THE OKLAHOMA SENATE RETURNS TO THE CAPITAL TO OVERRIDE TWO MORE VET OS.

THOSE WHO PURPORT WE ARE REMOVING THE GOVERNOR'S AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE, HAVE A MISUNDERSTANDING OF WHAT THIS ACTUALLY DOES.

>> A LONG TIME GOAL TO CREATE A FLOURISHING SPANISH DISTRICT IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

>> IT IS A SENSE OF COMMUNITY HERE.

I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE MORE SPOTS WHERE COMMUNITIES CAN GATHER.

>> JULY IS MINOR IRT MENTAL HEALTH MONTH.

>> IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET THE WORD OUT THERE.

WE TALK ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT MENTAL HEALTH IS.

>> AND AMBITIOUS DEMAND FOR ASHES FORDABLE HOUSING IN OKLAHOMA.

>> TSA IS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO CREATE MORE COMMUNITIES.

>> HELP WANTED AND LOTS OF IT AS KIDS GET READY TO RETURN TO SCHOOL IN A FEW SHORT WEEKS.

>> SPECIAL ED IS A LOT OF NEEDS AS WELL.

WE HAVE A LOT OF THE SUPPORT OPEN FOR TEACHER AIDS.

>> AND THOSE AND MORE NEXT ON THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

>> HELLO, EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

TO SAY HE WAS TRYING TO PROTECT EASTERN OKLAHOMA FROM TURNING INTO A RESERVATION.

GOVERNOR STITT CRITICIZED THE VOTE TO OVERRIDE THE VET OS.

MORE REACTION TO THE VET OS AND WE GO TO CAPITAL CORSPENDENT JASON DOYLE.

>> RICH, GOVERNOR STITT'S CONCERN IS THAT THE VET O OVERRIDE WILL EMBOLDEN TRIBES IN THE WAKE OF THE SUPREME COURT'S DECISION.

THE OKLAHOMA ATTORNEY GENERAL IS TAKING ACTION CONCERNING A LAWSUIT OVER GAME CONTRACTS.

>> RECOGNIZE THE PRO TEM FOR A MOTION.

>> THE OPENING MOTION IS HOW THE SENATE'S OVERRIDE GOT UNDERWAY THIS WEEK.

THAT LAW MAKES WAY FOR A EXTENSION OF THE TRIBAL CONTRACTS THAT EXPIRES THIS YEAR.

THE REASON FOR THE EXTENSION TO GIVE THE GOVERNOR MORE TIME TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE TRIBES AND NOT TAKE THE POWER AWAY.

>> THOSE WHO PURPORT THAT THE MOVE IS TO TAKE THE GOVERNOR'S ACTION AWAY MISUNDERSTAND.

THIS EXTENDS HIS ABILITY TO NEGOTIATE TO THE END OF DECEMBER.

>> BUT HE ADDS THERE IS A TIME LIMIT.

>> IF THIS BODY FINDS THAT THE GOVERNOR IS NOT NEGOTIATING IN GOOD FAITH, I RESERVE THE RIGHT AS LEADER OF THE BODY AND YOU ALL CAN CHANGE THE LAW IF WE SO DESIRE AND HAVE THE SUPPORT TO DO SO NEXT YEAR.

>> GOVERNOR STITT ASKED SENATORS NOT TO OVERRIDE THE VET O BECAUSE HE OFFERED A REPLACEMENT CONTRACT FOR THE TRIBES.

HE FEARS BY OVERRIDING THE VET O, THE LEGISLATURE IS CEDING POWER TO THE TRIBE.

>> THE LEADER OF THE LAW WHICH IS WHAT WE ADHERED TO IN THE DECISION WHEN WE VALIDATE THESE THINGS, TAKES US DOWN THE PATH I DON'T BELIEVE WE NEED TO GO DOWN.

IT IS A STEP IN THE WRONG DECISION.

>> SENATOR ABRAHAM BELIEVES THAT THEY ARE LOOKING TO DISORGANIZATION IN OKLAHOMA.

>> IF WE VOTE TO OVERROADWAY THE GOVERNOR'S VET O, WE ARE GOING IN THE STEPS IN THE DIRECTION THAT LED BOSNIA TO RUIN.

