructional Materials, Support of Public School Activities and Agency Support for Schools line items," says the release.

Angus Valley Elementary received the highest grade of 97%, with Central Ninth Grade Center being the only other school to receive an A. Charles Page High School received a C-. The Early Childhood Development Center did not receive a grade. 

Grades are based on three criteria. 50% of the grading is based on Student Performance, with Overall Student Growth and Bottom Growth accounting for 25% each. Student Achievement is based on the Oklahoma School Testing Program assessments in grades three through high school. Student Growth is based on annual student learning gains as measured by Oklahoma's standardized assessments in reading and mathematics in grades three through eight, and Algebra I and English II End of Instruction Exams. 

Angus Valley Elementary

Angus Valley, located at 412 West 55th Street, on the South side of town, received a 97%. Angus serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. On Student Achievement, the students received a B in all curriculum, including Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. In overall growth they received an A in both Reading and Mathematics. The bottom quarter of students received an 86% on growth. The school maintained an attendance rate greater than 95% for an additional 10 points. The strongest subject for the school was Social Studies with 88% and the weakest subject was Science with 81%. 

Northwoods Fine Arts Academy and Garfield STEAM Academy

Northwoods, located at 1691 Old North Road, in Northeast Sand Springs, and Garfield, located at 701 North Roosevelt Avenue, just north of downtown, were graded together and received a 71%. Northwoods serves students from Kindergarten through Second Grade, and Garfield serves students from Third through Fifth Grades. This will change in the next school year as both schools separate and adopt a K-5 format. On Student Achievement, the students received a C in Reading, a D in Mathematics, and Fs in Science and Social Studies. In overall growth they received a C in Reading and a D in Mathematics. The bottom quarter of students received a 46% on growth. The schools maintained a 95% attendance rate for an additional 10 points. The strongest subject for the schools was Reading with 73% and the weakest subject was Science with 42%. 

Limestone Elementary

Limestone, located at 4201 South Walnut Creek Drive, in South Sand Springs, received an 85%. Limestone serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. On Student Achievement, the students received a B in Reading, Cs in Mathematics, and Social Studies, and a D in Science. Overall Student Growth received an A in Reading and a C in Mathematics. The bottom quarter of students received a 58% on growth. The school maintained an attendance rate greater than 95% for an additional 10 points. The strongest subject for the school was Reading with 86% and the weakest subject was Science with 63%.

Pratt Elementary

Pratt, located at 305 West 35th Street, in South Sand Springs, received an 84%. Pratt serves students from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. On Student Achievement, the students received Bs in Reading and Mathematics, a D in Social Studies, and an F in Science. Overall Student Growth received Bs in both Reading and Mathematics. The bottom quarter of students received a 55% on growth. The school maintained an attendance rate of greater than 95% for an additional 10 points. The strongest subject for the school was Reading at 84% and the weakest subject was Science with 55%.

Clyde Boyde Middle School

Clyde Boyd, located at 305 West 35th Street in South Sand Springs, received a 74%. The school serves students from Sixth through Eighth Grade. On Student Achievement, the students received Cs in Reading and Mathematics, and Fs in Science and Social Studies. Overall Student Growth received Cs in both Reading and Mathematics. The bottom quarter of students received a 50% on growth. The school received 10 bonus points for a 94% attendance rate, a sub-5% dropout rate, and an advanced coursework participation rate greater than 95%. The strongest subject for the school was a tie between Reading and Mathematics at 72%, while the weakest subject was Social Studies at 48%.

Central Ninth Grade Center

CNGC, located at 14 West 4th Street in downtown, received a 94%. On Student Achievement, the students received a B in Mathematics, and did not receive grades on the other subjects due to an insufficient number of students' scores. Overall Student Growth received an A in Mathematics, while the bottom quarter of students received an 80% on growth. The school received 10 bonus points for a 94% attendance rate, a sub-5% dropout rate, and an advanced coursework participation rate greater than 95%. 

Charles Page High School

CPHS, located at 500 North Adams Road, received a 71%. On Student Achievement, the students received a C in English, Ds in Mathematics and U.S. History, and an F in Biology I. Overall Student Growth received a B in English II and an F in Algebra I. The bottom quarter of students received a 60% on growth. The school recorded an 87% for graduation rate, a 65% on EOI performance, a 52% on College Entrance Exams, and a 64% on College Entrance Exam participation. They received 3 bonus points for advanced coursework participation and performance greater than 95% and year-to-year growth. 

