Since OU players may no longer be able to throw the "horns down" sign without being penalized, I've asked the Big 12 office for all taunting rules related to all teams. They haven't answered my request as of yet, but an anonymous former quarterback for my former high school team did send me a list of rules:
1) Players cannot throw the horns down sign. That's mean and makes Coach Herman sad. Also, all players, regardless of their team, are not allowed to refuse a congratulatory man-kiss from Coach Herman for the same reason.
2) Players cannot refer to OU as Gooners, Chokelahoma, Land Thieves, or any similar term. That's mean. Also, the mascots Boomer and Sooner, are not horse-pigs. Any such reference will result in a free touchdown.
3) OSU cannot be referred to as Pukes, Gaggies, Little Sister, or Booger Pickens U. Way too mean. Also Mike Gundy must trim his aggressive hair before every game, or forfeit his right to dance in the locker room.
4) Iowa State must remove the bird from the middle of the Cyclone logo. Not all birds identify as Cyclones. However, for those that do, this rule is an exception so as not to offend the pan-bird-cyclone group.
5) Baylor may no longer use the bear-claw gesture. That's scary.
6) Texas Tech may no longer use that pistols-guns up gesture. OSU does that and its copyrighted. Also, no more throwing tortillas. That's dangerous and could poke someones eye out. Also, tortillas don't grow on trees.
7) Kansas State is in the clear. Nothing interesting going on there.
8) Kansas, see rule 7.
9) TCU must change their mascot to just "Frogs" or something else more child-friendly. The addition of "Horned" is just too sexy and risque'.
10) The mascot for West Virginia can no longer wear a raccoon or beaver hat, whatever that thing is on his head. Animals are people too! A construction hat with a beer-bong attached is more appropriate (with non-alcoholic beer of course).
Play nice, people. What do you think this is... college football?
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
EPIC questions?
The Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) has responded to questions regarding Transparency and Accountability of Oklahoma's Virtual Charter Schools. The document addresses the following areas of concern with virtual charter schools:
* Academic Performance Issues
* Student and Accreditation Issues
* Financial Issues
* Governance Issues
* Teacher Issues
The Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA) and CCOSA have addressed these issues with presentation of facts, but doesn't go so far as to answering the most important question - Is it legal? Virtual Charter School officials would probably answer this question "I don't know, but it's fun, ain't it?".
The CCOSA document is 10 pages in length, so we'll start with only one category - Teacher Issues, and progress from there, until all 5 Issues have been analyzed. We'll update this column daily, and by the time all Issues are addressed - the reader will hopefully be able to decide for herself/himself if its all legal.
Teacher Issues: According to EPIC High School's 2017-18 Application for Accreditation - five (5) EPIC High School teachers are reported as having over 2,000 students each in the following subjects: U.S. History, 2,239 students; Chemistry I and Biology I, 2,039 students; Geometry and Algebra II, 2,098 students; English I, II, III, and IV, 2,746 students; and Algebra I, 2,948 students. All other EPIC High School teachers are reported under the description "Academic Achievement" with one or more assigned students. The unknown factor is the exact number of high school teachers EPIC employs. (Citations for these facts are listed with the CCOSA Report).
Most traditional public high schools strive to maintain a 20:1 teacher to student ratio, but core classes with as many as 30 students exist in Oklahoma. With 5 teachers having over 2,000 students and several ??? with only one or two students, the financial issue becomes: A traditional public school with approximately the same number of students as EPIC spends about $21 million on teacher salaries out of a $32 million instructional budget. EPIC spent approximately $10 million for teacher salaries out of a $31 million instructional budget. (The traditional school has approximately 525 teachers). The math ($21,000,000 divided by 525) indicates that each traditional teacher will receive about $40,000 in annual salary. If EPIC teachers receive an average of $63,000 per teacher, then $10,000,000 divided by $63,000 = 159 teachers. Several sources have reported EPIC has around 400 teachers, so which number is accurate... 159 or 400? If the number of EPIC teachers is around 400, then which additional EPIC employees are counted toward instructional teachers? And just who are these "super teachers" who have over 2000 students each? And if 100% of the $31 million is not being spent for student instruction, how is it being spent? An AP report out of Florida may provide an answer to this last question, but many other questions still have no answer.
Financial Issues: "According to the 2017 OCAS reports on the OSDE website, EPIC reports 3.28% administrative costs; however, the August 2017 Auditors report reflects that EPIC contracted 10% of gross revenues for operational and administrative services. This difference raises questions whether the OCAS data accurately reflect EPIC's administrative cost..." (CCOSA report, 2018). The mathematical calculation for the OCAS data indicates that EPIC spent .0328 x $38,701,823 = $1,269,420 for general administration. The auditor's report indicates, however, that EPIC spent .10 x $38,701,823 = $3,870,182 for administration. Added to the OCAS administrative spending, a grand total of $5,139,602 (13%) is spent for administration. This discrepancy in reported data may be described as "colorful accounting" at its best. The most obvious question that is asked about the conflicting data is: Why is there a discrepancy in reported administrative costs? One answer may be found in public school law (70 O.S. Sec. 18-124) which allows a maximum 5% administrative costs for schools with more than 1,500 students. EPIC has around 10,000 students. Five percent of $38,701,823 = $1,935,091, for the maximum EPIC may spend for administration. EPIC is compliant according to OCAS data, but is non-compliant according to audit data.
More Financial Issues: "According to 2016-2017 OSDE data... Epic had $38,701,823 in expenditures. Within those expenditures, OCAS Object codes 300-500 show $15,342,669 in what are called Purchased Services... In comparison to Epic, a traditional public school with approximately the same number of students, had $1,342,417 of Purchased Services during the same 2016-2017 time period." Question: Why did Epic spend ten times the money for Purchased Services than the typical traditional public school? Some school financial experts believe that some ($145,000), was spent for "legislator and elected official purchased services".