>> THE SENATE DID NARROWLY HAD ENOUGH VOTES.

>> 34 AYE VOTE AND SEVEN NAY VOTES.

SENATE BILL 26 TO BE LAW.

>> HOUSE BILL EXTENSION WAS OVERRYDEN BY THE SAME MARGIN IN THE SENATE ON MONDAY.

GOVERNOR STITT ISSUED A STATEMENT.

DESPITE THE CONCERN, THE SENATE CHOSE TO DISREGARD IN FAVOR OF THE LANGUAGE THAT THE TRIBES WANTED.

I AM TRYING TO PROTECT EASTERN OKLAHOMA FROM TURNING INTO A RESERVATION AND WORKING TO MAKE SURE THERE IS THE BEST DEAL FOR THE OKLAHOMANS.

THE SENATE USED ILLEGITIMATE PROCESS TO AGREE.

>> THE CRIMINAL JURISDICTION HAS BEEN CHANGED IN TRIBAL REDSIVATION.

HE FEARS THAT THEY ARE EXPANDING THEIR POUR IN EASTERN OKLAHOMA.

AT LEAST ONE TRIBE IS NOT LOOKING TO EXPAND ITS POWER LIKE THAT.

>> THE CONCERN BY EXTENDING THE COMPACT, SUDDENLY, YOU WILL SEE AS A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR HELD POSITIVE THAT THE TRIBES WILL OPEN UP SMOKE SHOPS ON THE STREET CORNERS HASN'T HAPPENED.

THAT IS NOT A REASONABLE THING TO WORRY ABOUT WITH ONLY ONE YEAR LEFT ON THE CLOCK.

THE CHICKASHA SAID THEY WILL NOT EXPAND IT BECAUSE OF THE CURRENT COMPACT.

>> TRIBAL LAW PROVIDES THAT TOBACCO RETAIL IS ON THE TRUST LAND.

THE CHICKASHA IS WILLING TO WORK WITH STITT.

>> CHICKASHA NATION COMMUNICATED LONG AGO TO THE GOVERNOR THAT WE WILL WORK WITH HIM ON AN AGREEMENT THAT DEALS WITH THE TRUST LAND VERSUS RESERVATION LAND ISSUES.

WE NEED TO SIT DOWN AND WORK IT OUT.

THESE ISSUES WERE NOT NEGOTIATED IN A VACUUM.

IT IS FIVE YEARS OF DIFFICULT RELATIONS.

>> THE TRIBE AND GOVERNOR APPEAR TO BE HEADING BACK TO THE NEGOTIATIONS, IT IS ATTORNEY GENERAL DROUMOND THAT WANTS TO TAKE OVER THE REPRESENTATION OVER THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

THE HOUSE MCCALL FILED A LEGAL CHALLENGE AND INCLUDING A PROVISION OF SPORTS BEDDING.

>> AND THAT IS TWO VERY CLEARLY ESTABLISHED THE ROLE.

THE GOVERNOR VIOLATED THE LAW.

HE IS SEEKING TO HAVE THE BUREAUCRACY OVER RULED AND SAYING THAT HE CAN DO THINGS THAT THE STATE LAW AND CONSTITUTION SAYS HE CAN'T.

>> DESPITE THE RULING, STITT SUBMITTED THEM TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR WITH APPROVAL.

SOME TRIBES FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE FEDERAL AGENCY AND GOVERNOR TO PREVENT IT FROM GOING INTO PLACE.

DRUMMOND FILED IN COURT SAYING THE GOVERNOR CAN MAKE HIS OWN DECISIONS ON HOW TO ENTERACT THE TRIBES, BUT NOT FREE TO VIOLATE OKLAHOMA LAW.

I AM UPHOLDING THE LAW AND DEFEND OUR CONSTITUTION.

AFTER THIS WEEK, ALL EYES RETURN TO THE OKLAHOMA HOUSE.

>> WE NEED THE HOUSE TO FINISH THE WORK AND GIVE US TIME TO DO THE REAL WORK.

>> THE HOUSE IS EXPECTED TO TAKE UP UP THE VET O OVERRIDE ON MONDAY, JULY 31ST.

THE DAY LAWMAKER SET FOR THE FINAL DAY OF THE SPECIAL SESSION.

