ANNUAL REPORT 2024
A MESSAGE FROM DR. GRACE LOOK TO THE FUTURE
It has been an honor to step into the role of Executive Director at OPSRC in December of 2023, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to lead such an impactful organization. Over the past year, OPSRC has continued to support the unwavering commitment of our member schools, educators, and staff to the betterment of education across Oklahoma. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, embraced innovation, and worked tirelessly to improve the educational experience for Oklahoma students.
At OPSRC, our mission remains clear: to provide the resources, training, and support schools need to excel. Since taking on this role, I’ve been especially proud of our efforts to expand professional learning opportunities, strengthen our data-driven solutions, and foster collaborative environments that promote student success. Our work this past year has only reinforced my belief in the power of collective effort, and I’m continually inspired by the dedication of everyone involved in making Oklahoma’s schools stronger.
As we look to the future, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We remain deeply committed to ensuring that every student in our state has access to high-quality education, and we will continue to innovate, adapt, and support our schools in meaningful ways. The future is bright, and I am confident that together, we will continue to drive positive change.
Thank you to each of you—our educators, school leaders, and community members—for your continued passion and partnership.
Sincerely,
Dr. April Grace Executive Director, OPSRC
MISSION STATEMENT
Oklahoma Public School Resource Center envisions a quality public education for every child in Oklahoma. Our mission is to drive transformation and increased academic achievement within Oklahoma’s public education system.
CORE SERVICES VISION
Communications | Educational Technology
Legal Services | School Finance
Teaching & Learning
FOUNDING ORGANIZATIONS
3 THREE-PRONGED APPROACH
1
Provide excellent technical services and guidance to public schools across the state with a particular emphasis on serving rural school districts and public charter schools.
2
Offer high-quality professional learning to member schools
Advocate for public policies that can help improve academic outcomes in the state.
2024
BOARD MEMBERS
ADRIAN BEVERAGE , President
OKLAHOMA BANKERS ASSOCIATION, PRESIDENT & CEO
JAY CHAPMAN, Vice President
DIGIMEDIA, PRESIDENT
LEE DENNEY, Treasurer
PAYNE COUNTY TREASURER
TRACY MCDANIEL
KIPP REACH COLLEGE PREP
SCOTT SMITH
ARKANSAS PUBLIC SCHOOL RESEARCH CENTER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TYLER TOKARCZYK
INASMUCH FOUNDATION, SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER
ANNIE VAN HANKEN
GEORGE KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION, CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER
TRAINING SERVICES
OPSRC offers services in a variety of educational platforms including online, self-paced courses, district-specific professional learning and special interest cohorts. Services can be tailored to meet each district’s specific needs, including Special Education (SPED).
An online learning management system, LearnUpon, provides on-demand, selfpaced learning for most state-mandated courses for school staff, board members, encumbrance clerks and treasurers, as well as other specialized courses of interest to educators.
TEACHING & LEARNING
85
IN-PERSON PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SESSIONS
AVERAGE PARTICIPANTS PER SESSION
TLE CERTIFICATIONS (INITIAL AND RENEWAL)
26,107
140,888 5,380
COURSES
EDUCATORS INNOVATE
The OPSRC Innovative School Cohort brings together a dynamic group of school leaders dedicated to reimagining education and transforming student outcomes. Through collaboration and creative exploration, these leaders focus on implementing forward-thinking ideas to redesign learning within their communities. The cohort’s primary goals are to build a strong community of innovation-driven leaders and to enhance participants’ ability to lead impactful changes that accelerate student achievement. By sharing insights and best practices, cohort members gain the skills needed to foster lasting improvements in their schools and inspire a culture of continuous growth and development.
DESIGN
COLLABORATION
ACCESS FOR EVERY STUDENT
OPSRC is the regional partner of Code.org, an education innovation nonprofit dedicated to the vision that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science as part of their core K-12 education. Code.org expands access to computer science in schools, with a focus on increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups. OPSRC staff coordinates all K-12 computer science curriculum training to member and non-member schools across the state.