Governance Issues: "Oklahoma's traditional public schools are governed by local boards of education whose members are elected through processes defined by state law. Oklahoma law also includes processes intended to minimize the possibility that board members' decisions will be influenced by... personal or professional gain. The purpose of these laws is ostensibly to make local boards of education accountable to their local electors and to prevent board members from prioritizing their own interests over those of their district..."
According to the August 2017 Auditor's report, the governing body of EPIC is composed of four nominated members who are also directors of Community Strategies, Inc., a (profitable) non-profit entity. The founder was appointed as the executive officer (superintendent) of EPIC. Only EPIC's activities are included in the August 2017 Auditor's report; the activities of Community Strategies are not. The untold specifics of this business arrangement are significant because EPIC receives $ millions in public dollars annually. At a minimum, taxpayers should know how EPIC's appointed board members are selected and how potential personal and financial conflicts of interest among board members, the executive officer, and EPIC are prevented, as they would be for other board members under Oklahoma law." The question, "Whose in your Wallet?", may now have an answer...
Academic Performance Issues: "According to the National Education Policy Center (NEPC)... school performance measures for both virtual charter and blended schools indicate that they are not as successful as traditional public schools. Nevertheless, enrollment in these schools continues to grow. The May, 2018 NEPC Report reflects that, nationwide, virtual charter schools continue to underperform academically... Of those with available 2016-17 school performance ratings, 36.4% of full-time virtual charter schools... received acceptable performance ratings...
In regard to graduation rates and test scores, most Oklahoma traditional public schools also outperform virtual charter schools... and according to the 2017 graduation report from the OSDE, Epic finished in the bottom five schools... with a rate of 36%... Furthermore, graduation rates at Oklahoma virtual charter schools range from 35.7% (Epic) to 43.8% (not Epic) in comparison to Oklahoma traditional schools graduation rates averaging 84.7%.
Regarding test scores, Oklahoma's 2016-2017 State Test Score data for grade 10, the highest grade tested that year, reflect:
State % Proficient & Advanced Epic % Proficient & Advanced
Math 26 Math 10
Science 19 Science 11
ELA 36 ELA 23
US History 51 US History 33
*Several Epic officials have called this data "fake statistics", and Epic teachers report receiving "bonuses" for the above accomplishments. The bonuses received by Epic teachers, though, are reported to be provided for recruiting and retaining students.
Student and Accreditation Issues: "Public schools are responsible for treating students in an equitable manner in all aspects of their programs, services, and activities and for compliance with state accreditation requirements.
The May 2018 NEPC Report reflects the following:
* Relative to national public school enrollment, virtual charter schools had substantially fewer minority students and fewer low-income students.
* Non-profit Education Management Organizations enrolled a substantially higher proportion of low-income students than their for-profit counterparts.
* The average student-teacher ratio in the nation's traditional public schools was 16 students per teacher. Virtual schools reported having close to three times as many students per teacher (45) compared to the nation's average...
The student-teacher ratio of privately managed virtual schools could be partially responsible for the dismal academic profiles of those schools.
Following the release of the CCOSA research document, an Epic assistant superintendent replied that a response to the "white paper" was forthcoming. As of February 7, 2019, no response has been submitted...
***This CCOSA Report and citations thereof may be read in its entirety on the CCOSA website.
* Academic Performance Issues
* Student and Accreditation Issues
* Financial Issues
* Governance Issues
* Teacher Issues
The Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA) and CCOSA have addressed these issues with presentation of facts, but doesn't go so far as to answering the most important question - Is it legal? Virtual Charter School officials would probably answer this question "I don't know, but it's fun, ain't it?".
The CCOSA document is 10 pages in length, so we'll start with only one category - Teacher Issues, and progress from there, until all 5 Issues have been analyzed. We'll update this column daily, and by the time all Issues are addressed - the reader will hopefully be able to decide for herself/himself if its all legal.
Teacher Issues: According to EPIC High School's 2017-18 Application for Accreditation - five (5) EPIC High School teachers are reported as having over 2,000 students each in the following subjects: U.S. History, 2,239 students; Chemistry I and Biology I, 2,039 students; Geometry and Algebra II, 2,098 students; English I, II, III, and IV, 2,746 students; and Algebra I, 2,948 students. All other EPIC High School teachers are reported under the description "Academic Achievement" with one or more assigned students. The unknown factor is the exact number of high school teachers EPIC employs. (Citations for these facts are listed with the CCOSA Report).
Most traditional public high schools strive to maintain a 20:1 teacher to student ratio, but core classes with as many as 30 students exist in Oklahoma. With 5 teachers having over 2,000 students and several ??? with only one or two students, the financial issue becomes: A traditional public school with approximately the same number of students as EPIC spends about $21 million on teacher salaries out of a $32 million instructional budget. EPIC spent approximately $10 million for teacher salaries out of a $31 million instructional budget. (The traditional school has approximately 525 teachers). The math ($21,000,000 divided by 525) indicates that each traditional teacher will receive about $40,000 in annual salary. If EPIC teachers receive an average of $63,000 per teacher, then $10,000,000 divided by $63,000 = 159 teachers. Several sources have reported EPIC has around 400 teachers, so which number is accurate... 159 or 400? If the number of EPIC teachers is around 400, then which additional EPIC employees are counted toward instructional teachers? And just who are these "super teachers" who have over 2000 students each? And if 100% of the $31 million is not being spent for student instruction, how is it being spent? An AP report out of Florida may provide an answer to this last question, but many other questions still have no answer.
