OASA Association Updates

Dr. Pam Deering, CCOSA/OASA Executive Director Derald Glover, OASA Assistant Executive Director

Whenever schools face challenges, leaders must step forward to lead through those challenges. It seems as if schools are facing more challenges than ever, and leadership is needed more than ever. OASA is the professional organization for leaders in our public schools and we proudly serve the school leaders who take on challenges for the sake of the 700,000 students in Oklahoma schools.

OASA membership is at an all-time high with 865 members, topping last year’s 796 members. Over 90% of our school superintendents are members as well as hundreds of central office staff. There is truly strength in numbers and this show of support sends a message to legislative leaders that school leaders in Oklahoma are united and committed to the important mission of public-school leadership.

The Women in School Leadership Conference had a record number of participants as well, topping 400 attendees. OASA once again, believes that school leaders must be strong and united. As more and more women are taking on school leadership positions, building a network of these leaders is vital.

Record funding levels are being proposed from both the House and Senate, but unfortunately, they have tethered record amounts of tax credits to the funding. OASA has stood strong behind our legislative goals in stating that we support the funding, but we cannot support diverting tax dollars to private schools. The cyclical nature of Oklahoma state revenue collections does not lead to confidence that these record state collections can be maintained. Along with the funding bills, there are still many other bills that we continue to track and provide input to legislators when possible.

The OASA weekly zoom “Touch Bases” meetings are still going strong and have proven to be the best way to network with each other. This communication network may be more important than ever this year as we battle vouchers and head toward some very important elections. Other networks that OASA facilitates are the Federal Programs consortium, Indian Education consortium, English Learner Consortium, Virtual Education Network, and the Facility and Operations Network. The power of engaging all these important groups in constant communication helps OASA spread consistent messaging to our member schools.

OASA is your professional organization, and our strength is through engaged members. We will continue to fight on behalf of public-school administrators by advocating on your behalf at the State Capitol. Through our Quality School Frameworks, our communications networks, and our advocacy, we continue to show that schools are being led by true professionals. We hope you will continue to be an active part of this amazing organization and continue to ride with the OASA brand! ■