The Blanchard Lions high school baseball team has just completed the perfect season in the opinion of many baseball experts. The Blanchard Lions finished with 39 wins - 0 losses, and a Class-4A Oklahoma State Championship. They also finished in the top five nationally among more than 5,000 high school baseball teams, and many Oklahomans believe they could be the best team in the nation.
While the primary credit for the team's success must be attributed to the kids and parents, the coaches and fans also deserve kudos. Anyone who witnessed the Blanchard student body and community support at the O.U. baseball stadium on May 15, 2019, know what tradition is all about. Perhaps under "definition" of a traditional public school - is a photo of the Blanchard baseball fans, parents, boosters, teachers, and student body, just as the team gets the final out in Wednesday's game. Many Blanchard supporters believe the presence of those "super-fans" who are no longer with us, contributed to the baseball championship - super-fans such as Betty Lewis and Oscar Brooks.
One entity which must be credited for Blanchard Public Schools' student success is the Blanchard Public Schools' Board of Education. The school board is instrumental in ensuring that students receive much needed support, both academically and in activities. Our Board members have supported our students unequivocally over the years, and our students recognize that fact. That support has never waned, and even has even recently accelerated. Our students recognize the difference in a board which genuinely cares about students, and one which only gives lip service to its priorities.
This perfect season was indeed a Blanchard team effort, which involved players, parents, coaches, teachers, fans, and the School Board... and thus future student success is ensured.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
We love students.. tax dollars
Imagine this scenario:
A local school district superintendent just issued a news release to several surrounding local newspapers - listing "honor" students who have transferred in to his school - from those surrounding districts. In other words, the superintendent ran the "ad" in a newspaper other than his local paper, to encourage more students to transfer in to his school. It's absurd enough to be confusing, but it has happened.
An EPIC Virtual Charter School official issued a news release (not payed advertisement) to several local newspapers listing the honor students from local schools which are now enrolled at EPIC. It would be akin to the Blanchard superintendent running an ad in the Newcastle Racer listing former Newcastle students who have now achieved honors at Blanchard. The Blanchard superintendent would have to detour around Newcastle on his way to OKC, if he indeed issued such a news release - as Newcastle Public Schools supporters would take exception (and who could blame them?).
This is a blatant attempt to recruit more students, I mean tax dollars, so that the multi-millionaire management firm officials can become wealthier millionaires - at the public expense.
A local school district superintendent just issued a news release to several surrounding local newspapers - listing "honor" students who have transferred in to his school - from those surrounding districts. In other words, the superintendent ran the "ad" in a newspaper other than his local paper, to encourage more students to transfer in to his school. It's absurd enough to be confusing, but it has happened.
An EPIC Virtual Charter School official issued a news release (not payed advertisement) to several local newspapers listing the honor students from local schools which are now enrolled at EPIC. It would be akin to the Blanchard superintendent running an ad in the Newcastle Racer listing former Newcastle students who have now achieved honors at Blanchard. The Blanchard superintendent would have to detour around Newcastle on his way to OKC, if he indeed issued such a news release - as Newcastle Public Schools supporters would take exception (and who could blame them?).
This is a blatant attempt to recruit more students, I mean tax dollars, so that the multi-millionaire management firm officials can become wealthier millionaires - at the public expense.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Rush Creek Farmer - Eulys Henson
Eulys Henson, my uncle and long-time Rush Creek farmer left us on February 25, 2019, at the age of 91. He and his profession is part of the reason that America is the greatest country in the world, and here is why I believe this is true: Eulys worked hard from daylight to dusk every day of the last 74 years of life. He had talents for doing lots of other things which would pay more, but chose to be only a farmer. For example, as a high school baseball player (pitcher), he reportedly had a "Don Drysdale" fastball which exceeded 90 mph. It is really unknown, since speed guns didn't exist back in the day - but he once fired a baseball at his hay barn (about 300 feet in the distance) which didn't get 30 feet off the ground, and put a dent in it one inch deep. Eulys was invited to spring training in Florida with a major league team (1949), for a tryout, but chose to remain on Rush Creek.. farming. He never became wealthy, and remained "poor" by many standards, but was rich beyond belief according to him.