Financial Issues: "According to the 2017 OCAS reports on the OSDE website, EPIC reports 3.28% administrative costs; however, the August 2017 Auditors report reflects that EPIC contracted 10% of gross revenues for operational and administrative services. This difference raises questions whether the OCAS data accurately reflect EPIC's administrative cost..." (CCOSA report, 2018). The mathematical calculation for the OCAS data indicates that EPIC spent .0328 x $38,701,823 = $1,269,420 for general administration. The auditor's report indicates, however, that EPIC spent .10 x $38,701,823 = $3,870,182 for administration. Added to the OCAS administrative spending, a grand total of $5,139,602 (13%) is spent for administration. This discrepancy in reported data may be described as "colorful accounting" at its best. The most obvious question that is asked about the conflicting data is: Why is there a discrepancy in reported administrative costs? One answer may be found in public school law (70 O.S. Sec. 18-124) which allows a maximum 5% administrative costs for schools with more than 1,500 students. EPIC has around 10,000 students. Five percent of $38,701,823 = $1,935,091, for the maximum EPIC may spend for administration. EPIC is compliant according to OCAS data, but is non-compliant according to audit data.
More Financial Issues: "According to 2016-2017 OSDE data... Epic had $38,701,823 in expenditures. Within those expenditures, OCAS Object codes 300-500 show $15,342,669 in what are called Purchased Services... In comparison to Epic, a traditional public school with approximately the same number of students, had $1,342,417 of Purchased Services during the same 2016-2017 time period." Question: Why did Epic spend ten times the money for Purchased Services than the typical traditional public school? Some school financial experts believe that some ($145,000), was spent for "legislator and elected official purchased services".
Governance Issues: "Oklahoma's traditional public schools are governed by local boards of education whose members are elected through processes defined by state law. Oklahoma law also includes processes intended to minimize the possibility that board members' decisions will be influenced by... personal or professional gain. The purpose of these laws is ostensibly to make local boards of education accountable to their local electors and to prevent board members from prioritizing their own interests over those of their district..."
According to the August 2017 Auditor's report, the governing body of EPIC is composed of four nominated members who are also directors of Community Strategies, Inc., a (profitable) non-profit entity. The founder was appointed as the executive officer (superintendent) of EPIC. Only EPIC's activities are included in the August 2017 Auditor's report; the activities of Community Strategies are not. The untold specifics of this business arrangement are significant because EPIC receives $ millions in public dollars annually. At a minimum, taxpayers should know how EPIC's appointed board members are selected and how potential personal and financial conflicts of interest among board members, the executive officer, and EPIC are prevented, as they would be for other board members under Oklahoma law." The question, "Whose in your Wallet?", may now have an answer...
Academic Performance Issues: "According to the National Education Policy Center (NEPC)... school performance measures for both virtual charter and blended schools indicate that they are not as successful as traditional public schools. Nevertheless, enrollment in these schools continues to grow. The May, 2018 NEPC Report reflects that, nationwide, virtual charter schools continue to underperform academically... Of those with available 2016-17 school performance ratings, 36.4% of full-time virtual charter schools... received acceptable performance ratings...
In regard to graduation rates and test scores, most Oklahoma traditional public schools also outperform virtual charter schools... and according to the 2017 graduation report from the OSDE, Epic finished in the bottom five schools... with a rate of 36%... Furthermore, graduation rates at Oklahoma virtual charter schools range from 35.7% (Epic) to 43.8% (not Epic) in comparison to Oklahoma traditional schools graduation rates averaging 84.7%.
Regarding test scores, Oklahoma's 2016-2017 State Test Score data for grade 10, the highest grade tested that year, reflect:
State % Proficient & Advanced Epic % Proficient & Advanced
Math 26 Math 10
Science 19 Science 11
ELA 36 ELA 23
US History 51 US History 33
*Several Epic officials have called this data "fake statistics", and Epic teachers report receiving "bonuses" for the above accomplishments. The bonuses received by Epic teachers, though, are reported to be provided for recruiting and retaining students.
Student and Accreditation Issues: "Public schools are responsible for treating students in an equitable manner in all aspects of their programs, services, and activities and for compliance with state accreditation requirements.
The May 2018 NEPC Report reflects the following:
* Relative to national public school enrollment, virtual charter schools had substantially fewer minority students and fewer low-income students.
* Non-profit Education Management Organizations enrolled a substantially higher proportion of low-income students than their for-profit counterparts.
* The average student-teacher ratio in the nation's traditional public schools was 16 students per teacher. Virtual schools reported having close to three times as many students per teacher (45) compared to the nation's average...
The student-teacher ratio of privately managed virtual schools could be partially responsible for the dismal academic profiles of those schools.
Following the release of the CCOSA research document, an Epic assistant superintendent replied that a response to the "white paper" was forthcoming. As of February 7, 2019, no response has been submitted...
***This CCOSA Report and citations thereof may be read in its entirety on the CCOSA website.
Monday, November 19, 2018
Thanksgiving 2018
For many, Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy turkey, ham, and all bounties provided by our Lord - and to thankful for all good things that God has given us. Most also realize that Thanksgiving is a time to be mindful of those not as fortunate... and there are millions. We can't possibly provide a helping hand to all those in need, but if we only help a few, or even one - we are successful. I'm reminded of The Star Thrower Story, a lesson in Loren Eiseley's Book of Essays, which inspires me every day:
The Star Thrower
A man was walking on the beach one day and noticed a boy who was reaching down, picking up a starfish and throwing it into the ocean. As he approached, he called out, "Hello! What are you doing?" The boy looked up and said, "I'm throwing starfish into the ocean". "Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the man."The tide stranded them. If I don't throw them in the water before the sun comes up, they'll die" came the answer. "Surely you realize that there are miles of beach, and thousands of starfish. You'll never throw them all back, there are too many. You can't possibly make a difference." The boy listened politely, then picked up another starfish. As he threw it back into the sea, he said, "It made a difference for that one."
This story plays back often in my mind, almost every day, as I try not to focus on my own well-being... and many people are thinking of it as they prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The lesson which Eiseley hopes people will retain is - No matter how hopeless a situation may appear, only by doing what we can, to help - will we succeed.
