By Barbara Hoberock | Senior reporter
“Much of the fear mongering about (SQ) 844 hurting schools and the fear of what the Legislature would potentially do if this state question passed, the Legislature has already had the authority to do.” - Kyle Hilbert of State Question 844
James Taylor, left, and Robert Franklin, right, are seeking the Republican nomination for state superintendent in an Aug. 25 runoff election. (Provided photos)
By Nuria Martinez-Keel
The Republican nomination for Oklahoma state superintendent will go to one of two longtime educators — either an experienced school administrator who decries political partisanship or a high school teacher and Christian minister who says his insight from the classroom could benefit schools statewide.
Robert Franklin and James Taylor advanced to the Aug. 25 runoff election as the top two vote earners from a crowded GOP primary. The winner will face Democrat Jennettie Marshall in the Nov. 3 General Election.
State superintendent, considered Oklahoma’s chief of public schools, leads the state Department of Education and the state Board of Education.
Daniel Chen, counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, speaks to news reporters after a hearing Wednesday in Oklahoma City federal court on Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School, which he represents. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)
By Nuria Martinez-Keel
A second attempt to open the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school landed in an Oklahoma courtroom on Wednesday in what could be another step toward returning the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Voters mark their ballots in the Oklahoma County Election Board on June 11 in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Courtney Bell/Oklahoma Voice)
By Nuria Martinez-Keel
A nonpartisan state question appearing on Aug. 25 runoff ballots, which has vocal support from the state Capitol, has raised concerns that it could come at a cost to public schools.
ICYMI
Oklahoma’s annual sales tax holiday looms | Barbara Hoberock
Thanks for reading The Weekend Word. Did you know our daily morning newsletter is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.