Gov. Stitt Authorizes Employees At State Agencies To Substitute Teach

Employees at Oklahoma state agencies will be authorized to substitute teach at schools across the state, part of an executive order issued by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

The plan, announced Tuesday afternoon during a news conference, will be implemented by Oklahoma's Secretary of Education Ryan Walters. The announcement comes as many Oklahoma schools have been unable to staff classrooms adequately for in-person learning.

Oklahoma City Public Schools were hoping to get back to in-person learning Tuesday, but district leaders decided to remain virtual until Wednesday. District leaders will notify parents by sometime Tuesday evening.

In the Putnam City district, Putnam City High School and James L. Capps Middle School are remaining virtual. All other Putnam City students are back in class.

Edmond Public Schools are bringing students back Tuesday except for Heartland Middle School, first graders at Northern Hills Elementary, kindergarteners at Orvis Risner, and kindergarteners and fifth graders at Ida Freeman Elementary. The district hopes to have those students back in schools by Thursday.

Piedmont, Mustang, Mid-Del and Deer Creek are all returning to in-person learning Tuesday.

In his press conference, Stitt all Oklahomans to do what they can to help school districts in their area.

Tune in to News 9 at 4, 5, 6 and 10 p.m. for details from Augusta McDonnell on how the plan will be implemented.