Parents Coalition Rallies At State Capitol To Voice Concerns Over Education

Some parents from Owasso joined other parents at the state capitol Monday to rally for their kids to get back into the classroom, rather than keep learning from home.

They said they don’t think it’s right for school boards to choose virtual learning without consulting parents first.

Dozens of parents from across Oklahoma met at the State Capital, carrying signs, and sharing a message with state leaders.

“We found anywhere across the state we're dealing with a lot of the same struggles,” said Jennifer Johnson.

Jennifer Johnson and Ron Causby are both Owasso parents who helped organize Parent Voice Oklahoma, a group who wants to see kids back in class and who wants to be part of the decision making at schools at the district and state level.

They said Owasso Public Schools' distance learning at the beginning of the year did not work for their families and they feel the district didn't listen to them.

“We want choice for everyone because parents know their children and parents best and virtual is the best for many families,” said Johnson.

They said Oklahoma's Secretary of Education, Ryan Walters, met with some of the parents today and told them the state plans to get kids back to class.

"He invited us into a meeting and saw what we were doing as a group,” said Causby.

Governor Kevin Stitt said last week he hopes to have kids back to school in person no later than January. With rising COVID numbers and more schools returning to virtual learning, Johnson says she thinks education can be done safely and in person is the best way.

“It's powerful to see there's support from parents across the state."

The group started a statewide coalition and plan to continue speaking up to make sure they have a say in their kids' education.