RICH?

>> JASON THANK YOU.

CITING A POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION RESIGNED.

SHE INTENDS TO RETURN TO TEACHING IN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY.

SHE REPLACED RYAN WALTERS IN THE GOVERNOR'S CABINET.

WORK IS UNDERWAY TO EXAMINE THE COURT SYSTEM TO IMPROVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN OUR STATE.

GOVERNOR STITT AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF THE COURT CREATED A MODERN JUSTICE TASK FORCE TO FIND WAYS TO REDUCE CRIME AND INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE LEAVING PRISON OR JACHLT THEY BELIEVE THAT THE TASK FORCE SHOULD FOCUS ON WHO IS SENT TO PRISON AND THE LENGTH OF THE SENTENCE.

>> WE ARE INCARCERATING EVERYONE FROM A SMALL CRIME TO YOU KNOW, THE HIGHEST CRIME, AND WITHOUT TREATMENT AND EDUCATION, THIS IS NOT WORKING FOR INCARCERATING FOR LONG SENTENCES.

WE HAVE 3 TO 5 YEARS AGO, OUR SENTENCES ARE 70 TO 79% LONGER IN OKLAHOMA THAN IN ANY OTHER SURROUNDING STATES AND SIMILAR STATES.

>> THE MODERN JUSTICE TASK FORCES EXPECTED TO ISSUE A REPORT ON THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, KIDS RETURN TO CLASS IN OKLAHOMA DISTRICTS IN TWO WEEKS.

THERE ARE STAFFING SHORTAGES EVERYWHERE.

ALSO COUNSELLOR AND BUS DRIVER AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL, TOO THAT IS THE TOPIC OF THE CONVERSATION WITH MODERATOR REESE WETZEL COMING UP LATER IN THE NEWSCAST.

>> WE HAD BUS DRIVERS THAT DIDN'T HAVE SIX OR MORE HOURS A DAY.

WE INCREASED THE HOURS SO THEY COULD GET HEALTH SHRPS AND THE FINAL THING IS THAT WE ARE WORKING HARD ON CULTURE AND VYING TO MAKE PEIDMONT A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO WORK AND BE.

>> THE ONES WITH THE MOST ATTENTION ARE TEACHERS AND COUNSELLOR AND BUS DRIVERS.

I DON'T THINK THERE IS A JOB CLASSICTION IN EDUCATION OR OKLAHOMA WHERE YOU HAVE A SUPER DEEP TALENT POOL RIGHT NOW.

>> THE AMERICAN SCHOOL COUNSELLOR ORGANIZATION THAT SUPPORTS COUNSELLORS.

THEY RECOMMEND A RATIO OF 250 TO 1.

AS OF THE END OF 2022, THE RATIO IN OKLAHOMA WAS 398 TO 1.

WHICH YOU KNOW, THAT MEANS THAT WE NEED 1000 PLUS COUNSELLORS IN THE STATE.

THE REST OF THAT CONVERSATION COMING UP IN A FEW MINUTES.

NOW, THERE IS ALSO A CONCERNING SHORTAGE OF REMARKS FORDABLE HOUSING FOR LOWER INCOME OKLAHOMANS.

THERE IS AN AMBITIOUS PLAN TO ADDRESS THAT IN TULSA AND ELSEWHERE.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES INCLUDING A SPLASH PAD AND SWIMMING POOL AND BASKETBALL COURTS ARE THE NEW LANDSCAPE AT A SPOT IN TULSA THAT NOT TOO MANY YEARS AGO WAS A REFER VIEW PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT.

>> THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED OUT HERE WERE A LITTLE ROUGHER, AND SO, NOW IT HAS QUIETENED DOWN A LOT.

>> IN 2017, THE TULSA HOUSING AUTHORITY SECURED A 30 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT OR HUD.

TULSA HOUSING AUTHORITY CHAIRMAN KICK NEIL SAID THE CITY HAD TO DO SOMETHING TO ADDRESS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SHORTAGE THAT PLAGUED TULSA, NEIL SAID, REALLY SINCE THE 1960'S.

THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF INERTIA AS FAR AS HOW YOU ARE DEALING WITH THE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING ISSUE.

