OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma City's newest Superintendent is laying out her vision for the future. At the same time, the district is now responding to State Superintendent Ryan Walters' Bible mandate.
...the Bible will not be used for preaching or indoctrination.
Dr. Jamie Polk
It's been 38 days since Superintendent Dr. Jamie Polk officially started her new role as Superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools.
Dr. Polk used Wednesday's State of the Schools to highlight ways to advance education in the district by introducing a plan to monitor the classroom.
"These 6 key progress indicators are how we're measured in the state and across the nation. That's academic growth, academic achievement, English language learners, chronic absenteeism, graduation rate, and post-secondary," said Superintendent Dr. Jamie Polk of Oklahoma City Public Schools.
Teacher shortages have had a big impact this year, but Dr. Polk confirmed the district is 95% staffed ahead of the school year, with some positions still open.
"Enrollment is up compared to this time last year and we're excited to welcome back students on august 13," said Dr. Polk.
Among those students and staff, Dr. Polk highlighted there are 71 spoken languages, 16,500 bilingual students, and 87 Native American tribes represented in the classroom.
"This diversity is our strength and together we are committed to fostering an environment where every and every student will feel included," said Dr. Polk.
Wednesday, Dr. Polk didn't mention anything about the State Department of Education's Bible mandate.
However, a letter sent to parents Wednesday morning explained their plans for the upcoming year.
It said teachers will use current plans for teaching.
Any reference to the Bible will focus on its historical and literary aspects, and the Bible will not be used for preaching or indoctrination.
You can read the full letter sent to parents on the schools website.
News 4 reached out to the State Department of Education for a response on how Oklahoma City Public Schools said they will navigate the mandate, but did not hear back.
