OMLEA UPDATE

OMLEA membership is based on members of CCOSA’s umbrella associations who also elect to join the Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association. For 2023-2024, we presently have 472 members, an increase of 17 from the last CCOSA Executive Committee report in February 2024.

On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, principals and special education directors gathered at the CCOSA office for a day of advocacy efforts. The morning began with the weekly legislative update on bills advancing through committees that directly affect public education. Afterwards, Dr. Jeanene Barnett, CCOSA’s Education Policy & Research Analyst, and CCOSA Legislative Consultant Megan Benn introduced attendees to advocacy protocols and shared tips for conducting successful meetings with elected officials. Principals and special education directors then converged on the Capitol, where they met with various state representatives and senators to share stories and advocate for public schools in their respective communities. The day concluded with a catered luncheon at the CCOSA conference room, where participants shared insights from their legislative visits. Relationships were fostered, and our voices were heard. Thank you to all school leaders who were able to attend!

On April 12, 2024, Mustang High School hosted the annual Oklahoma Association of the National Honor Society’s State Convention. Six schools sent representatives, with 61 students and sponsors in attendance. This year’s event theme was “Hollywood: Spotlight on NHS!” Attendees were treated to a keynote address from Heady Coleman – pastor, father, friend, encourager, and community builder. Students then participated in a series of breakout sessions on topics including effective communication, service within the school, and college and scholarship guidance. The day concluded with a college fair, a leadership activity, and a service project for the Oklahoma Humane Society in which students assembled pet adoption kits from items they had collected. A special thank you to OANHS President Olivia Bennett, Mustang High School, for her tireless efforts planning and coordinating this annual event and for keeping us updated throughout the year with monthly newsletters.

Elections for the 2024-2025 OMLEA PresidentElect are in progress. This year’s nominees are Kurt Myers, Principal of Etta Dale Junior High, El Reno Public Schools, and John Potter, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources & Operations, Pryor Public Schools. We will update you soon with election results. ■