THE OLD MODEL, YOU BUILD LIKE AN APARTMENT COMPLEX IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NO WHERE AND PUT FOLKS WHO NEEDED HOUSING IN THEM.

THAT WAS IT.

>> THE CITY BROUGHT IN URBAN PLANNER AARON DARDEN WHO CAME UP WITH THE LARGEST AFFORDABLE HOUSING EFFORT IN TULSA'S HISTORY.

IT IS NOW KNOWN AS RIVER WEST.

SNSHG THE HOUSING IS A HUGE COMPONENT AND THAT IS GREAT TO REBUILD BACK ESPECIALLY AT THIS QUALITY, BUT THE PEOPLE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD ITSELF, ALSO IS TOUCHED, WHICH MAKES FOR A COMPLETE OVERHAUL OF AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

>> HE LEVERAGED THE 30 MILLION IN 150 MILLION FOR MORE INVESTMENT IN THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS.

THEY TOLD DOWN THE 400 UNIT RIVER VIEW HOUSING PROJECT IN 2018 AND REPLACING IT WITH SOMETHING OUT OF THE BOX.

>> IT IS A MIXED INCOME COMMUNITY WHERE THA MOVED TO LOOK FOR WAYS TO CREATE MORE EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES.

A MONTH AGO, WORK BEGAN IN THE SIXTH AND FINAL PHASE OF THE NEW RIVER WEST DEVELOPMENT.

>> PHASE SIX IS THE LARGEST PHASE YET ADDING 80 UNITS AND BRINGING THE REFER WEST TOTAL TO 445 APARTMENT HOMES.

DARDEN SAID THE APARTMENTS HERE, RIVAL HIGHER END APARTMENT COMPLEXES IN THE CITY WHEN IT COMES TO APPLIANCES AND SQUARE FOOTAGE AND RENT FOR ONE BEDROOMS, STARTS AT $1,200 A MONTH.

HOWEVER, IF DON'T MAKE MUCH MONEY YOU CAN LIVE HERE.

A PERCENTAGE OF THE UNITS ARE SUBSIDIZED.

THERE IS A PERCENTAGE THAT ARE PARTIALLY SUBSIDIZED AND OTHERS PAY FULL PRICE OR MARKET RATE.

>> THE MARKET RATE UNITS WENT FIRST.

>> AND THEY WANT TO LIVE HERE?

>> THEY DO.

WE WERE NERVOUS BECAUSE THERE REALLY HASN'T BEEN A MIXED INCOME COMMUNITY IN TULSA.

>> THAT IS ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT.

>> YOU KNOW, IT IS THE IDEA OF YOU KNOW, NOT A HAND OUT, BUT A HAND UP, YOU KNOW.

YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DO IT YOURSELF IN THE END.

JAMIE COLITE IS A SURVIVOR OF THE DEMOSTIC VIOLENCE.

SHE IS SINGLE MOTHER OF THREE AND WORKS PART-TIME AND AT RIVER BEST, SHE FEELS THEY HAVE A CHANCE.

>> SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE IN THE SITUATIONS NOT BECAUSE OF NECESSARILY BAD CHOICES BUT OTHERS CHOICES FROM OTHER PEOPLE THAT NEGTIFLT AFFECTED THEM.

WE WANT TO MOVE FORWARD IN A POSITIVE WAY BUT DON'T KNOW HOW.

>> RILEY IS HER SON.

>> YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE YOU ARE POOR, BECAUSE IT IS NICE APPLIANCES AND HAVE LIKE A POOL AND BASKETBALL COURT AND LIKE A SPLASH PAD OVER THERE.

JUST LIKE, IT LOOKS NICE AND ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.

IT IS JUST YOU KNOW, YOU DON'T FEEL POOR LIVING THERE.

>> MONICA GWEN LIVED IN THE OLD RIVER VIEW PROJECT AND MOVED BACK IN TO RIVER WEST THREE WEEKS AGO.

>> THERE WAS TALK ABOUT A GROCERY STORE AND RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE TO GET JOBS AND FINDING JOBS AND JUST A LOT OF DIFFERENT STUFF TO HELP A LOT OF PEOPLE WE DIDN'T HAVE BEFORE.