Sand Springs Special Projects Manager Kasey St. John is a rising star in local government

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City of Sand Springs Marketing and Special Projects Manager Kasey St. John poses with her OKAPA award. 

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Meet Kasey St. John, one of the most integral cogs in the Sand Springs machine. She will probably roll her eyes that I said that, but it's true--she's involved in everything.

The Marketing and Special Projects Manager for the City of Sand Springs has only been a Sandite for a little over two years now, and she has more than made a name for herself in that short amount of time. Most recently she was awarded the Oklahoma Planning Association's Outstanding Student Project Award for her work on the See Sand Springs website. 

See Sand Springs is St. John's Master's thesis project, and is now an officially sanctioned effort to attract small businesses, developers, employers, and visitors to the Sand Springs area. The beautifully designed website answers questions about incentives, marketing, and cohesion with City planning. It was recently added to the City Council's Economic Development Resolution.

"It's cool to be honored for a student project," said St. John. "My goal was to make this project benefit the community." It seems like everything she does benefits the community, and not just in the scope of her job. Because See Sand Springs was a school project, she wasn't allowed to work on it during work hours. So after spending long hours in the City municipal building serving the City, she would then go home and continue serving the City on her own time. 

She is no stranger to hard work. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2008 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, she went to work as the Public Relations Coordinator for The Metropolitan Environmental Trust. In 2009 she began working in the Transportation Planning Department at the Indian Nations Council of Governments, where she worked until she came to Sand Springs. While at INCOG she designed the Tulsa Transportation Resource Center website.

She has been a member of the Tulsa Young Professionals for the past eight years and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the foundation. Though she modestly denies it, she has been referred to as being "instrumental in getting the Great Raft Race launch site located in Sand Springs" by a City official. St. John is good friends with the Executive Director of the Raft Race and lobbied on behalf of Sand Springs, but says her pushing likely wouldn't have made a difference if Sand Springs hadn't already been a piece of Raft Race history. 

St. John has spent the last two years working on her Master's in Architectural Urban Studies at the University of Oklahoma--Tulsa College of Architecture. She will graduate with that degree in December. 

Her duties with the City include managing projects such as the famous Sand Springs Herbal Affair, the City website and social media accounts, as well as development of the City's strategic marketing plans. 

St. John and her husband of five years, Steven, have two dogs named Gilbert and Francisco. When she finds spare time she enjoys traveling and reading and also owns a marketing and wedding planning business.

In 2015 she was named as one of Oklahoma Magazine's "40 under 40."

Her most recent project is the #SandSpringsLocal campaign, which seeks to bring attention to the fact that Oklahoma is the only State where cities are almost entirely dependent on sales tax for general operations such as emergency respondents, parks and recreation, roads and infrastructure, and economic development. The campaign encourages Sand Springs citizens to use the aforementioned hashtag on social media and to "check-in" and tag businesses whenever citizens are out shopping and eating. Using the hashtag between October 15th and December 15th will enter citizens into a drawing for various prize packs from local businesses. 

She can be reached through her Wordpress website.

 

Mike and Pat Case donate $2 million for massive park renovation; Sand Springs breaks ground

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Mike Case gives an address at the Case Community Park groundbreaking ceremony. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

City of Sand Springs officials and Parks Department employees gathered together Tuesday morning at the Case Community Center to celebrate a new development in River City Park. The 100-acre park will receive a $6.2 million renovation thanks to Vision 2025 funding and a $2 million donation by Mike and Pat Case of Case & Associates. 

Artist rendering of the new Case Community Park entrance. (Courtesy)

What is currently known as River City Park is already the biggest park in Sand Springs and will soon become one of the nicest in Tulsa County thanks to Vision 2025 surplus funding and the Case family's benevolence. 

Tulsa County approved millions in surplus Vision 2025 sales tax funding for Sand Springs in February of last year and Case & Associates CEO Mike Case pledged an additional $2 million to fully fund the ambitious Sand Springs parks vision. 

Left to Right: Councilman Phil Nolan, Councilman Brian Jackson, Mayor Mike Burdge, Mike Case, Pat Case, Councilwoman Patty Dixon, Vice-Mayor John Fothergill, Councilman Beau Wilson. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

"This is only possible because of generous donors like Mike and Pat Case," said Sand Springs City Councilwoman Patty Dixon. "Even though Mike and Pat now reside in Tulsa, they have always considered Sand Springs home."

