OKCPS Superintendent Recommends 'Pathway To Greatness' Plan For Schools

The daily lives of tens of thousands of people in the metro could soon change. Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel wants to close 15 schools.

 He’s now asking the board to approve “Plan B” of the “Pathway To Greatness” initiative.

While the plan hasn’t officially been adopted, Superintendent McDaniel says he's confident the board will vote in favor of his recommendation, overhauling the way education is currently being done.

“I think as a district this P2G is going to change the narrative. So, if you’re watching out there and you’re residents of Oklahoma City, it is time to come back to OKC,” said Superintendent McDaniel.

In a desperate need of a shakeup, Plan B closes and reconfigures 14 elementary schools, as well as Centennial Mid-High. Other changes include reconfiguring seven middle schools, along with three high schools.

See the full plan below: 

As a result of those changes, Superintendent McDaniel estimates the district will save around four million a year.

“We can turn around and get additional counselors, teachers and things we call trade up,” said Superintendent McDaniel.

The plan's implementation is expected to cost the district around $11 million. And if approved, it will be done with money already on hand.

“We've had bonds over the years where we have met the obligation of the bonds and we have additional reserves left in those bond funds,” said Superintendent McDaniel.

Money that will be used to modify twelve schools in order to accommodate various changes.

“It’s toilets, it’s sinks, it’s water fountains, it may be an elementary that we are converting to a middle doesn’t have adequate space outside for softball practice,” said Superintendent McDaniel.

And while some parents and board members questioned the ability to have those changes in place by August 12, Superintendent McDaniel said he was confident it would be done.

“There is a mindset that a vote occurs on the 4th of March and we roll up our sleeves and get rolling on the 5th of March. We have been rolled up since August, September putting teams in place,” said Superintendent McDaniel.

Click here for more details on the breakdown of changes.