>> THE OKLAHOMA FINANCE AGENCY IN OKLAHOMA CITY HELPED TULSA AND RIVER WEST STAY ON TRACK.

LAST YEARS STATE LEGISLATOR GAVE THEM $215 MILLION TO START A NEW HOUSING STABILITY PROGRAM.

THEY SAY IT WILL INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF RENTAL AND FOR SALE HOUSING AVAILABLE.

ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS AROUND THE STATE.

>> AS PART OF THE OKLAHOMA HOUSING STABILITY PROGRAM, WE WANT TO REALLY MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE USING THE DOLLARS WISELY.

AND WE WANT THE INPUT FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

WE HAD THREE SESSIONS.

OKLAHOMA CITY AND TULSA AND ON ZOOM.

IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST, FOUR MORE ARE SCHEDULED.

ONE IN LAWTON AND TAHLEQUAH AND WOODWORD.

STEVE SHAW, OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

>> STEVE, THANK YOU.

IT IS A LONG- TIME GOAL TO BUILD A HISPANIC COMMUNITY IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

NOW THERE IS A COALEGISLATION OF PEOPLE DETERMINED TO SEE IT THROUGH.

JOEL?

>> RICH, ACCORDING TO THE 2020 U.S. CENSUS, THE NUMBER OF LATINO AND HISPANIC BUSINESSES IN OKLAHOMA IS UP FROM 10 TO 20000.

ORGANIZATIONS IN AND OUTSIDE OF THE COMMUNITY ARE MAKING EFFORTS TO FURTHER THAT GROWTH.

[SPEAKING SPANISH] >> LATINA BUSINESS OWNER LOVED THE LOCATION OF THE CHILDREN'S BOUTIQUE STREET NEAR THE WOODSON PARK NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT.

[SPEAKING SPANISH] >> A LONG TIME AGO, I LOOKED FOR FORMAL ATTIRES FOR BABIES THAT ARE MY GOD CHILDREN.

IT WAS DIFFICULT TO FIND SOMETHING.

THE FEW PLACES HAD VERY LITTLE VARIETY AND THE PRICES WERE HIGH AND I DECIDED TO DO IT.

>> SHE MIGRATED 24 YEARS AGO FROM MEXICO.

SHE SAID IT WAS DIFFICULT TO FIND AN AFFORDABLE BOUTIQUE SHOP.

[SPEAKING SPANISH] I COME FROM A FAMILY THAT'S ALWAYS BEEN IN BUSINESS.

I LIKE IT VERY MUCH AND ALWAYS LIKED CHILDREN A LOT.

IMPORTANT FOR THE CHILDREN TO HAVE SOMETHING NICE FOR THE SPECIAL DAY.

BAPTISM AND COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATIONS AND WEDDINGS.

[SPEAKING SPANISH] ALVAVEZ STARTED IN A FLEA MARKET EIGHT YEARS AGO AND NOW THE BOUTIQUE SHOP DRAWS IN CUSTOMERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

>> I HAVE CLIENTS FROM ST.

LOSE, MISSOURI, COLORADO, TULSA AND VARIOUS PLACES.

SO IT IS SOMETHING THAT PROGRESSED LITTLE BY LITTLE.

[SPEAKING SPANISH] >> HISTORIC CAPITOL HILL AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GLOREZ TORRES SAID SOME STRUGGLE TO GROW BECAUSE OF LANGUAGE BARRIER AND DIFFICULT TO GETTING CAPITAL.

>> WITH THE LANGUAGE BARRIER AND LACK OF RESOURCE AND SUPPORT, YOU COMPOUND THE LACK OF TRUST.

AND SO IT IS ONE BIG UGLY CYCLE THAT CONTINUES TO CAUSE CHALLENGES FOR OUR SMALL BUSINESSES.

25TH INTERSECTION.

>> HISTORIC CAPITOL HILL IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION LOCATED IN OKLAHOMA CITY FOCUSING ON THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE LATINO COMMUNITY.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MORE THOUGHTS WHERE COMMUNITIES GATHER.

>> A SPACIOUS NEW PLAZAN IS GEPPED AND BUSINESS OWNERS AND LATINO MEMBERS ARE EAGER TO SEE THE PROJECT BREAK GROUND.

