The Senate interim study on the competitive inequity generated by advantages that some public and private high school sports teams have over others, has been set. It has been scheduled by the chair of the Senate Education Committee for September 11, 2:30 PM, at the state capitol. We will discuss the need for re-classification of OSSAA member schools based on competitive inequities present among school sports teams. We are inviting all interested stakeholders (coaches, teachers, administrators, parents, students) to attend, as it will be an open meeting. Senator Ron Sharp (R) of Shawnee is the traditional public school advocate who has sponsored this study.
Competitive equalization (a level playing field) for all OSSAA member schools is a priority for many of our Oklahoma public schools, especially our rural and suburban schools. We will be be providing evidence that the "bump-up" clause of Rule 14 has not been effective for "competitive balance" in the OSSAA. We further believe it is in the public interest for the Oklahoma State Legislature to protect the public interest by enacting legislation which will effectively balance the playing field for all OSSAA member schools.
In addition to the evidence that some member schools utilize unfair advantages to succeed (at the expense of other member schools), we will provide a re-classification plan which will be effective for "leveling the playing field". All stakeholders are welcome and encouraged to attend the Senate Education Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 11, at 2:30 PM.
Update: The interim study will probably be held in room 535 at the state capitol. It can seat approximately 150, but has "standing room" also. If "traditional public school advocates" would like a seat, they need to arrive early to observe the proceedings.
Update: August 22, 2018 - Those in attendance will not be able to question or critique the presentation or data. If one has a question for any speaker, please contact your local Senator (if he or she is on the Senate Education Committee) ahead of September 11, and have her (or him) ask the question...
Update: August 23, 2018 - I continue to stand amazed that several traditional public school advocates (and I truly believe they are advocates) continue to believe that "privatizing" public schools threatens education, but cannot or will not see the similarities between vouchers and scholarships. Vouchers to private schools and privately managed charter schools means turning public money (tax dollars) over to corporations and entrepreneurs or religious schools. Vouchers to private schools and "selective" charter schools in the form of student financial assistance and scholarships is the same thing.
We cannot draw the line between vouchers and "athletic" scholarships when advocating for our traditional public schools, or we cannot win this battle for public schools in general.
Update: August 27, 2018 - I think it bears repeating at this point that the Senate Interim Study will be held on Tuesday, September 11, from 2:30 to 4:30 at the state capitol. This is an open meeting for the discussion of competitive equity for OSSAA member schools, although not everyone in attendance will be allowed to comment. The list of speakers has been sent to the Senate Education Committee, but all those advocates for competitive equity in the OSSAA are urged to attend. Even those who believe this issue is a "canard" are welcome to hear the facts as presented.
Update: August 28, 2018 - We will be doing a Mitchell Talks (the new media) commentary sometime next week concerning competitive equity in the OSSAA. We'll keep everyone informed through this blog as to the time of broadcast...
Update: August 31, 2018 - Mike Whaley, Associate Executive Director of the OSSAA, has been assigned the task of responding to the data and analysis when considering competitive equity for all members. Whaley will take the place of David Jackson, Executive Director, who will be out of town on September 11. Mr. Whaley will probably defend the status quo, Rule 14, for providing competitive equity.
Update: Sept. 4, 2018 - The reasons provided by the OSSAA for not providing competitive equity for all members are: 1) Those schools which provide student financial assistance and/or limit enrollment cannot be provided competition, unless traditional public schools are forced to play them. This reasoning for opposing all competitive equity plans is a "canard", as all submitted plans allow SFA schools to continue scheduling traditional public schools.
2) Allowing SFA and SA schools to play-off for state titles separate from TP schools will "water-down" the classifications. Many other state athletic organizations already separate TP schools from SFA/SA schools for state play-off competion. The OSSAA has already watered down class-6A by dividing it into two 16 team divisions, so is not adverse to the watering-down issue. Also, each traditional school classification may still have as many as 50 teams competing for state titles under all competitive equity plans considered, so the "water-down" concern by the OSSAA is also a "canard".
3) The OSSAA will be sued if it allows the membership to vote on a competitive equity plan. This is the "elephant in the room" and probably the one and only reason the OSSAA has thwarted all attempts to provide competitive equity for all members.
Update: Monday, September 10 - Tomorrow is the day the Senate Education Committee will hear evidence of competitive inequity for members of the OSSAA. OSSAA officials have already acknowledged this perceived imbalance for all members, but continue to stonewall and delay any effective plan for leveling the playing field. Since this blocking has continued for over three decades - the Oklahoma State Senate now gets to weigh in on the matter. The Interim Study is an open meeting, so all interested parties are welcome.
Jim Beckham, Ph.D.
Blanchard Public Schools
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