Western Heights Schools Start Their Academic Year, Looking To Move Past Controversy

After recent legal battles, the Oklahoma State Department of Education will run Western Heights Public Schools for a second consecutive year.

Western Heights district teachers and staff said they're looking forward and not into the past.

A recent audit showed financial irregularities and what auditors said was an unapproved bonus paid to former district superintendent Mannix Barnes.

“We are really optimistic about the future and have a great new leadership team with amazing new programs, such as our Stem Academy that offers students to work towards their FAA pilots license," WHPS communications director Chris Culver said.

Western Heights had 24 students in their aviation program last year. Now, they are adding four new classes.

“We have a lot of great things happening here. People just don’t see that," robotics teacher Cecil Midget said. "Our teachers show up and are here to stay. We love this school. Students have so many opportunities through our STEM Academy."