TOTAL NUMBER OF WORKSHOPS
TEACHERS TRAINED
191
TEACHERS TRAINED
ELEMENTARY
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
TEACHING & LEADING INITIATIVE OF OKLAHOMA
IMPROVING OUTCOMES
The Teaching & Learning Initiative of Oklahoma’s (TLI) vision is for all Oklahoma students to have equitable access to highly-skilled teachers and school leaders to improve their academic experiences and outcomes
SCHOOL LEADER SUPPORT
18
LEADERS IN YEAR-LONG FELLOWSHIP
259 TOTAL ADDITIONAL LEADERS TRAINED
ACROSS 14 DISTRICTS
STUDENTS IMPACTED
Leader training impacted approximately 22,715 students
Teacher training in year-long fellowship impacted 1,780 students
7% improvement in fall-to-fall achievement percentile on MAP at Anderson Elementary, Tulsa Public Schools
INNOVATION IN EDUCATION
The Oklahoma School Innovation Summit (OSIS) is our annual gathering of educators. It highlights the amazing work happening in Oklahoma classrooms, with presentations from current and former educators who share firsthand experience, perspective and knowledge. A Student Panel as the closing session at OSIS allows Oklahoma educators hear directly from students in the classroom. OSIS provides a forum to demonstrate how theory can be successfully put into practice for better student engagement, more effective instruction and memorable experiences.
PRESENTERS
THE LEARNING LOUNGE
EDUCATE. ELEVATE. EMPOWER.
The Learning Lounge is a treasure trove of free materials designed to boost student engagement and build classroom community. This come-and-go room is a muststop destination designed for teachers at all grade levels.
FINANCE & LEGAL EMPOWERING MEMBERS
Members are eligible for in-person or remote finance and encumbrance training, individual school projections and assistance, as well as monthly finance reports, to gain insight into projected revenue and funding trends.
100 47 10 45
HOURS FOR SCHOOLS OF BUDGET CONSULTATION
FINANCIAL REPORTS PRODUCED
HOURS OF MANDATORY OCAS ENCUMBRANCE CLERK TRAINING
OPSRC members have unlimited access to legal consultation and board training from an experienced school attorney. Staff also research and track state and national legal issues, including case law, agency regulations and legislation affecting schools.
CONTRACTS AND POLICY DOCUMENTS REVIEWED 116 15 469 63
AREAS OF INQUIRY
SERVICE HOURS
PRESENTATIONS
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE HIGHLIGHTS
At OPSRC, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive consulting and professional learning services to help our members navigate the ever-evolving landscape of educational technology. Our technology experts support school districts and educators in effectively addressing technology-related challenges at both the district and classroom levels.
Through our website, we offer an extensive library of training resources on today’s most widely used classroom tools and essential EdTech topics. This platform enables educators to access on-demand, high-quality training to enhance their digital teaching skills.
OPSRC also collaborates with districts that aim to enrich learning through technology. This includes supporting schools in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool for both teaching and learning. Our team assists educators in leveraging AI for instructional innovation, empowering students to engage with technology in meaningful ways. Additionally, we guide teachers in reimagining their instructional approaches through the use of best practices in educational technology.
OPSRC works with districts to apply for technology grants, such as the USDA Distance Learning & Telemedicine (DLT) Grant.
EdTech
In 2024, seven districts received new equipment for their classrooms totaling over $1 million from the USDA DLT Grant .
117 touchpoints with 46 districts
Provided four sessions of professional learning on Artificial Intelligence to two districts reaching 150 teachers and administrators.
Provided professional learning to 30 MS & HS teachers on Google Classroom updates.
STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATIONS
The Communications Department handles all of the internal and external communications for OPSRC. It keeps districts and schools informed about professional learning opportunities, emails important news and updates to member schools, and celebrates those who work in schools and districts every day to progress student learning.
