Safety First

Oklahoma is in the middle of the first snow storm of the school year. Snow, sleet, ice and high winds have really hit our state in full force. Many people wonder why schools are closed at various times of the year due to weather. The bottom line is that the safety of our kids is the most important reason.

It's not always easy for superintendents to know how weather will effect the school, but the safety of the kids in their charge will win out. For additional information about this kind of decision, you can call your superintendent or check on your school's web page for their policy.

When it comes to our kids, we want them to be safe.

A Thanksgiving Thought

While today is filled with spending time with family and giving thanks, let's not forget that there are many Americans who will spend today by themselves. They may be working or seperated from their loved ones. If you know of someone in this situation, please pick up the phone and invite them to share Thanksgiving with you. If they can't make it, let them know you care by wishing them a "Happy Thanksgiving".

Please say a special prayer for our young men and women in the military. May they be home safe and soon.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Election Night '06

While there was a great deal at stake nationally, the state of Oklahoma had an excellent opportunity to continue to move Oklahoma forward by re-electing Governor Brad Henry. Governor Henry has been extremely supportive of education and understands its importance to our state.

My wife Katherine, and I attended the Governor's watch-party in OKC where we were able to congratulate the Governor and First Lady Kim on behalf of the OEA. Our members believe in Governor Henry and are excited he was re-elected.

Another important race was for Lt. Governor. Jari Askins, an OEA recommended candidate, defeated two opponents to win the election. As a member of the Oklahoma House, Representative Askins was committed to Oklahoma's public schools. She will continue to be a strong advocate for the state's kids and teachers in her new role as Lt. Governor.

Like the announcer on the commercials said, "Oklahoma is on the move."

Dinner with Western Heights

At a recent dinner gathering, Western Heights President Larry Fischer and Building Representatives Beth Meek and Sharon Teague helped celebrate the increase in their local membership.

Locust Grove

Last Thursday, I attended a building representative training for member in Locust Grove. Our local has increased in membership thanks to their hard work.

We spent a good deal of time discussing the "Highly Qualified" issue for special education teachers. You can read more about this issue and the efforts of the OEA on our website at www.okea.org.

Among those attending were Georgia Rainboldt, Sheree Schappell, Theresa Mennecke, and Cheryl Beasley.

OEA members are actively involved in the decision making process of their Association. At a recent zone meeting of Southwest D, many of our members completed the annual OEA budget survey. Their decisions lay the foundation for the development of next year's budget. Carla and Charles Brady of Elmore City, along with Steve Jarman of Pauls Valley, were among some of the members who attended the meeting.