>> ANYONE WHO VISITS LATIN AMERICA ENJOYS THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY WHEN YOU GO IN TO A PHASSA.

THAT'S WHAT THEY WANT TO SEE IMPLEMENTED.

>> TORRES SAID RAISING THE FUNDS AND PLANNING THE PLAZA IS A TEN YEAR PROJECT.

>> IT WAS EARLY ATTEMPTS AT FUND-RAISING TO YOU KNOW, IDENTIFY FUNDING TO BUILD A COMMUNITY.

>> AND THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY CONTRIBUTED 2 MILLION TO CREATE THE PLAZA.

>> IT IS SIDEWALK AND WE PLANTED TREES AND STREET PROJECTS AT 20th AND WALKER.

>> THEY MANAGE THE OKLAHOMA CITY STRONG NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVE.

>> THEY WANT TO REPAIR THE CRUMBLING HOMES AND BUILDINGS.

>> THAT IS OKLAHOMA CITY'S NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM.

THEY HANDLE THE ZONING AND NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGNS.

>> AND THOSE EFFORTS ARE HELPING TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUES IN THE AREA.

>> AND THERE IS PROJECTS ALONG THE SOUTHWEST 29TH.

THERE IS A LOT OF INVESTMENT AND WE HAD A NEW LIBRARY AND OUR GOAL IS THAT PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE DON'T STAY THERE AND BE ABLE TO SEE THE PROPERTIES APPRECIATE AND SEE THE BUSINESS PAY OFF FOR THEM AND BRING MORE PEOPLE DOWN TO THE DISTRICT TO FULFILL THE BUSINESS NEEDS AND INCREASE THE INCOME AND SALES TAX IN THE AREA AND IMPROVE THE AREA OVERALL.

>> SONYA ALVAREZ WOULD LIKE TO SEE INCREASE IN SECURITY.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS WE NEED IS SECURITY.

THAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE BUSINESSES BECAUSE LIKE ME, MOST OF THE TIME I AM HERE ALONE OR DAUGHTERS ARE HERE ALONE.

>> AND SO DOWNTOWN, YOU KNOW.

YOU HAVE THE CHURCH.

>> THE INITIATIVE COVERS OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

>> WE PARTNER WITH THE AGENCIES TO DO THAT AND NEED MORE SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING NUMBER ONE.

NEXT THING IS IN TERMS OF THE SERVICES.

THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE SERVICES OF BUSINESSES THRIVING.

>> SOUTHWEST 29TH DISTRICT ORGANIZATION IS ANOTHER AGENCY THAT PARTNERS WITH THE OKLAHOMA CITY.

THAT IS A LITTLE BIRTH OF EVERYTHING.

THEY PROMOTE 200 OR 300 DIFFERENT BUSINESSES.

>> AND ONE OF THE THINGS THEY ARE KNOWN AS THE EH L ANYONE O FESTIVAL AND WE TRY TO HAVE THAT TO PROMOTE FOOT TRAFFIC AND TOURISM AND HAVE THEM SPEND THE TAX DOLLARS HERE TO HELP OUT SMALL BUSINESSES.

>> THE FIESTA BRING IN PEOPLE TO SOUTH OKLAHOMA REGION.

PART OF THE FIESTA EXPERIENCE ENCLUDES THE PARTICIPANTS TAKING PART IN THE COMMUNITY- WIDE PARADE.

>> IT IS A FESTIVAL AND THE REAL PURPOSE IS TO EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY THAT PUTS ON THE FESTIVAL.

GLORIA TORRES SAID IT OPENS THE DORFOR MANY LATINO BUSINESSES IN SOUTH OKLAHOMA CITY.

>> WHEN YOU SHOW OFF THE BEAUTY OF YOUR CULTURE AND THEY SAY THAT'S AMAZING AND BOWL, THAT IS THE MOST EMPOWERING FEELING THAT AN INDIVIDUAL CAN HAVE.

>> IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP INVESTING.

>> IT IS PIVOTAL AND ENCOURAGE BUSINESS OWNERS TO BE AFFLUENT AND MAKING SURE THAT THEY ARE DOING THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY TO NOT ONLY SURVIVE IN THE ECONOMY BUT THRIVE.

>> IN THE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH.