OPSRC members have access to real-time assistance with media relations and crisis communications. In-person and remote professional learning in the areas of crisis management and public relations are available for district staff at all levels.
SOCIAL MEDIA AUDIENCE ON ALL PLATFORMS
FACEBOOK - 4,600+ FOLLOWERS
INSTAGRAM - 1,300+ FOLLOWERS
DATA OF EACH PLATFORM
FB REACH - 81,200 PEOPLE
FB VISITS - 14,700 PEOPLE
INSTAGRAM REACH - 1,700 PEOPLE
INSTAGRAM VISITS - 583 PEOPLE
WEBSITE DATA 13,725 VISITORS TO OPSRC.NET
AHEAD OF THE CURVE
Educational conferences offer educators a chance to grow professionally, network with peers, and gain fresh insights. With workshops and sessions led by experts, attendees learn new strategies, tools, and trends that enhance
ASCD LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
NATIONAL INDIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (NIEA) CONFERENCE
OKLAHOMA SCHOOL INNOVATION SUMMIT (OSIS)
CSEd CON (COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION)
LEARNING FORWARD
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHARTER SCHOOL
AUTHORIZERS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (NACSACON)
WOMEN IN STEAM CONFERENCE
classroom practice. Networking fosters collaboration and support, helping educators return inspired and equipped to boost student learning. Below is a list of conferences attended by OPSRC staff for fiscal year 2024.
KAGAN WINTER ACADEMY
CCOSA SUMMER CONFERENCE
OSSBA CONFERENCE
APPETGY CEO CONFERENCE
INFINITE CAMPUS PARTNER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
NREA CONFERENCE
NWEA FUSION
KAGAN SUMMER ACADEMY
GEORGETOWN SCHOOL FINANCE
SXSW EDUCATION CONFERENCE
WATERFORD EDUCATION SUMMIT
AASA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
WISL CONFERENCE
NCSA CONFERENCE
NCAD CONVENING OXFORD
NATIONAL PARENTS UNION (NPU) CONVENING
CCOSA WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
EDUNOMICS LAB’S WILD RIDE AHEAD WORKSHOP @ GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
BUDGET BOOST
We know saving money is a major concern for Oklahoma schools. That is why we strive to form partnerships with companies that bring value to our members. We vet our partners to source the highest quality products and services at an affordable rate. And because your school’s needs can change, we are continuously researching new products. OPSRC also offers a Superintendent Search process and helps districts find the ideal candidate to move their district forward.
PARTNERS
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
HARDING FINE ARTS ACADEMY
Superintendent selection is a service OPSRC offers, providing guidance and support from initial consultation to announcing staff selection and all the steps in between. OPSRC provides
ancillary services to school boards so they can have all the needed information and oversee key decisions as they work through the hiring process.
CATALYST EDUCATION FUND
$757,907
Catalyst Education Fund (CEF) is an approved Oklahoma income tax credit granting program EIGO under the Oklahoma income tax credit program. Donors receive the same Oklahoma income tax credit as when donating directly to a school.
DOLLARS GIVEN TO SCHOOLS DONATIONS RECEIVED
10 19
SCHOOLS GIVEN GRANTS DOLLARS IN DONATIONS GIVEN SINCE 2016 $2,713,238
The Rural U.S. Distance Learning & Telemedicine (RUS DLT) grant is funded through the USDA Rural Development & U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide telecommunication technology to rural school districts. Our Technology staff works with member schools in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. Funding helps provide: audio, visual, interactive video equipment, broadband facilities used for distance learning, computer hardware, network components, software and/or instructional programming.
CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING
The Charter School Program (CSP) grant, authorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and administered by the U.S. Department of Education, supports the launch, expansion, and replication of charter schools across the country. These grants provide essential funding for start-up expenses that charter schools often cannot cover due to limited local funding sources. The CSP grant also funds technical assistance for both schools and charter authorizers.
