HOPE Exceeds Expectations-243,000 Signatures

Last week, the HOPE-Helping Oklahoma Public Education-Coalition, turned in over 243,000 signatures to the Secretary of State. The signatures represent the desire of Oklahoma residents to have school funding addressed by an amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution. The amendment would force the legislature to fund Oklahoma's per pupil expenditure at the regional average.

The campaign needed to collect 138,970 signatures in 90 days to be considered for the ballot. It far exceeded that amount in only 60 days. This impressive display proves Oklahomans support their schools and want their children to have the best.

HOPE proponent, Dr. Lisa Connery (Norman Public School Parent), spoke to the media about the success of the campaign and the importance of HOPE. Lisa is pictured in the second photo and is one of three proponents that include Richard George (Business Owner) and Chuck Pack(Tahlequah Public School Teacher). Other partners of the campaign include the Oklahoma Parent Teacher Association, the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, the Cooperative Council of Oklahoma School Administration, the Organization of Rural Oklahoma Schools and the United Suburban Schools Association.