For this episode of Passing Notes, I visited with Andy Moore and Scott Melson with Let’s Fix This. Let’s Fix this is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating Oklahomans on politics and policy while providing opportunities for citizens to engage with their representatives. The produce a weekly podcast, Let’s Pod This, and provide resources and, when able to be in person, engagement opportunities for Oklahomans.
I asked them on the podcast to talk about what advocacy will look like in the time of Covid and why it is just as important as ever, though it might be more difficult, to engage with your local and state legislators. You can learn more about Let’s Fix This on their website, Facebook page, or on Twitter @LetsFixThisOK. I recommend check out Let’s Pod This too!
Reflection Questions:
How do you plan on advocating on behalf of public education this year?
Do you know the names of your state and local representatives?
EDIT: I previously posted this episode with a previous interview with Superintendent Hofmeister, it has since been updated.
Every year I am incredibly fortunate to be able to connect with Oklahoma’s State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister. This past year, and no doubt looking forward, was quite an unusual year for #oklaed. A pandemic not only devastated our country it also hi-lighted and exasperated many of the systemic issues of racism and inequities that exist throughout our country and our beloved system of education. New Year’s Day is one of my favorite times of year, I love reflecting and dreaming! I want to challenge you to lean in, reflect, and purposefully plan how you will be a part of the conversation of change.
I want to thank Superintendent Hofmeister for always taking the time to meet with me and reflect on the past year while thinking to the year ahead. You can follow the Superintendent on Facebook or on Twitter @joy4ok.
Reflection Questions:
What were the highlights from the last semester of this school year?
How did you grow as an education?
What were some of the lowlights from the last semester of this school year?
The 2019 Oklahoma Legislative Session has come and gone. This year Passing Notes, with the help of a couple of friends, worked to help keep #oklaed informed with regular updates on all things #okleg. Please send your feedback to me by commenting below or direct message me @thestephhinton.
This last episode, posted a little later than planned, is a conversation with Senator JJ Dossett of Senate District 34 and Representative Cyndi Munson of House District 85 (twitter handles linked to name). This episode focused on #oklaed reflections and frustrations from the legislative session.
A BIG shout out to Todd Gragg and Shari Gateley who took the time to research and record for each episode!
In this episode Todd Gragg, Shari Gateley, and I talk about the state’s education budget, Governor Stitt’s Board of Education appointments, and school shootings. #oklaed
This episode of Passing Notes Todd, Shari, and I focused on other systems that impact education because it is not enough to fully fund education. We cover healthcare, criminal justice, DHS, and how all three intersect with education. To sum it up, if we are going to be a top 10 state, Oklahomans need to care for Oklahomans and our policies need to be reflective of the Oklahoman Standard.
Another #okleg update with Todd Gragg and Shari Gateley. In this episode we talk about innovation and local control.
We all know that the April 1 deadline to pass education funding will probably come and go so we made bets on when we actually the budget will be finalized and sent to the governor. Shari claimed April 24, Todd picked May 8, and I went for the middle with May 1. We’ll see what happens as the legislative session continues.
For this legislative update of Passing Notes, Todd Gragg and Shari Gately join me to talk all the things happening in the Oklahoma legislature. In this episode we talk about revenue, the April 1st deadline, and classroom funding.
For the fourth Legislative Update of Passing Notes, Todd Gragg, @MrGragg, of Mid-Del joins the podcast again. In this episode we focus on school entry dates, four-day school weeks, and the potential $1,200 teacher pay raise.
In this second episode of the Legislative Update, I wrap up some of the senate and house bills of interest that were filed by January 17th (the last day to file bills).
All I can say at this point is this is going to be a fascinating legislative session. 1st Regular Session convenes on February 4, 2019. In the past post, I listed the Senate Committee on Education, below you will see the House Committees that focus on education but pay attention to the committee that the bill of interest is assigned to. Let me know your thoughts after listening to the episode and fill out your information in the “Be a Guest” tab to join me for a chat.
Resource: If you haven’t done so already, download the app “Oklahoma’s Legislative Guide” by OAEC.
House Subcommittee for Appropriations and Budget on Education
Rep Mark McBride (District 53): Chair
Rep Toni Hasenbeck (District 65): Vice Chair
Rep Rhonda Baker (District 60)
Rep Mickey Dollens (District 93)
Rep Jadine Nollan (District 66)
Rep Ty Burns (District 35)
Rep Derrel Fincher (District 11)
Rep Jacob Rosecrants (District 46)
Rep Sherrie Conley (District 20)
Rep Andy Fugate (District 94)
Rep Tammy West (District 84)
House Committee on Common Education
Rep Rhonda Baker (District 60): Chair
Rep Mark Vancuren (District 74): Vice Chair
Rep Kelly Albright (District 95)
Rep Sherrie Conley (District 20)
Rep Melissa Provenzano (District 79)
Rep Jacob Rosecrants (District 46)
Rep John Talley (District 33)
Rep Carol Bush (District 70)
Rep Sheila Dills (District 69)
Rep Randly Randleman (District 15)
Rep Todd Russ (District 55)
Rep John Waldron (District 77)
Rep Chad Caldwell (District 40)
Rep Ronny Johns (District 25)
Rep Dustin Roberts (District 21)
Rep Danny Sterling (District 27)
Rep Tammy West (District 84)
House Committee on Children, Youth, and Family Services
Rep Carol Bush (District 70): Chair
Rep John Talley (District 33): Vice Chair
Rep Forrest Bennett (District 92)
Rep Ronny Johns (District 25)
Rep Nicole Miller (District 82)
Rep Melissa Provenzano (District 79)
Rep Cynthia Roe (District 42)
Rep Jeff Boatman (District 67)
Rep Dell Kerbs (District 26)
Rep Cyndi Munson (District 85)
Rep Randy Randleman (District 15)
Rep Derrel Fincher (District 11)
Rep Mark Lawson (District 30)
Rep Jadine Nollan (District 66)
Rep Trish Ranson (District 34)
House Committee on Higher Education and Career Tech
Passing Notes* 