Oklahomans with thoughts on public education are being extended an invite to share their views at the upcoming Capitol Conversations, an initiative by Senate and House Democrats starting September 4. The series seeks to involve teachers, administrators, parents, and citizens in discussions about the state's education system, with the first meeting set to be hosted in room 535 at 5:30 p.m, as reported by the Oklahoma Senate.
According to an announcement on the Oklahoma Senate website, Sen. Carri Hicks expressed that the goal is to transcend political maneuvers and truly prioritize children's education. "We know Oklahomans from all political backgrounds, from every part of the state, want excellence in education, but they’re frustrated with policies and stunts that put politics over our children," Hicks said. Participants will have the opportunity to convey their ideas, with a two-minute limit at the mic.
The panel assembled for this conversation includes a range of education stakeholders, featuring Misty Bradley from the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Advocacy Coalition (OKPLAC); Dr. Mike Simpson, Guthrie Public Schools Superintendent; Heather Davis, an educator and member of the Oklahoma Education Association; and Mike Shelton, Board Member for Oklahoma City Public Schools. The diverse expertise represented seeks to offer a comprehensive perspective on the educational landscape in Oklahoma, as per the Oklahoma Senate.
Rep. Melissa Provenzano, who'll also be attending, emphasized the imperative of connecting Oklahomans with their lawmakers, especially as the 2026 Legislative Session approaches. "I'm excited to help open up the conversation between Oklahomans and lawmakers on the future of education in Oklahoma as we head into the 2026 Legislative Session," Provenzano told the Oklahoma Senate website. The collaborative approach underscores an ongoing effort to bolster the state's education system for the benefit of teachers, students, and parents.