My uncle, Eulys Henson, was like a second father to me growing up on Rush Creek. He was one of my few real heroes, and I'll miss him as long as I remain. My brother Johnny, who provided the eulogy for our uncle, may have said it best. He visited with Eulys several days before he passed, for the last time. When Johnny got home after the visit, he scratched on his wooden desk - "Best day I've ever had". Rest in peace, Eulys, we'll see you soon.
My uncle, Eulys Henson, was like a second father to me growing up on Rush Creek. He was one of my few real heroes, and I'll miss him as long as I remain. My brother Johnny, who provided the eulogy for our uncle, may have said it best. He visited with Eulys several days before he passed, for the last time. When Johnny got home after the visit, he scratched on his wooden desk - "Best day I've ever had". Rest in peace, Eulys, we'll see you soon.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Will Oklahoma Rein in Epic Charter Failure?
The article - Will Oklahoma Rein in Epic Charter Failure? by John Thompson, written for LIVING in DIALOGUE on April 2, 2019, provides an in-depth analysis of Epic failures for which virtual public schools in Oklahoma are responsible. Read the article here, and decide for yourself...
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Teachers Support Students
One year ago teachers were preparing to walk out of classrooms across Oklahoma. Teachers did walk out to the capitol, in protest of low classroom funding from the State Legislature. They were already promised a pay increase - because Oklahoma teachers are some of the lowest paid in the nation, but walked out anyway. Teachers knew that student operational funding still lagged the rest of the nation, but state lawmakers ignored this fact.
One year later, teachers have not walked out - but know that the Oklahoma Legislature still has not met its April 1 deadline for funding our public schools. Our state teachers have decided to support our students in other ways. Student education will not be disrupted, as testing and other important student activities will continue, but our Blanchard teachers will wear "Blanchard Lion" shirts and maroon clothing to school all week. We will also wear "red" and red ribbons, in support of appropriate student funding and lower class sizes.
If you are a Blanchard citizen, student, or parent, you are also invited to share our support for our students and public schools - and wear maroon, red, and red ribbons. The legislature still will not properly fund our students (lower class sizes), unless they know that people really do support our traditional public schools.
One year later, teachers have not walked out - but know that the Oklahoma Legislature still has not met its April 1 deadline for funding our public schools. Our state teachers have decided to support our students in other ways. Student education will not be disrupted, as testing and other important student activities will continue, but our Blanchard teachers will wear "Blanchard Lion" shirts and maroon clothing to school all week. We will also wear "red" and red ribbons, in support of appropriate student funding and lower class sizes.
If you are a Blanchard citizen, student, or parent, you are also invited to share our support for our students and public schools - and wear maroon, red, and red ribbons. The legislature still will not properly fund our students (lower class sizes), unless they know that people really do support our traditional public schools.
Monday, March 25, 2019
Mark Loman - Simply a Legend
Saturday, March 23, 2019, 1 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma:
I sat in a pew with several Leopard Legends. On my right were brothers Wayne and Hodie Estes - two NFL caliber Leopard football players of the 1950's and 1960's; Barry Foster - Leopard quarterback in 1980 who took the Leopards to the Class 2A championship game; and arguably, the greatest Leopard of all time - Coach Joe Tunnell. On my left was Johnny Beckham, another Leopard football legend, and Dan Chapman, the current school superintendent, who was to share his memories of Mark Loman - one of the greatest Leopards to ever darken the halls of LHS.
As an eighth grader in Lindsay Junior High, I only frequented the south hallway at Lindsay High School where all my classes were. I only saw the sports legends of the north hall under Friday night lights during football season, or Tuesdays and Fridays during basketball. I went to as many games as possible in order to see my sports heroes in action. Lindsay Leopard football was played at a very high level during the 1970's, as was both girls and boys basketball. The Leopard football team reached the Class 2A finals in 1970 and its boys basketball team reached the Class 2A state semi-finals in 1971.
As I walked through the lobby into the Church, I noticed a picture of Charlie Heatly (the boys basketball coach in 1971) standing between Lindsay's version of the "twin towers" - 6'8" Mark Loman and 6'8" Curtis Sanford. Sanford would go on to be named all-state basketball in 1972, while Mark Loman was one of only two Lindsay athletes ever who all-stated in two sports - football and basketball.