"I've always thought Sand Springs was a great place to live. I still do and I think it's getting better and better," said Mike Case. 

Artist rendering of the "Great Lawn" and amphitheater. (Courtesy)

Mayor Mike Burdge discussed the similarities in population and quality of living between Sand Springs and Broken Arrow when he was growing up. "What changed was the attitude of the leadership in the City," said Burdge. "If we can get this park to be a location spot, get stuff going on here every month...the possibilities are unlimited."

The park is already the home of the Sand Springs Soccer Club recreational league, the West Side Alliance competitive soccer league, Sand Springs Little League baseball and softball, the Round Up Club rodeo arena, and the Sand Springs BMX Association. The recent addition of the Rotary Club Super Splash Pad has rounded out what was already a destination park for many in the Sand Springs area. 

Planned layout for Case Community Park. (Courtesy)

The new funding will provide for the demolition of old structures and the construction of a new amphitheater. New sidewalks, signage, landscaping, and a large-scale entrance will add to the looks of the park.

Existing BMX track located in River City Parks. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

New sports facilities include two new youth baseball fields, a new tournament-sized soccer field, and a new half-court basketball court. An existing volleyball court will be renovated along with several horseshoe pits. The soccer fields, which currently have no special entrance, will receive a grand entry, as will the Jerry Adair Baseball Park, which is currently accessible only in a round-about way that requires leaving the park itself and driving down an industrial business road. An existing 18-hole disc golf course will be relocated deeper within the park in the area of the BMX track and Rodeo Arena. 

Accessibility will be a major feature of the new renovations, with drop-off locations throughout the park, new parking and lighting, and new park shelters and restrooms. Park beautification is also a major goal with plans for improved view of the Arkansas River, nearly a dozen custom art pieces laser cut in Corten Steel and illuminated at night, as well as a grassy area being dubbed the "Great Lawn." 

The Great Lawn will host a large outdoor pavilion and special event stage with remodeled restrooms and will be the premier viewing location for the annual Sertoma Fireworks Show, as well as will be the anchor location of the Chillin' and Grillin' Festival. 

Construction is already under way in Case Community Park. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

There will be a new playground constructed near the Rotary Super Splash Pad, which is already home to a large concessions building ran by Sand Springs Soccer Club President Jeremy Herrington. The concessions serves hot food and Harper's Hut Shaved Ice throughout the summer as a fundraiser for youth baseball and soccer. 

Public events like the Chilin' and Grillin' Festival, as well the newly revived Great Raft Race will be made even better due to new restroom housing, electrical power connections, water line service, and parking.

Parks Director Grant Gerondale expects the renovation to take about a year to complete.

Sand Springs Public Schools win lawsuit against Oklahoma Tax Commission

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Public School District joined seven other districts in a lawsuit against the Oklahoma Tax Commission earlier this summer, alleging that the Commission was misappropriating funds associated with House Bill 2244. The plaintiffs won their suit Friday.

The School Board initially went straight to the Oklahoma Supreme Court in hopes of enacting a decision before June 30th, but the Court denied the petition in April, sending it back to the district courts. 

Sand Springs claims a loss of nearly $300,000 since the new law concerning motor vehicle tax revenue took effect in July of 2015. The Board was joined by Altus, Ponca City, Muskogee, Mid-Del, Quapaw, Canton and Lone Wolf Public Schools. 

The lawsuit, led by former Sand Springs Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Gary Watts, did not seek reparations for the lost revenue, but demanded that the Commission correct their allocations going forward. 

HB2244 caps the amount of motor vehicle tax money that education receives at 36.2 percent. Previously, Oklahoma law mandated that the schools were to receive the same amount as the previous year, regardless of actual revenue. If revenue dipped one year, the Commission dipped into the State's share of funding to supplement the schools. HB2244 abolished that clause. 

In months where the revenue wasn't high enough to give schools the same amount they received in previous years, the Commission should have decreased allotments equally between all districts based on what they received the previous year. Instead, the Commission dispersed based on average daily attendance.

Oklahoma County District Judge Patricia Parrish sided with the plaintiffs and ordered the OTC to correct future allocations for all schools. 

Senators hear testimony on how to reduce eyewitness misidentification and wrongful convictions

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Judiciary Committee hears testimony on eyewitness misidentification. (SUBMITTED).

