2007 RA-Philadelphia

The 2007 Oklahoma Delegates have started to arrive in Philadelphia for the Representative Assembly. Some of them have been involved in pre-RA meetings while others are just getting checked into the hotel. Our delegates are looking forward to the 150th RA.

Not only will we be dealing with the general business of the Assembly, but we will also have a great opportunity to see and hear presidential candidates give us their views on education.

I will be blogging from the RA daily, so feel free to check in for the latest information or check the web at http://www.nea.org/annualmeeting/index.html.

OKC Metro Leadership Training

On Friday, the OKC Metro held its Leadership Training meeting at the Oklahoma History Museum. It will be the first of six regional meetings to be held across the state. After a legislative review, pariticipants plan for the summer and the next school year. This group had the honor of hearing special guest speaker Frosty Troy give his take on the legislative session and an education commetary update as well.

Taking a break from the work at hand are Jim Effinger and Kari Taggert from Mid-Del. Also from Mid-Del, and hard work, are Kelly Fry, Lori Burris, and Lori Effinger.

Planning for the Western Region Leadership Conference

Earlier this week, members of the NEA's Western Region met to plan the 2008 Western Region Leader's Conference. The conference will be in Austin, Texas during January.

Two members from each state were there to help put the conference together. Along with Linda Hampton, I get to represent Oklahoma on the committee. The committee will continue to meet throughout the year as we finalize preparations.

Also at the meeting was Liz Picone, our NEA Member Benefits representative.

Where's the Beef?

In 2005, the Oklahoma Legislature commissioned a study to see where our state was in reference to funding. The study was never released to the public because the Oklahoma legislature doesn't fall under the "Open Records Act".

A few days ago, Channel 9 reporter Rosa Flores showed me a copy of the study. Until actually seeing it, I'd only heard of its existence. It showed Oklahoma schools are underfunded by more $800 million.

The figure doesn't come as a shock to Oklahoma educators, superintendents, school boards, and patrons. They've known all along our schools are underfunded. I have to wonder if the legislature will do anything to solve the problem.

For the News 9 story go to http://newsok.com/video/181462.

Education??

Two hours of a Presidential debate and not one word regarding education.

http://www.nea.org/newsreleases/2007/nr070603.html.

Students Denied Diplomas

I've been to graduation ceremonies that were solemn and dignified. I've also been to one where it was like a circus atmosphere and it was difficult to hear the names of students called out as they crossed the stage. I guess it all comes down to what kind of decorum is best for a particular community.

You can read about the students at http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/illinois-students-lose-diplomas-over/20070601155509990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001.

OEA Night with the Redhawks

Last night was the 2nd Oklahoma Education Association night with the Redhawks. The Redhawks played host to the Salt Lake Bees, and with no rain in the forecast, it was a beautiful and pleasant evening for baseball as Katherine, and my niece Ally, can attest.

Our members did have to endure having me throw out the first pitch. The pitch was a little inside but it was caught by Tug Hulett. Tug is an infielder in the Rangers organization from Auburn University.

While the Redhawks lost this game 7-4, it was a very entertaining and enjoyable evening. If your interested in a great time and good baseball check out the Redhawks at http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t238.