The Star Thrower
A man was walking on the beach one day and noticed a boy who was reaching down, picking up a starfish and throwing it into the ocean. As he approached, he called out, "Hello! What are you doing?" The boy looked up and said, "I'm throwing starfish into the ocean". "Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the man."The tide stranded them. If I don't throw them in the water before the sun comes up, they'll die" came the answer. "Surely you realize that there are miles of beach, and thousands of starfish. You'll never throw them all back, there are too many. You can't possibly make a difference." The boy listened politely, then picked up another starfish. As he threw it back into the sea, he said, "It made a difference for that one."
This story plays back often in my mind, almost every day, as I try not to focus on my own well-being... and many people are thinking of it as they prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The lesson which Eiseley hopes people will retain is - No matter how hopeless a situation may appear, only by doing what we can, to help - will we succeed.
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Priorities - Blanchard Public Schools
Our number one priority for Blanchard Public Schools is the safety and security of students and staff. While academic and activity offerings for our students certainly is of utmost importance, it pales in comparison to our safety needs. We all know about the many student security breeches in public schools around the country... but Blanchard Schools has been on the forefront as providing a safe and secure learning environment for students and teachers. The focus, however, has been on providing a safe learning experience within the confines of our schools - classrooms, libraries, storm proof buildings, entry issues, etc..., but not on school bus safety - bus stops and traffic safety issues.
As of late, we've taken note of several accidents around the country involving vehicles, which have affected the safety of students while waiting at bus stops, crossing dangerous intersections, or riding in buses. One traffic safety consideration, or breach thereof, is the auto driver who fails to pay appropriate attention when passing school buses, whether at stops or on the road. In recognition of this particular student safety breach, and thanks to a parent who emphasized this traffic hazard - Blanchard Public Schools will install video cameras on the STOP arms of its school buses. The cameras will ensure a video recording of nearby autos is produced when the arm is extended in the "STOP" position. When a school bus stops on the road, highway, or street, to pick up or drop off students - the STOP arm on the left side of the bus extends, as a signal that all traffic in front of, and behind the bus must stop... and yield to pedestrians and students. Usually, no video recording is made of traffic headed in both directions, so no proof is obtained of those who might be in a hurry and "run" the stop signal. Students are often in peril when the STOP sign is ignored or a driver does not pay appropriate attention. We hope to emphasize student safety as we install these cameras, and it is hoped we may prevent tragedy. We will provide specific video of traffic violations to our Blanchard Police Department, where action may be taken to prevent tragedy which has occurred elsewhere - so please be aware, and consider the safety of our student bus riders.
Academic and activity course choices for our students is another priority for Blanchard Public Schools. While we have many activities a student may choose to participate, Blanchard Public Schools can certainly improve its selections, and add sports as needed. We participate in many sports under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activity Association (OSSAA), but don't participate in several. Among those sports Blanchard High School does not participate - soccer, swimming, volleyball, speech and debate, and tennis. In addition, the OSSAA is considering adding "girls wrestling" to its list of sports. We believe the OSSAA sport which most students would choose as one we currently don't have, would be "girls volleyball" - but we won't know for sure until we ask the students. Starting the second semester, in January, we will poll our students, as to determine what one sport or activity will be the most popular. The results of this survey will determine what sport or activity not currently offered, will be added next school year.
As of late, we've taken note of several accidents around the country involving vehicles, which have affected the safety of students while waiting at bus stops, crossing dangerous intersections, or riding in buses. One traffic safety consideration, or breach thereof, is the auto driver who fails to pay appropriate attention when passing school buses, whether at stops or on the road. In recognition of this particular student safety breach, and thanks to a parent who emphasized this traffic hazard - Blanchard Public Schools will install video cameras on the STOP arms of its school buses. The cameras will ensure a video recording of nearby autos is produced when the arm is extended in the "STOP" position. When a school bus stops on the road, highway, or street, to pick up or drop off students - the STOP arm on the left side of the bus extends, as a signal that all traffic in front of, and behind the bus must stop... and yield to pedestrians and students. Usually, no video recording is made of traffic headed in both directions, so no proof is obtained of those who might be in a hurry and "run" the stop signal. Students are often in peril when the STOP sign is ignored or a driver does not pay appropriate attention. We hope to emphasize student safety as we install these cameras, and it is hoped we may prevent tragedy. We will provide specific video of traffic violations to our Blanchard Police Department, where action may be taken to prevent tragedy which has occurred elsewhere - so please be aware, and consider the safety of our student bus riders.
Academic and activity course choices for our students is another priority for Blanchard Public Schools. While we have many activities a student may choose to participate, Blanchard Public Schools can certainly improve its selections, and add sports as needed. We participate in many sports under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activity Association (OSSAA), but don't participate in several. Among those sports Blanchard High School does not participate - soccer, swimming, volleyball, speech and debate, and tennis. In addition, the OSSAA is considering adding "girls wrestling" to its list of sports. We believe the OSSAA sport which most students would choose as one we currently don't have, would be "girls volleyball" - but we won't know for sure until we ask the students. Starting the second semester, in January, we will poll our students, as to determine what one sport or activity will be the most popular. The results of this survey will determine what sport or activity not currently offered, will be added next school year.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Blanchard Lions Football: It's time...
Our Blanchard Lions Football team reminds us of the Lions of one year ago. Just as in the 2017 season, the Lions face a formidable foe - the undefeated and second ranked Poteau Pirates... at Poteau, Oklahoma. One year ago, this week, for the second round of the state playoffs - a good, but not stellar Blanchard Lions football squad met the undefeated top-ranked Wagoner Bulldogs. Wagoner had won 47 straight games and three consecutive state titles, before facing Blanchard in that now infamous showdown. The Lions won the hard-fought battle 23 to 14 on that November night. The previous practice week, the Blanchard coaching staff reminded our players that the unranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish had broken a 47 game winning streak by defeating the powerful O.U. Sooners - 60 years before. The Lions were not intimidated by the stellar record of Wagoner, and proceeded to physically beat the Bulldogs on that night one year ago. The Lions were prepared to win, and played each play as if it was their last.