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Nationwide, more than 70 percent of wrongful convictions in criminal cases were tied to misidentification by eyewitnesses. In Oklahoma, that’s the case in about 30 percent of such cases. On Monday, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on the need for law enforcement to adopt proven methods aimed at improving the reliability of eyewitness identification. State Senator David Holt requested the interim study.

“One of the worst things government can do is to unjustly take away a person’s liberty,” said Holt, R-Oklahoma City. “We heard from two men who were wrongfully convicted and sent to prison because of the way investigators worked with the victims to identify a suspect. Those identifications were later proven wrong through DNA evidence, though the damage done to those innocent men cannot be undone. But going forward, there are methods that can reduce eyewitness misidentification.”

Vicki Behenna, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Innocence Project, said the four key best practices included blind administration of lineups, so that the officer conducting the lineup wouldn’t know who the suspect was.  She also discussed the need to instruct the eyewitness that the perpetrator may or may not be in the lineup. Other key best practices include the proper use of fillers, or other individuals in a lineup, that match the eyewitness’s description of the perpetrator, as well as eyewitness confidence statements taken when an identification is made.

Tim Durham testifies on eyewitness misidentification. (SUBMITTED).

Tim Durham of Tulsa was sentenced to more than 3,000 years for the rape of an 11 year-old girl after she identified him as her attacker. He was eventually exonerated when DNA proved he could not have committed the crime. He said he may have looked similar to the perpetrator, but there were clear differences.

“The victim in this case said her attacker had a pock-marked face…and a pot belly.  My arrest record shows that at the time, and my photographs show that I had no pock-marked face. I actually had a full beard and mustache 14 days after the crime which I could not have grown in that time,” Durham said. “If these best practices had been in place, I believe that it would have been difficult for the victim in this case to even make that identification.”

Behenna said wrongful convictions also put the public’s safety at risk, because when an innocent person is imprisoned, the actual perpetrator may be out on the street committing more crimes. She told the committee that wrongful convictions come with a high price for those wrongly accused and for taxpayers.

“You can’t put in dollar amount the loss of life that an exoneree feels in being convicted for a crime which they did not commit. By way of dollar amounts, the state of Oklahoma has already paid out $1.36 million to six exonerees,” Behenna said, noting that didn’t even include the subsequent civil lawsuits, with one exoneree being awarded $4 million, and another receiving $8 million,” Behenna said, noting subsequent civil suits have cost millions more. “The cost to taxpayers is astronomical.”

While some police departments in some communities, like Oklahoma City, have already adopted these best practices for eyewitness identifications, others have not. The Oklahoma Innocence Project has offered free materials to help other departments adopt these procedures. Holt said while legislation could be one way of ensuring the identification best practices become more widely used, he’d like to see law enforcement move in that direction on their own.

“We’d like to see CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement and Training) help get this into their training with a goal of having all law enforcement agencies voluntarily adopt these best practices, but we’ll of course be monitoring this to see how it progresses.”

Officer Brian Tomsovic swears in with Sand Springs Police Department

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Municipal Judge Jay McAtee administers the Oath of Office to Police Officer Brian Tomsovic. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Municipal Judge Jay McAtee administered the Oath of Office to Police Officer Brian Tomsovic Monday evening at the Sand Springs City Council Meeting.

Officer Tomsovic is a move-in from the Ada Police Department where he served for the past three years. Tomsovic comes to Sand Springs with SWAT experience and has also received the same training that all new Sand Springs officers go through.

According to Police Chief Mike Carter, all officers new to the Department, regardless of prior experience, undergo the same training as a fresh recruit and complete the same rookie year probationary period.

Tomsovic made headlines in October of 2013 after rescuing a distraught woman on an Ada bridge who was threatening suicide. Tomsovic spent twenty minutes talking to the woman and ultimately gave her his phone so she could talk to a family member. While she was distracted on the phone, he reached for her to restrain her and prevent her from potentially jumping. After the event he was recommended by his Sergeant for the State of Oklahoma Life Saving Award. 

Sand Springs Police announce amnesty day for individuals with outstanding warrants

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Deputy Court Clerk Kenny Penrod presents the "Food for Fines" program to Sand Springs City Council. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular meeting Monday evening and City officials announced an upcoming special amnesty day for citizens with outstanding warrants due to unpaid fines.

