OKCPS Superintendent Responds To State Education Directives, Immigration & Bible Policy

The new superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools is addressing directives from the State Department of Education, including those on immigration and the Bible.

News 9 interviewed Dr. Jamie Polk to discuss her response to these directives, grant funding, and the upcoming school year.

“We will follow the law and we will be ready to receive students on August 13,” Polk said.

Polk, who recently assumed her new role, outlined her priorities for OKCPS.

“If we focus on students, support principals, and protect teachers, I think as an entire community we win,” she said.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters has directed school districts to track the cost and impact of illegal immigration.

“We do not at this time request any extra documentation of our students of any sort,” Polk said. “What’s most important for us is that our students feel safe.”

Regarding Title I grants and income-based federal funding, Polk assured that OKCPS is on schedule.

“The state department sent out a notification on Friday when we should be expecting those funds,” she said. “Please note that this is not unusual.”

Many OKCPS employees are paid through Title I funds.

“I don’t want anyone to think that’s in danger in any shape or form,” Polk said.

The Bible directive from the Oklahoma State Department of Education is also a point of concern.

“We’re not quite sure what it looks like,” Polk said. “But we will follow the law. If that’s what we’re told to do, that’s what we will do.”

Polk said they are working through the guidance from the OSDE and plan to discuss it with OKCPS teachers on Wednesday.

“In my family, if there is a concern, we come to the kitchen table and talk about it,” she said. “Oklahoma City Public Schools is my family. I need to talk to the teachers first, then I will speak in regard to what we will be doing about the Bibles in our schools.”

News 9 will follow up with Dr. Polk on Wednesday after she has met with teachers and families to share their guidance on the Bible directive.