On the cusp of a brand-new school year, on one of the hottest days of the fast-dwindling summer, community members and leaders in local education gathered to discuss the unique beauty and specific challenges of the ecosystem between our eastern Oklahoma county schools and our businesses, our community at large.

Tinker Federal Credit Union hosted the happy, highly engaged group, and Not Your Average Joe fed us well and quenched everyone’s thirst. Thanks to these sponsors as well as to Boldt Construction for making this inaugural event possible.

Part of the mission of the Chamber of Commerce is to connect people, ideas, and opportunities for the enrichment of our cities and citizens, and, as we were reminded while listening to our five school district representatives, this is much the mission of the schools, too: to educate children and adults and make connections between students and industry, to enrich the job force and thereby enrich the community. It was an inspiring afternoon, and everyone left the event armed with specific ideas of how to be better engaged than before.

Moderator Meredith Dennis from the Oklahoma Department of Education came prepared with fascinating questions that gave each of our five guests room to tell us deeper stories. We learned about accomplishments ranging from expanded technical programs at Mid-Del Tech and a new student-led initiative at Rose State called “Raider Care” to Jones hiring an Assistant Principal again, all while keeping up with exponential growth and staff turnover. We learned more about the discomfort of redistricting in Choctaw, the challenges of ever-changing funding formulas for higher education, and the indisputable fact that our schools are attracting more and more people to this part of the state, whether we are ready or not.

When asked what a local business can do to be a good partner to our schools, everyone’s unique answer still pointed to one thing: Conversation. Tony Hancock from EOC Tech suggested joining advisory committees to maintain a steady stream of feedback. The schools want to know whether their students are arriving at jobs well prepared to do them. Becki Foster from Mid-Del echoed this. She said that what they are teaching their students “needs to be reflective of industry standards,” and honest feedback is crucial. They are focused on employability skills, which industry can and should help lead. David Reid from CNP said graciously that the question was well answered just by asking it. He underscored the immense value of availability. Just start conversations, offer mentorship, and participate in job fairs. It makes all the difference.

Brett Ramsey from Jones suggested that for those segments of commerce for which an on-site shadowing visit doesn’t work, business owners should be willing to visit classrooms. He also invited us all to refocus on the important work of education itself instead of indulging politicians who weaponize education for personal gain. This spicy assertion earned a great reaction from the crowd, and it mirrors a certain glow that was cast over the whole room all afternoon: During an exchange about optimism, Reid from CNP shared that all Oklahoma educators have recently enjoyed the “breath of fresh air” with Lindel Fields serving as State Superintendent. He described Fields’ infusion of “dignity and respect” for every teacher, and the crowd agreed heartily. Everyone can think of one or several teachers who made all the difference in their life, regardless of the subject being taught. And every school representative is happy that, for now, the focus is back on the teacher in the classroom. They also reminded us to vote intelligently on August 25.

Collectively, this group of leaders is passionate about starting conversations with students and parents as early as possible, too. They share in the belief that schools can “meet students where they’re at then find out where they want to go,” as Reed said, whether it’s higher education or a technical trade, or even the military. “We’ve always known the options, we just haven’t always said it,” said Ramsey. Dr. Hurst believes it can start in kindergarten, the honoring of needs and gifts and the offering of different directions. He described Rose State College as a central hub of a wheel with various spokes, various opportunities for students. Again, real conversation is the key.

Much more was shared and celebrated in two short hours. Every guest left with fresh ideas on how to support our area schools, and hopefully every school leader felt appreciated and well-fueled for the work ahead. We are so fortunate to have these talented and caring professionals leading the way in education, easily one of the most crucial aspects of a healthy society. As Tony Hancock expressed in closing, all good parents want the same for our children: To be happy and healthy, to have a chance at success, and to have a better life than we did. This is our common ground, and a thriving education system is how we achieve it.

“An investment in knowledge
pays the best interest.”
~ Benjamin Franklin