Deputy Court Clerk Kenny Penrod presented the "Food for Fines" amnesty program, which will be a one-day event on November 10th, a Thursday. The special program will last all day and will allow citizens with outstanding fines to come to the Police Station and pay them off or set up payment plans without fear of being arrested. The day will also serve as a food drive for Sand Springs Community Services. 

According to Penrod, there are currently more than 3,600 people wanted by the Sand Springs Police Department accounting for more than 9,000 active warrants. The majority of the warrants are due to unpaid fines of less than $200.

On November 10th only, citizens will be able to bring in certain food items requested by the SSCS at an exchange rate of $10 for every 1 item, with a cap of 20 items. 

Allowing citizens to pay off $200 fines for under $20 will hopefully encourage people to clear their name and remove the worry of being arrested during a routine traffic stop, while also providing a community service. 

The program will also serve to help get people back in the system. Even individuals whose fines are greater than $200 will still benefit from the program. They can pay off up to $200 of their debt, and can set up payment plans or community service hours to pay off the remainder. 

"It costs us money to put people in jail, have no doubt," said Police Chief Mike Carter. 

The program is expected to bring in individuals who would otherwise be unlikely to ever pay their fines. Once warrants are issued, individuals are far less likely to appear to pay their fines out of fear of being arrested. Citizens with low income who were unable to pay their initial fine will now be able to get right with the law.

Sand Springs Police sign external investigation agreement with Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

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Photo: Scott Emigh

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Police Department took a proactive step in instilling transparency within the department Monday evening when Police Chief Mike Carter signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" between the City of Sand Springs and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

After a unanimous 7-0-0 vote by the Sand Springs City Council, Carter put pen to paper, officially putting in place a policy of turning over internal investigations to the OSBI when use of deadly force has occurred. 

In situations involving "the shooting or attempted shooting of a person by a law enforcement officer; the death of an intended arrestee during an arrest attempt; the death of an arrestee while in the care, custody, or control of the (SSPD); or the death of an arrestee shortly after being in the care, custody or control of the (SSPD)," the OSBI will take over as an unbiased external investigating agency.

OSBI Director Stan Florence addressed the City Council and stated "I applaud the Chief for his foresight in this matter. It's a wise move on the part of Sand Springs and I applaud the Chief in his wisdom."

"I am continuously impressed with how great our police department performs and how great their leadership is," said Mayor Mike Burdge. 

Officer-involved shootings are a rarity in Sand Springs. So rare that the department went seventeen years years without an incident before that era came to an end on April 11, 2015. On that day Officer Brian Barnett shot and killed Donald W. Allen, a paranoid schizophrenic who approached the officer with a loaded .22-caliber pistol after threatening to kill officers. Barnett was responding to a 911 call about Allen discharging his firearm in his backyard, within City limits. 

Although the SSPD has always had the ability to investigate in-house, former Police Chief Daniel Bradley, who is now the Assistant City Manager, made the decision to request the OSBI's assistance in the investigation.

2015 saw yet another officer-involved shooting in November that received international attention. That incident went viral not due to police misconduct, but due to body-cam footage of the erratic behavior of the suspect. Responding to a stolen vehicle call, Sand Springs Master Patrol Officer Matt Stacy engaged in a high speed pursuit of Stacy Ann Bunsey. The woman, who was determined to be under the influence, attempted to run the officer down after he exited his vehicle to set up tire spikes. He fired on her, but did not hit her and neither was seriously injured.

The OSBI investigated both incidents last year and ruled that each was a justified use of force. 

While shootings are very uncommon in Sand Springs, a Tulsa suburb with a population just short of 20,000, Carter and the Department have been working hard to be proactive in preserving their department's reputation of transparency and community trust. 

This agreement is just one of many activities the Department is engaging in to further build community trust and prevent any future incidents. 

The Department was one of the first in the State to utilize body cams on all officers, and have utilizing them for eight years. They have greatly increased the amount of warnings that are given in relation to the total number of traffic stops. Officers have been engaging in Crisis Intervention Team training, Fair and Impartial Policing training, Use of Force training, Verbal Skills training, and more. 

Carter wants to set a high standard of reputability regarding interactions with the mentally ill, impoverished, and minorities. "Our officers make this possible," said Carter. "It's not me, it's them."

Senate Higher Education Committee touts success of concurrent enrollment

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Members of the Senate Education Committee listen to Higher Education Chancellor Glen Johnson discuss concurrent enrollment program successes.