Mark Loman left this world last Wednesday while working in his yard at Shay, Oklahoma. He was one of my sports heroes, but I rarely saw him when not in a football or basketball uniform, or in a letterman jacket. Like several of my Leopard sports heroes, Mark was matched with a Leopardette basketball legend, his girlfriend Tonya Hopkins. Tonya was an all-state guard during her senior year at LHS, and the two married after high school. I believe it's true that you've got to be a football hero to get along with the beautiful girls, and Mark was certainly proof of that. Rest in peace Mark Loman, you deserve it.
I sat in a pew with several Leopard Legends. On my right were brothers Wayne and Hodie Estes - two NFL caliber Leopard football players of the 1950's and 1960's; Barry Foster - Leopard quarterback in 1980 who took the Leopards to the Class 2A championship game; and arguably, the greatest Leopard of all time - Coach Joe Tunnell. On my left was Johnny Beckham, another Leopard football legend, and Dan Chapman, the current school superintendent, who was to share his memories of Mark Loman - one of the greatest Leopards to ever darken the halls of LHS.
As an eighth grader in Lindsay Junior High, I only frequented the south hallway at Lindsay High School where all my classes were. I only saw the sports legends of the north hall under Friday night lights during football season, or Tuesdays and Fridays during basketball. I went to as many games as possible in order to see my sports heroes in action. Lindsay Leopard football was played at a very high level during the 1970's, as was both girls and boys basketball. The Leopard football team reached the Class 2A finals in 1970 and its boys basketball team reached the Class 2A state semi-finals in 1971.
As I walked through the lobby into the Church, I noticed a picture of Charlie Heatly (the boys basketball coach in 1971) standing between Lindsay's version of the "twin towers" - 6'8" Mark Loman and 6'8" Curtis Sanford. Sanford would go on to be named all-state basketball in 1972, while Mark Loman was one of only two Lindsay athletes ever who all-stated in two sports - football and basketball.
Mark Loman left this world last Wednesday while working in his yard at Shay, Oklahoma. He was one of my sports heroes, but I rarely saw him when not in a football or basketball uniform, or in a letterman jacket. Like several of my Leopard sports heroes, Mark was matched with a Leopardette basketball legend, his girlfriend Tonya Hopkins. Tonya was an all-state guard during her senior year at LHS, and the two married after high school. I believe it's true that you've got to be a football hero to get along with the beautiful girls, and Mark was certainly proof of that. Rest in peace Mark Loman, you deserve it.
Monday, March 4, 2019
HOUSE BILL 1229 Analysis
House Bill 1229 is a revision to the Virtual Charter Schools Act, amending 70 O.S. 2011, Section 3-104, which relates to the State Board of Education (SBE) powers and duties. It strikes reference to Statewide Virtual Charter School Board (SVCSB), which relates to charter school funding - and transfers sponsorship authority to the State Board of Education. It actually eliminates the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board and grants the State Board of Education sole sponsorship authority, and transfers powers and duties to the State Department of Education (SDE).
Traditional public school supporters may believe this transfer of authority from the SVCSB to the SBE is a good thing (the SVCSB Chairman, Mat Hamrick, slammed legislation authored by Senator Ron Sharp - which aimed to provide more financial transparency for virtual charter schools.) It is in reality - one more bill which could reduce traditional public schools' state funding... and here's how:
Section 21 of 70 O.S. 2011 states that one duty of the SBE is to administer the State Public Common School Building Equalization Fund (SBEF)established by the Oklahoma Constitution. The SVCSB has no such constitutional authority. The only issue is that no state funds have ever been appropriated to the SBEF! Section 21 further states that "any monies as may be appropriated or designated by the Legislature, other than ad valorem (property) taxes, any other funds identified by the SDE, which may include, but not be limited to, grants-in-aid from the federal government for building purposes, etc. shall be deposited in the State Public Common School Building Equalization Fund. The fund shall be used to aid school districts and charter schools in acquiring buildings..."
Since no funds have ever been appropriated to the Fund, there is reason to believe that funding will now be appropriated within HB 1229. Section 21 goes on - If sufficient monies are available in the fund, the Board shall solicit proposals for grants from school districts and charter schools and shall determine the process for consideration of proposals. Grants shall be awarded only to school districts which have a total assessed property valuation per average daily membership that is less than the state average total assessed property valuation per average daily membership and, at the time of application, the district has voted the five-mill building fund levy authorized in Section 10 of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution, and has voted indebtedness through the issuance of new bonds for at least fifty percent (50%) within the last three (3) years of maximum allowable pursuant to the provisions of Section 26 of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution... Grants shall be awarded only to charter schools which have secured matching funds for the specific purpose of acquiring buildings... The amount of each grant awarded... shall not exceed Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00)...
