Moore Public Schools Moves Bus Stop From Sex Offender’s House After Parent Speaks Up

Sex offenders cannot live near schools in Oklahoma, but there’s a loophole in Oklahoma state law. One Moore Public Schools parent discovered something many parents fail to check. 

“It’s an oversight that really, really needs attention,” said Heather Johnson, whose kids attend Moore Public Schools. 

Johnson’s kids used to get on the school bus about a block from her house on Independence Ave in Oklahoma City. However, the bus stop was in the front yard of a registered sex offender. Johnson said she let Moore Public Schools know about that two years ago.  

“That was a scary thing,” Johnson said.  

Oklahoma keeps track of its more than 7,000 registered sex offenders online.  

“Even at the registered sex offender’s home, they (the schools) don’t have to move it,” Johnson said. 

Johnson is right. Moore Public Schools isn’t wrong, by the law.  

“I was astounded,” Johnson said. 

Johnson spoke with House Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-OKC). Dollens is a former teacher and a parent. Dollens said he will work with Johnson on a potential bill to change this law.  

“I completely agreed,” Dollens said. “As a father of two young children, I wouldn’t want them being at a bus stop near a sexual offender’s home either.”  

Johnson created a petition online and the old school way on paper to gather signatures.  

“I’ve got 200 plus signatures in not even a week,” Johnson said. “As of last Friday they did change [the bus stop].”

A Moore Public School transportation spokesperson told News 9: 

“The transportation office of Moore Public Schools will always hear a parent or guardian’s concerns about the safety of their student.  

“The MPS Transportation team has always consulted with a parent or guardian who brings forth a question of safety concerning a particular bus stop and will work to resolve the issue, keeping the safety of our students at the forefront of the solution. 

“In this situation, a solution was made in collaboration with the parent who raised a valid concern over their student’s bus stop. We appreciate our MPS families and community assisting us in prioritizing our students' safety and security.” 

The sex offender who lives near Johnson has to live somewhere, but the bus stop can live elsewhere. 

“I do not want to bring children to their doorstep,” Johnson said. 

Johnson spoke up and asked the question. 

“Would you rather them walk a little bit longer or would you rather some kids be waiting in a registered sex offender’s yard?” Johnson said.