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Oklahoma’s concurrent enrollment tuition waiver program allows qualifying high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college classes before they actually graduate.  Eligible seniors can actually get tuition waivers for up to six credit hours a semester.  The idea is to encourage high school students to jump start their college education while saving their families money.

It’s been more than a decade since the program was created back in 2005, so State Sen. Gary Stanislawski wanted to know how it’s been doing and whether Oklahoma could do more to encourage greater participation.

At his request, the Senate Education Committee met Thursday to take a look at the state’s concurrent enrollment program.  Stanislawski said he was very pleased with the data presented to the committee.

“I wanted to know if it was fulfilling its original mission and what the outcomes have been.  We’ve seen data presented today that tell us it has been a resounding success” said Stanislawski, R-Tulsa.  “I’m very pleased with how well the program has been accepted throughout higher education and in our high schools, and in the growth rate of students participating, saving thousands of dollars while earning college credit.”

Higher Education Chancellor Glen Johnson called the program a game-changer that’s helping more students earn college degrees.  That’s increasingly important because 67 percent of all jobs created in Oklahoma by 2020 will require some college, a long-term certificate or a college degree—37 percent of all jobs created in the state by 2020 will require an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree or higher.

“We believe concurrent enrollment is absolutely a critical initiative in terms of driving our major goal, our major agenda item in higher education which is college degree completion,” Johnson said, noting the program offers multiple benefits, including cost savings, reduced time to earn a degree, and higher retention and graduation rates for students who take advantage of concurrent enrollment while still in high school.

Johnson presented data from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education that showed the number of students participating has more than doubled since the program began, from 5,526 to 11,722 ten years later.

The number of credit hours earned increased during that time by 158 percent, and 97 percent of the students that take concurrent enrollment successfully complete the course.

The committee also looked at what could be done to encourage more students to participate in concurrent enrollment, including doing more to help students on free and reduced lunches, as well as addressing out of pocket expenses, such as fees that are not covered by the tuition waiver. 

“I think that’s a barrier for some students,” Stanislawski said.  “While the current budget situation may limit what we can do right now, it needs to be on the radar.  We need to have a plan over the next several years to increase funding in this area to help more students receive a college degree.”

Keystone Chevrolet donates $3000 to SSPS; School Board discusses changes in curriculum and high stakes testing

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Board Member Pastor Rusty Gun presents Mike Frizell of Keystone Chevy with the Sandite Spirit Award. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Board of Education held their regularly monthly meeting Monday evening at the Charles Page High School Fine Arts Building and presented two awards before beginning regular business. 

Keystone Chevrolet was presented with the Sandite Spirit Award for their recent $3,000 donation to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs in Sand Springs. They had previously donated a year's worth of free oil changes to last year's Teacher of the Year. "All of us (Keystone Chevy owners) are products of public school and want to help contribute," said Managing Partner Mike Frizell. 

Board of Ed President Mike Mullins presents CNGC teacher Andrea Brice with the Sandite Pacesetter Award. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

Central Ninth Grade teacher Andrea Brice was presented with the Sandite Pacesetter Award for her recent appointment to the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education.

The Board discussed upcoming changes to graduation requirements since the last legislative session. 

This past May the Oklahoma Legislature passed House Bill 3218, a bipartisan effort with overwhelming support in both the House and Senate. The amendatory bill abolished the previous requirements surrounding controversial "End of Instruction" (EOI) exams that had the potential to prevent a student from graduating based solely on test scores. The new laws still require assessments on English, Mathematics, and Science, but these assessments will not prevent students with satisfactory grades and attendance from graduating. 

Schools throughout the State now have the ability to establish contact with former students under the age of 22, who passed all high school requirements except EOIs, and present them with diplomas. Thanks to the due diligence of Sand Springs teachers and administrators, there is not a single former student from either Charles Page High School or Page Alternative Academy (formerly Lake Alternative Academy) who failed to graduate based solely on EOI scores.

The 51-page bill eliminated entire sections of its previous incarnation, and added more than six pages of new law. The changes passed in HB3218 and other pieces of legislature passed this past session have both the State and local Boards of Education working hard to set new standards for testing students, as well as grading school performances. 

Superintendent Sherry Durkee informed the Board that she has reached out to Oklahoma LED, a wholesale lighting Energy Savings Company regarding their Power Forward rebate program. The program offers a free analysis of all Sand Springs Public Schools properties. Ponca City schools recently made the decision to use the program and is saving around $23,000 a month according to Durkee.