Many high school football fans believe the Blanchard Lions have better players in key positions than they did one year ago. It is still unknown, however, if our Lions have the heart of that 2017 team. Only on Friday night, November 16, 2018, can that question be answered for sure - Are the Blanchard Lions as capable of slewing a giant, just as Notre Dame did on November 16, 1957?
We'll see...
Many high school football fans believe the Blanchard Lions have better players in key positions than they did one year ago. It is still unknown, however, if our Lions have the heart of that 2017 team. Only on Friday night, November 16, 2018, can that question be answered for sure - Are the Blanchard Lions as capable of slewing a giant, just as Notre Dame did on November 16, 1957?
We'll see...
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Cindy Roe
As an advocate (some say crusader) for our traditional public schools, students, and teachers - I sometimes express opinions which reflect the political aspects of public education. So it is with this column:
Cindy Roe was just elected to serve as the new District 42 (Garvin and McClain County) state representative. The incumbent rep. for our district, after serving only a year, decided not to run again. He cited reasons such as "the pressure was too much to serve", or "I was attacked" for quitting, and threw his support behind another candidate for HD 42. He donated $2,700 (the maximum allowed) to the campaign of Allie Burgin - as his legacy to the district. Surprisingly, Allie was defeated in the June primary by Cindy Roe, who then went on to win the general election last week. Allie Burgin was the private and charter school chosen replacement for District 42, and had the financial support of Betsy Devos (the U.S. Secretary of Education) - but was handily defeated.
I had the opportunity in April to question all candidates for the district at Mid-America Technology Center (in Wayne). The only question concerning our public schools, paraphrased, was "Do you believe, if elected, that you should be able to spend public tax dollars for private services?" Mr. Burgin answered the question "Yes". Burgin was the only candidate who indicated that he, as an elected representative, would spend public tax dollars for private services (legislator choice for spending). Cindy Roe answered the question indicating that she will support our public schools, students, and teachers, by not spending public money for private services. This answer is diametrically opposed to her predessessor's actions as the District 42 representative.
The true test of support though is not in answering questions as a candidate, but in how an elected lawmaker votes on bills which affect our traditional (conservative) public schools. We will continue to monitor Cindy Roe's voting record which affects our public schools, and report in this column...
Cindy Roe was just elected to serve as the new District 42 (Garvin and McClain County) state representative. The incumbent rep. for our district, after serving only a year, decided not to run again. He cited reasons such as "the pressure was too much to serve", or "I was attacked" for quitting, and threw his support behind another candidate for HD 42. He donated $2,700 (the maximum allowed) to the campaign of Allie Burgin - as his legacy to the district. Surprisingly, Allie was defeated in the June primary by Cindy Roe, who then went on to win the general election last week. Allie Burgin was the private and charter school chosen replacement for District 42, and had the financial support of Betsy Devos (the U.S. Secretary of Education) - but was handily defeated.
I had the opportunity in April to question all candidates for the district at Mid-America Technology Center (in Wayne). The only question concerning our public schools, paraphrased, was "Do you believe, if elected, that you should be able to spend public tax dollars for private services?" Mr. Burgin answered the question "Yes". Burgin was the only candidate who indicated that he, as an elected representative, would spend public tax dollars for private services (legislator choice for spending). Cindy Roe answered the question indicating that she will support our public schools, students, and teachers, by not spending public money for private services. This answer is diametrically opposed to her predessessor's actions as the District 42 representative.
The true test of support though is not in answering questions as a candidate, but in how an elected lawmaker votes on bills which affect our traditional (conservative) public schools. We will continue to monitor Cindy Roe's voting record which affects our public schools, and report in this column...
Friday, November 2, 2018
Buying influence - EPIC proportions
Many elected officials say "My loyalty can't be purchased" or "Money does not influence me". But are these statements the truth? or are they false? A quick look at some "pay-to-play" donors and the "payed-to-play" recipients, may shed some light on this question. Two individual EPIC CEO's donated $92,096 and $73,839, respectively, to 117 different elected officials - in order to influence school legislation being considered in the House or Senate... Some recipients of the "pay to play" money are:
Joy Hofmeister $30,000? Kevin Stitt $8,100
Gary Stanislawski $1,500 Stephanie Bice $3,500
Katie Henke $1,000 *Charles McCall $5,000
Chuck Strohm $1,500 Jadine Noland $500
Todd Thompsen $500 Matt Pinnell $1,000
Rhonda Baker $4,200 Jason Smalley $3,000
Kim David $2,500 Jon Echols $4,200
Kevin Wallace $2,000 Chris Kannady $3,700
Greg Treat $4,200 Sherrie Conley $1,000
Greg Babinec $500 Josh West $500
Tom Gann $500 Ajay Pittman $1,500
Mark Lawson $500 Shawn Howard $1,000
Kil Easley Graf $1,000 Tammy West $1,000
Nicole Miller $1,000 Todd Russ $1,000
Darin Chambers $500 Mat Hamrick $200
Avery Frix $5,200 Jason Dunnington $500
J. Paul Jordan $2,500 Travis Dunlap $500
George Faught $500 Daniel Pae $1,000
Tammy Townley $1,000 Garry Mize $1,000
Gary Sims $1,000 Terry O'Donnell $2,700
Trey Caldwell $1,000 Jack Beall $1,000
Robert Manger $1,000 Kevin McDugle $1,000
Rusty Cornwell $1,000 T.J. Marti $1,000
Frank Simpson $3,000 Cyndi Munson $1,000
Jim Grego $1,000 Jud Strom $1,000
Jim Olsen $1,000 Brian Hill $1,000
Toni Hasenbeck $1,000 Carol Bush $1,000
Zach Taylor $2,000 Ryan Martinez $500
Mike Osburn $500 Kyle Hilbert $1,000
Kevin West $1,000 Mark Lepak $1,000
Dan Hicks $1,000 Denise Crosswhite $1,000
Ronny Johns $1,000 Tommy Hardin $1,000
Marilyn Stark $1,000 Ty Burns $1,000
Glen Mulready $2,700
* Oklahoma Speakers Ball
This list is not all-inclusive and some elected officials actually turned down the pay-to-play money... and most lost their election bid. As a matter of fact, a personal friend reported he turned down $1,000 from an EPIC CEO, and promptly lost his re-election bid. As one may plainly see, some candidates received more than others - ranging from $24,585 down to $200. The only reasoning shared by many, is that some candidates are judged to be more persuasive than others... for EPIC.
