Sapulpa Public Schools reopens following walkout
Posted on 04/11/2018
SAPULPA PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Please read this letter to parents from Superintendent Rob Armstrong about Sapulpa schools reopening Thursday, April 12.

It’s been a historic couple of weeks for education in Oklahoma. One we will look back on for many years to come. Tens of thousands of educators, parents, and students descended on the state capitol each day to push legislators to search for revenue streams to create funnels for funding public education. It was a spectacular show of unity, and proof that when a group comes together as one, mountains can be moved.

The work of our teachers has shown promise as the bills the governor has signed have become law. This passed legislation is progress. It’s not enough, but it is progress.

In order for teachers and support staff to attend the rallies in Oklahoma City, Sapulpa Public Schools was among the majority of districts to suspend school. It was not a decision that was made lightly. However, it was one we felt was necessary so our employees could stand arm-in-arm with their peers and have their voices be heard for our students.

During the walk-out, Sapulpa administration had been in constant communication with the leadership of United Sapulpa Educators and other teachers. Those discussions were beneficial for both the district leaders and the teachers’ representatives. They allowed the lines of communication to remain open and understand what everyone was thinking. We did not, and still do not, see this as an us versus them scenario. The school board and the district leadership fully support our teachers and support staff. That has never been more evident than the standing ovation the school board gave our teachers following their return from executive session Monday night.

As a result of surveying our teachers in which a vast majority responded that they would report to work if school was called back into session, Sapulpa Public Schools will resume classes Thursday, April 12. The decision to reopen schools could not have been made without the collaboration and support of our teachers’ union.

Our tentative last day of school is May 29.

We went to Oklahoma City to fight for our students and we will continue to fight for our students. Now, we are reopening our schools for our students. We feel the most important thing for them is getting back behind their desks, studying the curriculum, and preparing for upcoming testing.

The fight in Oklahoma City is NOT over. We will send a delegation of teachers each day of the walkout. We would like to ask our very supportive parents and community members to join us. Lend your voice. Take the place of those who will return to the classroom to get our students through to the end of the school year. Help us continue to fight for the funds our students deserve and need. You have already done so much, but we’re asking you to continue helping us so that we can help our students.

Thank you for understanding and for continuing to support Sapulpa Public Schools. We look forward to seeing your child, our students, at school Thursday.

Sincerely,

Rob Armstrong
Superintendent, Sapulpa Public Schools