The program would replace every single light bulb in the district with an LED bulb over a four-to-five year period, providing a higher quality, longer-lasting, and environmental friendly alternative to a traditional bulb. The bulbs hold a fifteen-year life expectancy with a five-year warranty. At worst, the program is expected to be cost-neutral, and at best can save thousands for the schools through longer-lasting bulbs as well up to $150,000 in rebates from the Public Service Company of Oklahoma. 

The Board approved several out of state travel expenses for students and faculty.

Daniel Schmidt and Jacob Adkinson will be attending the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October, then Schmidt will attend several Show Pigs events in Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri from October through November. Andrea Brice will attend the National ACTE Convention in Las Vegas in December. Seven faculty members will be attending the National Title I Conference in Long Beach, California in February. All of these events are paid for with federal Professional Development funding specifically given to the schools for this purpose. 

The Charles Page High School wrestling team will travel to Kansas City in December for the prestigious Kansas City Stampede invitational tournament. They have been attending the event since 2013 and have had at least one champion every year. Last year they took fifteenth place out of forty teams. Both the Boys' and Girls' Basketball teams will be attending the Interstate Classic tournament in Coffeyville, Kansas in January. Last year the girls team took first place and the boys took second.

The Board authorized a resolution to call for an Annual School Election on February 14, 2017. Board President Mike Mullins will be up for reelection on that date. 

The Board invites all members of the community to participate in an online survey to help in developing a Continuous Strategic Improvement (CSI) plan. That survey is available HERE. Citizens interested in lending their voice to the initiative can also attend forums on the subject Wednesday. There will be an 8:30 a.m. forum at Garfield Elementary, a 3:30 p.m. forum at the Charles Page Fine Arts Center, and a 5:30 p.m. forum at the Clyde Boyd Middle School Library.

American Heritage Bank receives Golden Bulldozer award for city beautification

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Photo: Morgan Miller

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge awarded the Golden Bulldozer Award to a representative from American Heritage Bank at this Monday's regular City Council meeting. The bank was recognized for their work in removing dilapidated structures, thereby contributing to city beautification, and improving public safety and property values. 

According to a report from City Financial Director Kelly Lamberson, sales tax income is down slightly from this time last year, but franchise taxes are up 22% over projections. City general fund spending is down 1.6% from what was budgeted, and down 6.6% from the previous year.

City Manager Elizabeth Gray was absent from the meeting, attending the ICSC conference in Dallas. The International Council of Shopping Centers Deal Making Conference is an "opportunity for owners, developers, retailers, brokers, lenders, municipalities, property asset managers and product and service providers to gather under one roof to exhibit, make deals, and form successful business partnerships." 

Vice Mayor John Fothergill discussed his recent experience at the Oklahoma Municipal League conference in Oklahoma City. He invited the other councilors to join him in visiting city officials from Mannford to try and learn new ways to provide financial stability in the face of declining sales tax.

In other local news:

Kristen Johnson, a recently retired teacher from Sand Springs, was recently hired as the Deputy City Clerk.

Sand Springs police officer Jay Barnett was recently promoted to Captain after twenty-five years of serving the community. 

Oklahoma City startup company Solaright recently donated 42 solar-powered lights to the Sand Springs Parks Department for use in Ray Brown Park and the downtown Triangle park. 

Sand Springs City Clerk Janice Almy receives award at OML conference

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Sand Springs, OK- The Oklahoma Municipal Clerks, Treasurers and Finance Officials Association (OMCTFOA) recognized Sand Springs City Clerk Janice Almy as Member of the Year this month at the Oklahoma Municipal League’s annual conference.

The purpose of the OMCTFOA Member of the Year Awards is to identify and recognize a member who has made a significant contribution to the objectives of the association, the profession and to the improvement of municipal government.

Almy has been a member of OMCTFOA since 1999, joined the Board in 2010 and has served on the Board as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President and Past President.

“It is an honor to be recognized by OMCTFOA,” said Almy. “I enjoy the work we do as an organization and the way I’m able to give back to my community.”

Over the years, Almy has been instrumental in many community events including Municipal Government Week where she created skits for mock Council meetings held by high school students and gave tours of various City departments to students.

“It’s important to educate young people about the role of municipal government,” said Almy. “These are our future tax payers, City Councilors and even employees.”