Since EPIC is a public school, the influenced candidates and officials probably say they are only supporting our public school students and teachers - for the payola. Many people believe, however, that EPIC has far more influence than other public schools - "Money Talks and BS Walks". The next question that one may ask is - How does a company CEO, who probably makes less than $150,000 in annual salary, donate more than half that salary to elected state officials? The answer may be: The individuals in question cannot afford to donate half their annual salary to candidates, but Oklahoma taxpayers can afford it! Also, a link to the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System (OCAS) may provide an explanation to this intriguing question. One virtual charter spent $983,017 of its administrative expenses for community relations, federal and state relations, and business office expenses. This total was almost 90% of its cumulative administrative expenses and did not include the superintendents salary. It may be safely assumed that at least part of this expenditure originated in state appropriated student dollars. The connection and analysis may be that "an increase in state appropriations to virtuals results in donations to the listed candidates. A link to this California article may provide yet another answer...
It appears that all bases are covered by the two EPIC Chiefs and Government Relations Director, as the elected officials receiving the big $$$ are listed below with their assignments:
* Joy Hofmeister, State Superintendent of Public Instruction - $25,585
* Mike Hunter, Attorney General - $11,737
* Kevin Stitt, Governor - $8,100
* Avery Frix, Judiciary Committee - $5,200
* Charles McCall, House Speaker - $5,000
* Jon Echolls, House Majority Leader - $4,200
* Rhonda Baker, House Education Chair - $4,200
* Greg Treat, Senate Pro-Tem - $4,200
* Chris Kannady, Judiciary Committee Chair - $3,700
* Stephanie Bice, Finance Committee Chair - $3,500
* Jason Smalley, Education Committee A&B - $3,000
* Glen Mulready, State Insurance Commissioner - $2,700
* Kim David, House Appropriations Chair - $2,500
* John Paul Jordan, District Judge - $2,500
* Kevin Wallace, Senate Appropriations Chair - $2,000
* Tammy West, Education Committee A&B - $1,500
* Gary Stanislawski, Senate Education Chair - $1,500
* Matt Pinnell, Lieutenant Governor - $1,000
While it is not illegal to donate to elected officials campaigns, it may be illegal as to where the donations originate. For example, EPIC Virtual School spent $8.9 million (school year 2015-2016) for student instruction costs, which was formerly coded to administrative costs in 2014-2015. It is suspected, although it can't be proven, that the EPIC officials provided at least some student instructional appropriations to state elected officials. The $92,122 donated to the candidates above is reported to originate in the salaries of three EPIC officials. The EPIC officials did not just deposit the funds without the candidates knowing full well what was expected in return. What is expected in return for the generous wads of cash, is favorable legislation from the representatives and senators, favorable court rulings from the court officials, favorable AG opinions from the AG, favorable appropriations from the finance officials, and favorable support from public school officials and education chairs. The elected officials who have grounds for a complaint may be the Lieutenant Governor, who only received $1,000; the Senate Education Chair at $1,500 (the House Education Chair received $4,200); and the House Education Committee A&B head at $1,500 (the Senate Education Committee A&B head received $3,000). So much for equity...
Investigative reporter Jennifer Palmer of Oklahoma Watch wrote that Leaders of the state's largest virtual charter school (Epic) contributed at least $145,000 to the campaigns of dozens of candidates this year..., but the question remains "What favorable legislation and actions do the CEO's expect in return for these donations?".. Many traditional public school supporters believe some favorable bills and actions have already occurred. For example, Senator Stephanie Bice (the recipient of $3,500 from Harris and Chaney) sponsored a school consolidation bill during the last legislative session. Senator Bice related that the bill was what her constituents wanted, and since Chaney (Epic's superintendent) and Harris (the profitable non-profit's CEO) are Bice constituents - she is being truthful. Another example of "money talking"..
Another example of "money talks" is: In 2015, Representative Dennis Casey was on the House Common Education Committee, and voted to kill House Bill 2949 (a school voucher bill which would have allowed state tax dollars to flow to private and religious schools). The vote was 9 to 9 to kill the bill, which effectively ended it. The House Education Committee Chair, Representative Jason Nelson, a "paid to play" lawmaker - promptly removed Casey from the committee, and revived HB 2949 in 2016. After removing Casey from the committee, the bill passed on a 9 to 8 vote.
Yet another example of "money manipulation" occurred last week in the Oklahoma State Senate. Senator Ron Sharp (R) of Shawnee, a traditional public school supporter, was the vice-chair of the Senate Education Committee - and sponsored an interim study for virtual charter school funding. The interim study for the Senate Education Committee was held in October, 2018. The study provided information concerning how and why virtual school providers obtain state funding (tax dollars). Last week, when committee assignments were made, Senator Sharp became the latest victim of Epic money. He was removed as Education vice-chair by two senators - Greg Treat, the senate Pro-Tem and recipient of $4,200 from Epic; and Gary Stanislawski, the Education Committee Chair and recipient of $1,500 from Epic. The removal of Senator Ron Sharp from the vice-chair of the education committee may be traced directly to orders from Epic in the opinion of many public school supporters.