For all intent and purposes - it appears lawmakers are on the verge of infusing the State Public Common School Building Equalization Fund with Millions of Dollars. The new Law may give us a hint as to where the funds may originate - any monies as may be appropriated or designated by the Legislature, other than ad valorem taxes... This technically allows the Legislature to appropriate funding for school building purposes. Since no new revenue steams have been identified for school building purposes, the funding would naturally originate in State appropriated dollars for public education. For instance, if the Legislature intends to appropriate a specific dollar amount to the SDE for distribution to public schools, it could reduce that appropriation by Millions of Dollars - and appropriate it to the SBEF instead. Many public school finance experts believe the Legislature will do this: Rob Peter to pay Paul.
In addition, HB 1229 cleverly eliminates most traditional public schools from receiving any appropriated funds for building purposes, as almost all traditional schools are at least 50% indebted and have voted the five mill building levy. This insertion of restrictions for traditional schools narrows the building funds to only public charter schools. Among those charter schools expecting a windfall of tax dollars is the Epic Blended Learning Schools, which could realize the maximum $4,000,000.00 for each school... and our traditional public schools will pay for it!
Traditional public school supporters may believe this transfer of authority from the SVCSB to the SBE is a good thing (the SVCSB Chairman, Mat Hamrick, slammed legislation authored by Senator Ron Sharp - which aimed to provide more financial transparency for virtual charter schools.) It is in reality - one more bill which could reduce traditional public schools' state funding... and here's how:
Section 21 of 70 O.S. 2011 states that one duty of the SBE is to administer the State Public Common School Building Equalization Fund (SBEF)established by the Oklahoma Constitution. The SVCSB has no such constitutional authority. The only issue is that no state funds have ever been appropriated to the SBEF! Section 21 further states that "any monies as may be appropriated or designated by the Legislature, other than ad valorem (property) taxes, any other funds identified by the SDE, which may include, but not be limited to, grants-in-aid from the federal government for building purposes, etc. shall be deposited in the State Public Common School Building Equalization Fund. The fund shall be used to aid school districts and charter schools in acquiring buildings..."
Since no funds have ever been appropriated to the Fund, there is reason to believe that funding will now be appropriated within HB 1229. Section 21 goes on - If sufficient monies are available in the fund, the Board shall solicit proposals for grants from school districts and charter schools and shall determine the process for consideration of proposals. Grants shall be awarded only to school districts which have a total assessed property valuation per average daily membership that is less than the state average total assessed property valuation per average daily membership and, at the time of application, the district has voted the five-mill building fund levy authorized in Section 10 of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution, and has voted indebtedness through the issuance of new bonds for at least fifty percent (50%) within the last three (3) years of maximum allowable pursuant to the provisions of Section 26 of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution... Grants shall be awarded only to charter schools which have secured matching funds for the specific purpose of acquiring buildings... The amount of each grant awarded... shall not exceed Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00)...
For all intent and purposes - it appears lawmakers are on the verge of infusing the State Public Common School Building Equalization Fund with Millions of Dollars. The new Law may give us a hint as to where the funds may originate - any monies as may be appropriated or designated by the Legislature, other than ad valorem taxes... This technically allows the Legislature to appropriate funding for school building purposes. Since no new revenue steams have been identified for school building purposes, the funding would naturally originate in State appropriated dollars for public education. For instance, if the Legislature intends to appropriate a specific dollar amount to the SDE for distribution to public schools, it could reduce that appropriation by Millions of Dollars - and appropriate it to the SBEF instead. Many public school finance experts believe the Legislature will do this: Rob Peter to pay Paul.
In addition, HB 1229 cleverly eliminates most traditional public schools from receiving any appropriated funds for building purposes, as almost all traditional schools are at least 50% indebted and have voted the five mill building levy. This insertion of restrictions for traditional schools narrows the building funds to only public charter schools. Among those charter schools expecting a windfall of tax dollars is the Epic Blended Learning Schools, which could realize the maximum $4,000,000.00 for each school... and our traditional public schools will pay for it!
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