The award was presented by Cindy Pollard, OMCTFOA 2016 President and past 2015 Member of the Year, Tony Davenport.

Governor Mary Fallin Announces Oklahoma Veterans Pilot Program

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin announced Tuesday the official kickoff of the Oklahoma Veterans Pilot Program, a private/public initiative to develop a comprehensive healthcare access and delivery system for the state’s veterans.

The program will also design one statewide transitional system of care and then test that system in early 2017. The system will cover healthcare services in mental health, home health, nursing care, rehabilitative services, and coordinated access to physician services, laboratory services, pharmacy services and tele-health capability.

“We have assembled a bipartisan team of lawmakers, healthcare professionals, education professionals and business leaders,” said Fallin. “It is our hope this effort will produce a cost-effective model that can be emulated on a national basis.”

Fallin said the intent of the program is not to point blame, but to identify best practices and areas the state can improve services.

“Many Oklahoma veterans are unable to access the health services that they need and deserve,” she said. “Delivery of health services for a diverse veterans population is a complicated matter. There are many reasons for this, including service restrictions that exist within the current system, lack of coverage opportunities, roadblocks and red tape that slows the process, and service delivery models that do not address specific veteran needs.”

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Myles Deering, a former adjutant general of the Oklahoma National Guard who also serves as executive director of the Veterans Affairs Department, said the Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs Council will look into other issues involving homelessness, education and training, employment and volunteerism.

“To our knowledge, this comprehensive effort has never been attempted before,” Deering said.

Retired Maj. Gen. Rita Aragon, who serves as Fallin’s liaison for veterans affairs, is honorary chairperson of the steering committee, and former Gov. George Nigh is special adviser.

Pete Reed, who served as executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs during Nigh’s administration, is coordinator of the veterans pilot project.

“The primary areas of concern for this effort will include home health, mental health, nursing home and hospice care for veterans,” Reed said. “The overarching focus of the program, however, is to look at the entire veterans healthcare system and comprehensively examine such areas as barriers to care, access to physicians, underserved populations and needed policy changes.”

Governor Mary Fallin Launches Oklahoma Connect and Learn Initiative

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin launched the Oklahoma Connect and Learn Initiative Monday, a coordinated effort to bring high-speed broadband and digital learning opportunities to schools across the state. As part of the initiative, Oklahoma is partnering with interested school districts and telecommunications service providers to increase the number of schools with fiber optic connections, improve the capacity and affordability of those connections and ensure Oklahoma classrooms have Wi-Fi access to better facilitate digital learning. 

“I am proud to establish the Oklahoma Connect and Learn Initiative,” said Fallin. “The initiative is a voluntary program that works with schools to use existing funding efficiently and effectively to maximize opportunities to provide high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi access to students across Oklahoma.

“This technology also creates digital learning opportunities so that every student may have a personalized learning plan that may include upper level math and science classes and concurrent enrollment courses.”

The Oklahoma Connect and Learn Initiative state team includes the governor’s office,  Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC), Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services and a local school superintendent.

The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and EducationSuperHighway, the nation’s leading non-profit focused on upgrading Internet access in every public school classroom in America, are providing technical assistance to the state.

“At EducationSuperHighway, we have one mission: get more students online at speeds that can support digital learning,” said Evan Marwell, founder and CEO of EducationSuperHighway. “In our modern educational environment that is imperative to ensuring students can truly access the tools and resources they need to learn and grow. No student should ever miss out on an educational opportunity because of where they go to school. That’s not fair to them, and it’s not how we will build the strong and vibrant economy we need in the years ahead.

“We are thrilled to partner with the governor in this visionary effort. We are going to get high-speed broadband into more Oklahoma schools, and it’s going to make this great state even stronger. We congratulate Governor Fallin for her leadership and can’t wait to get started.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said she is thrilled for the Education Department to play a role in an initiative as critical to student success as the Oklahoma Connect and Learn Initiative.

“Now is the time to invest in our children’s future by providing them with the tools they need to succeed in a 21st-century education,” said Hofmeister. “It is our shared goal that all Oklahoma schoolchildren become actively engaged in a connected, digital world while preparing for college and career. This initiative is an important step forward in reaching that goal.”

Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy said this initiative will be a boon to Oklahoma students.

“Access to the digital superhighway is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity,” said Murphy. “The OCC is proud to do its part to make it a reality for Oklahoma’s students.”