In a groundbreaking achievement, OPSRC became the first nonprofit in the nation to be awarded this grant directly from the U.S. Department of Education in 2017. This partnership was further strengthened in 2023, when OPSRC received a second CSP grant totaling $55 million to be disbursed over the next five years.
HOW DID OPSRC USE THE FUNDING?
OPSRC provides technical assistance to charter schools within the state through several avenues:
OPSRC supports in Finance, Legal, Communications, Teaching and Learning, and Technology
Technical assistance from the School Design Center specifically on planning and applying.
Community Needs Assessments for schools that are writing applications for opening, expanding, or replicating
Strategic Expansion Plans for schools that are planning to expand or replicate in the near future.
In addition, OPSRC provides technical support to Oklahoma charter school Authorizers through a quarterly Authorizer meeting and additional support from the National Network for District Authorizing, the National Charter School Institute, and the National Association of Charter School Authorizers.
OPSRC uses a competitive application process that includes a narrative, a sustainable budget plan, timelines for meeting realistic and attainable goals for the grant. Eligible grants are then scored by peer reviewers and grants are allocated based upon those reviews.
SCHOOL DESIGN CENTER
DESIGNING SCHOOLS
The School Design Center (SDC) focuses on fostering and creating new innovative schools statewide with an emphasis on opening new charter schools. Staff collaborates with a cohort of fellows in the process of conceptualizing and opening new charter schools.
MISSION OF SDC
SDC envisions a quality school for every child in Oklahoma. Our mission is to drive transformation and innovation within Oklahoma’s public education system through the development of high quality school choice options for every student.
COHORT
Applicants/interviews for Cohort 2: 17 applicants, 9 interviewed, 4 chosen
Fellows in Cohort 2: 4 fellows, 2 were approved to open schools in 2025
Participants of Cohort 1: 12 participants, 2 were approved to open schools (1 in 2024, 1 in 2025)
CONNECTING THE DOTS
Using data to drive student achievement is essential in today’s educational landscape. By collecting and analyzing data on student performance, attendance, and engagement, schools can identify strengths, uncover learning gaps, and make informed decisions to tailor instruction. Data enables educators to set specific goals, track progress, and implement targeted interventions that meet individual student needs. This evidence-based approach not only helps optimize resources but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that all students have the support they need to reach their full potential. The OPSRC data portal is intended to facilitate constructive conversations about public education in Oklahoma and includes data visualizations on many topics.
VISUALIZATIONS CREATED
Oklahoma Charter School
Enrollment 23-24 - 1,465 views
Oklahoma Public Schools
Enrollment 23-24 - 88 views
Comparison of Public School Per Pupil Expenditures - 468 views
College & Career Readiness455 views
Comparison of Education Finance
Data Sources - 356 views
OPSRC STRATEGIC PLAN 2024-2027
PROGRAM: Assess member needs, evaluate current offerings, and develop a tailored portfolio of products and services to meet evolving demands in the public education sector.
SUSTAINABILITY: Define long-term sustainability, expand membership, and implement a pricing strategy that balances organizational cost with member value.
TEAM: Realign organizational structure to support the strategic plan and enhance internal collaboration and culture.
WHAT WE DO
Oklahoma Public School Resource Center is a statewide nonprofit that envisions a quality public education for every child in Oklahoma. Our mission is to drive transformation and increase academic achievement within Oklahoma’s public education system. OPSRC serves all public schools, with a particular emphasis on serving rural school districts and public charter schools. Our three-pronged approach is:
PROVIDING EXCELLENT TECHNICAL SERVICES AND GUIDANCE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE.
OFFERING HIGH-QUALITY PROFESSIONAL LEARNING TO MEMBER SCHOOLS.
ADVOCATING FOR PUBLIC POLICIES THAT CAN HELP IMPROVE ACADEMIC OUTCOMES IN THE STATE.
MEET THE OPSRC TEAM