Update - Senator Joe Newhouse, (the named replacement for Senator Ron Sharp, as the Education Committee vice-chair), did not receive any Epic monies as reported by the Ethics Commission. He did, however, receive $13,611 in campaign support from the Betsy DeVos voucher group Oklahoma Federation for Children Action Fund, which is not reported to the Ethics Commission. The OFCAF is a dark money group which is similar to the Epic contributors. The big-money groups are similar in that they both deplore traditional public schools, the only difference being that Epic's contributors are named Chaney and Harris, but the OFCAF's contributors are anonymous (Why it's called "dark money").
Update - In following up on the contributor and recipient information in Palmer's article and the above recipient information, it becomes crystal clear as to the type of legislation which Epic wants to influence - education related bills. It also becomes clear which lawmakers are under the influence of Epic millionaires. For example, the Senate Education Committee is composed of the Chair Gary Stanislawski ($1,500 from Epic), Vice-Chair Joe Newhouse ( $36,399 from a pro-voucher group - $13,611 in support of, and $22,788 in opposition to Representative Newhouse's election opponents), Senator Jason Smalley ($3,000 from Epic), Senator Wayne Shaw ($1,000 from Epic), Senator Marty Quinn ($500 from Epic), and the Senate Pro-Tem Greg Treat, responsible for committee assignments ($4,200). In addition, Senator Joe Silk, member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education received $500 from Epic.
The House Common Education Committee recipients of Epic money include Representative Rhonda Baker ($4,200 from Epic), Representative Todd Russ ($1,000 from Epic), Representative Trey Caldwell ($1,000 from Epic), Representative Tammy West ($1,000 from Epic), Representative Mike Osburn ($500 from Epic), Representative Jadine Noland ($500 from Epic),and Representative Tom Gann ($500 from Epic). In addition, House Speaker Charles McCall received $5,000 from Epic for the Speaker's Ball - and Representative Jon Echolls, the House Majority Leader and responsible for committee assignments received $4,200 from Epic.
Just to make sure all lose ends were tied up (T's crossed and I's dotted), Epic chiefs provided $25,585 to the State Superintendent of Schools, Joy Hofmeister.
Joy Hofmeister $30,000? Kevin Stitt $8,100
Gary Stanislawski $1,500 Stephanie Bice $3,500
Katie Henke $1,000 *Charles McCall $5,000
Chuck Strohm $1,500 Jadine Noland $500
Todd Thompsen $500 Matt Pinnell $1,000
Rhonda Baker $4,200 Jason Smalley $3,000
Kim David $2,500 Jon Echols $4,200
Kevin Wallace $2,000 Chris Kannady $3,700
Greg Treat $4,200 Sherrie Conley $1,000
Greg Babinec $500 Josh West $500
Tom Gann $500 Ajay Pittman $1,500
Mark Lawson $500 Shawn Howard $1,000
Kil Easley Graf $1,000 Tammy West $1,000
Nicole Miller $1,000 Todd Russ $1,000
Darin Chambers $500 Mat Hamrick $200
Avery Frix $5,200 Jason Dunnington $500
J. Paul Jordan $2,500 Travis Dunlap $500
George Faught $500 Daniel Pae $1,000
Tammy Townley $1,000 Garry Mize $1,000
Gary Sims $1,000 Terry O'Donnell $2,700
Trey Caldwell $1,000 Jack Beall $1,000
Robert Manger $1,000 Kevin McDugle $1,000
Rusty Cornwell $1,000 T.J. Marti $1,000
Frank Simpson $3,000 Cyndi Munson $1,000
Jim Grego $1,000 Jud Strom $1,000
Jim Olsen $1,000 Brian Hill $1,000
Toni Hasenbeck $1,000 Carol Bush $1,000
Zach Taylor $2,000 Ryan Martinez $500
Mike Osburn $500 Kyle Hilbert $1,000
Kevin West $1,000 Mark Lepak $1,000
Dan Hicks $1,000 Denise Crosswhite $1,000
Ronny Johns $1,000 Tommy Hardin $1,000
Marilyn Stark $1,000 Ty Burns $1,000
Glen Mulready $2,700
* Oklahoma Speakers Ball
This list is not all-inclusive and some elected officials actually turned down the pay-to-play money... and most lost their election bid. As a matter of fact, a personal friend reported he turned down $1,000 from an EPIC CEO, and promptly lost his re-election bid. As one may plainly see, some candidates received more than others - ranging from $24,585 down to $200. The only reasoning shared by many, is that some candidates are judged to be more persuasive than others... for EPIC.
Since EPIC is a public school, the influenced candidates and officials probably say they are only supporting our public school students and teachers - for the payola. Many people believe, however, that EPIC has far more influence than other public schools - "Money Talks and BS Walks". The next question that one may ask is - How does a company CEO, who probably makes less than $150,000 in annual salary, donate more than half that salary to elected state officials? The answer may be: The individuals in question cannot afford to donate half their annual salary to candidates, but Oklahoma taxpayers can afford it! Also, a link to the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System (OCAS) may provide an explanation to this intriguing question. One virtual charter spent $983,017 of its administrative expenses for community relations, federal and state relations, and business office expenses. This total was almost 90% of its cumulative administrative expenses and did not include the superintendents salary. It may be safely assumed that at least part of this expenditure originated in state appropriated student dollars. The connection and analysis may be that "an increase in state appropriations to virtuals results in donations to the listed candidates. A link to this California article may provide yet another answer...
It appears that all bases are covered by the two EPIC Chiefs and Government Relations Director, as the elected officials receiving the big $$$ are listed below with their assignments:
* Joy Hofmeister, State Superintendent of Public Instruction - $25,585
* Mike Hunter, Attorney General - $11,737
* Kevin Stitt, Governor - $8,100
* Avery Frix, Judiciary Committee - $5,200
* Charles McCall, House Speaker - $5,000
* Jon Echolls, House Majority Leader - $4,200
* Rhonda Baker, House Education Chair - $4,200
* Greg Treat, Senate Pro-Tem - $4,200
* Chris Kannady, Judiciary Committee Chair - $3,700
* Stephanie Bice, Finance Committee Chair - $3,500
* Jason Smalley, Education Committee A&B - $3,000
* Glen Mulready, State Insurance Commissioner - $2,700
* Kim David, House Appropriations Chair - $2,500
* John Paul Jordan, District Judge - $2,500
* Kevin Wallace, Senate Appropriations Chair - $2,000
* Tammy West, Education Committee A&B - $1,500
* Gary Stanislawski, Senate Education Chair - $1,500
* Matt Pinnell, Lieutenant Governor - $1,000
While it is not illegal to donate to elected officials campaigns, it may be illegal as to where the donations originate. For example, EPIC Virtual School spent $8.9 million (school year 2015-2016) for student instruction costs, which was formerly coded to administrative costs in 2014-2015. It is suspected, although it can't be proven, that the EPIC officials provided at least some student instructional appropriations to state elected officials. The $92,122 donated to the candidates above is reported to originate in the salaries of three EPIC officials. The EPIC officials did not just deposit the funds without the candidates knowing full well what was expected in return. What is expected in return for the generous wads of cash, is favorable legislation from the representatives and senators, favorable court rulings from the court officials, favorable AG opinions from the AG, favorable appropriations from the finance officials, and favorable support from public school officials and education chairs. The elected officials who have grounds for a complaint may be the Lieutenant Governor, who only received $1,000; the Senate Education Chair at $1,500 (the House Education Chair received $4,200); and the House Education Committee A&B head at $1,500 (the Senate Education Committee A&B head received $3,000). So much for equity...
Investigative reporter Jennifer Palmer of Oklahoma Watch wrote that Leaders of the state's largest virtual charter school (Epic) contributed at least $145,000 to the campaigns of dozens of candidates this year..., but the question remains "What favorable legislation and actions do the CEO's expect in return for these donations?".. Many traditional public school supporters believe some favorable bills and actions have already occurred. For example, Senator Stephanie Bice (the recipient of $3,500 from Harris and Chaney) sponsored a school consolidation bill during the last legislative session. Senator Bice related that the bill was what her constituents wanted, and since Chaney (Epic's superintendent) and Harris (the profitable non-profit's CEO) are Bice constituents - she is being truthful. Another example of "money talking"..
Another example of "money talks" is: In 2015, Representative Dennis Casey was on the House Common Education Committee, and voted to kill House Bill 2949 (a school voucher bill which would have allowed state tax dollars to flow to private and religious schools). The vote was 9 to 9 to kill the bill, which effectively ended it. The House Education Committee Chair, Representative Jason Nelson, a "paid to play" lawmaker - promptly removed Casey from the committee, and revived HB 2949 in 2016. After removing Casey from the committee, the bill passed on a 9 to 8 vote.
Yet another example of "money manipulation" occurred last week in the Oklahoma State Senate. Senator Ron Sharp (R) of Shawnee, a traditional public school supporter, was the vice-chair of the Senate Education Committee - and sponsored an interim study for virtual charter school funding. The interim study for the Senate Education Committee was held in October, 2018. The study provided information concerning how and why virtual school providers obtain state funding (tax dollars). Last week, when committee assignments were made, Senator Sharp became the latest victim of Epic money. He was removed as Education vice-chair by two senators - Greg Treat, the senate Pro-Tem and recipient of $4,200 from Epic; and Gary Stanislawski, the Education Committee Chair and recipient of $1,500 from Epic. The removal of Senator Ron Sharp from the vice-chair of the education committee may be traced directly to orders from Epic in the opinion of many public school supporters.
Update - Senator Joe Newhouse, (the named replacement for Senator Ron Sharp, as the Education Committee vice-chair), did not receive any Epic monies as reported by the Ethics Commission. He did, however, receive $13,611 in campaign support from the Betsy DeVos voucher group Oklahoma Federation for Children Action Fund, which is not reported to the Ethics Commission. The OFCAF is a dark money group which is similar to the Epic contributors. The big-money groups are similar in that they both deplore traditional public schools, the only difference being that Epic's contributors are named Chaney and Harris, but the OFCAF's contributors are anonymous (Why it's called "dark money").
Update - In following up on the contributor and recipient information in Palmer's article and the above recipient information, it becomes crystal clear as to the type of legislation which Epic wants to influence - education related bills. It also becomes clear which lawmakers are under the influence of Epic millionaires. For example, the Senate Education Committee is composed of the Chair Gary Stanislawski ($1,500 from Epic), Vice-Chair Joe Newhouse ( $36,399 from a pro-voucher group - $13,611 in support of, and $22,788 in opposition to Representative Newhouse's election opponents), Senator Jason Smalley ($3,000 from Epic), Senator Wayne Shaw ($1,000 from Epic), Senator Marty Quinn ($500 from Epic), and the Senate Pro-Tem Greg Treat, responsible for committee assignments ($4,200). In addition, Senator Joe Silk, member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education received $500 from Epic.
The House Common Education Committee recipients of Epic money include Representative Rhonda Baker ($4,200 from Epic), Representative Todd Russ ($1,000 from Epic), Representative Trey Caldwell ($1,000 from Epic), Representative Tammy West ($1,000 from Epic), Representative Mike Osburn ($500 from Epic), Representative Jadine Noland ($500 from Epic),and Representative Tom Gann ($500 from Epic). In addition, House Speaker Charles McCall received $5,000 from Epic for the Speaker's Ball - and Representative Jon Echolls, the House Majority Leader and responsible for committee assignments received $4,200 from Epic.
Just to make sure all lose ends were tied up (T's crossed and I's dotted), Epic chiefs provided $25,585 to the State Superintendent of Schools, Joy Hofmeister.
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