THEY PLAN TO HOLD THE FIESTA ON SEPT. 30TH.

>> THANK YOU, GREAT JOB.

>> IT IS TIME TO BUILD'S NEW ARENA TO MAKE SURE THE NBA FRANCHISE IS KEPT FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

MAYOR SAID IN THE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS THAT THE MINOR ITY MENTAL HEALTH MONTH.

>> WE SHOW HOW IMPORTANT THE MENTAL HEALTH IS.

>> LACK OF ACCESS AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES PLAY A ROLE IN WHY PEOPLE OF COLOR DON'T RECEIVE MENTAL HEALTH.

>> IT IS A CULTURAL THING.

SOMETIMES ADMITTING YOU NEED HELP IS A SIGN OF WEAKNESS.

WE GROW UP HEARING THOSE NARRATIVES.

I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> THE SOCIAL WORKER SAID DISTRUST IS A PROBLEM IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> ANOTHER ISSUE, THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF DISTRUST FROM THE BLACK COMMUNITY.

THEY DON'T TRUST THE POLICE AND TEACHER IN SCHOOL.

THEY DON'T TRUST THE PERSON IN THE CORNER STORE.

THEY DON'T WANT THE NEIGHBOR IN THEIR BUSINESS.

>> MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OKLAHOMA OFFERS MULTIPLE SURSERVICES.

THEY ARE TRAINED TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE COMMUNITY'S NEEDS.

>> WE ARE INCLUSIVE AND THAT IS A BIG ISSUE.

I THINK WE NEED TO BE NOT JUST REFLECTIVE OF THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE BUT CULTURALLY SENSITIVE OF THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE.

WITH YOUR ORGANIZATIONS THERE IS TRAINING WITH CULTURAL SENSITIVITY AND THEY PUSH THAT AND TRYING TO BE EDUCATED WITH THE DIFFERENT CULTURES THAT WE SERVE.

>> IT IS SOMETHING THAT ROMAN PRESLEY SAID MAY HAVE SHARED HER SON'S LIFE.

>> IT IS GOOD TO HAVE MORE TRAINING ON MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

NOW THEY HAVE THE TEAM TO COME OUT AND HELP THEM WHEN THEY HAVE THE BREAK DOWN AND MAKE IT MORAC ACCESSIBLE.

>> AND ON AUGUST 24TH, 2018, JOSHUA HARVEY SUFFERED FROM A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN DOWNTOWN TULSA.

>> MY SON WAS OUTGOING AND LOVEABLE PERSON.

HE RAN IN DIFFERENT LIFE CHANGE AND HE HAD MENTAL ISSUES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

HE HAD A MENTAL BREAK DOWN AND KILLED IN TULSA.

>> HE WAS TAKEN 20 TIMES.

>> THEY CHASED HIM 20 TIMES WHICH AUTOMATICALLY JUST SHUT HIM DOWN.

BUT AT THE TIME, THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE MENTAL STATUS HE WAS IN.

DIDN'T GET HIM APPROPRIATE HELP.

>> HARVEY DIED THREE DAYS LATER.

THIS LED TO A JOSHUA HARVEY FOUNDATION.

>> I FELT I NEEDED TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE I KNOW MANY MORE PEOPLE WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

THEY TRY TO MEDICATE WITH DRUGS AND NOT GET THE RIGHT HELP AND IT CAUSED OTHER PROBLEMS.

>> AND THE FOUNDATION HELPS TO CONNECT THE MINOR ITY COMMUNITIES WITH MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES.

>> OUR PURPOSE IS TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THE SPACE IN THE COMMUNITY AND GETTING OUT, WE GO OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND WE GIVE THEM INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT IS AVAILABLE AND GO WITH TULSA AND WAGONER AND ALL AROUND.

>> AND THEY SHOULD CONSIDER INVESTING MORE IN SERVICES.

>> THEY HAVE MEDICAID PROGRAM OR MENTAL HEALTH AND INCRUISING MORE FOR THE PRISON THAN THE MENTAL HEALTH.

WE NEED THAT IN SCHOOLS.

MY DAUGHTER IS RECENTLY JOINED A NONPROFIT AND THEY ARE FIGHTING TO BE IN COUNSELING.

IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

WE GO BACK AND LOOK THERE WAS A FIGHT EVERY DAY AND THAT STRESSES CHILDREN OUT AND INCREASES ANXIETY.

>> MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES SHOULD BE IN SCHOOLS AND JOBS.

BECAUSE SHE SAID EVERYONE NEEDS HELP AT SOME POINT.

>> PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING ON THE NEWS FOCUS.

ALL OF THE ROBBING AND KILLING AND SHOOTING AND EVEN THE OFFICERS SUFFER FROM MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

HOW MANY STORIES OF A OFFICER HURTING SOMEONE IN THE FRAY AND THEY HAVE ANXIETY.

>> SHE WANTS THEM TO KNOW IT IS OKAY TO SPEAK UP IF SOMEONE NEEDS HELP.

>> IF YOU SUFFER IN SILENCE NO ONE KNOWS AND THEY CAN'T HELP YOU.

FIND SOMEONE THAT YOU FEEL SAFE TALKING TO AND REACH OUT TO THAT PERSON AND SAY I NEED HELP.

>> DON'T BE AFRAID TO HAVE A CONVERSATION AND SPEAK UP AND SPEAK OUT AND LET THEM KNOW, HEY, IT SEEPS LIKE YOU ARE SUFFERING AND GIVE THEM A NONJUDGMENTAL EAR AND JUST LISTEN.

>> IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, CONTACT A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FOR HELP.

RICH?

>> THAT WAS A GREAT STORY.

THANK YOU.

THE OKLAHOMA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPPED LAST MONTH.

WITH DETAILS WE TURN TO JASON DOYLE AND THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>> IT IS A UN.

JUDGMENTED TO SEP%.

52, 060 REPORTED TO BEING OUT OF WORK.

OKLAHOMA DROPPED.

GOVERNMENT JOB AND MANUFACTURING ADD MOST POSITIONS LAST MONTH.

THE NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT SLIPPED TO 3.6%.

REPRESENT IN OKLAHOMA CITY IS LESS EXPENSIVE IN THE AREAS.

REALTOR.COM, SAID THE REPORT SAID OKLAHOMA HAS THE 9th MOST RENTER HOUSEHOLD.

THEY MAKE UP 20.3 RENTERS IN CAPITAL CITY.

THE TECH SECTOR GREW ONE.HALF PERCENT.

OKLAHOMA CITY AVERAGE RENT IN JOB WAS 1025, 1 OF THE LOWEST IN THE COUNTRY.

THE NET INCOME OF 55 MILLION IS AN INCREASE OVER THE 2022'S PROFIT 44.7 MILLION.

BANCFIRST SAW THE NET INCOME INCREASE WITH THE HELP OF RISING SHORT TERM INTEREST RATE AND MODEST LOAN GROWTH OF THE COMPANY HAS FWEFL MILLION IN TOTAL ASETS AS OF JUNE 30TH.

THAT IS AN INCREASE IN THE FIRST OF THE YEAR.

TULSA BASED WILLIAMS IS INCREASING THE QUARTERLY DIVIDEND OF 2022'S DIVIDEND AND INVESTOR CAN EXPECT TO BE PAID 34 AND 3- QUARTER CENTS.

THIS IS JASON DOYLE, OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>> THANK YOU, JASON.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS 2.7%.

IT MIGHT BE LOWER IF SCHOOL DISTRICTS AROUND THE STATE CAN FILL THOUSANDS OF JOBS THEY HAVE AVAILABLE.

SCHOOL IS SET TO RESUME IN AUGUST.

THAT IS THE TOPIC OF REESE WETZEL.

>> THANK YOU, RICH.

TODAY WE WILL TALK ABOUT SCHOOL STAFF SHORTAGES IN THE SCHOOL YEAR THAT IS ON US.

I HAVE DR. RICK COB.

JILLIAN TAYLOR REPORTING WITH THE FRONTIER.

THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE PEIDMONT PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

DOCTOR, WE'LL START WITH YOU.

CAN YOU GIVE ME A BALLPARK ESTIMATE OF TEACHER AND BUSINESS DRIVERS AND SUPPORT STAFF ARE NEEDED.

>> WE NEED BUS DRIVERS.

3 OR 4, ELEMENTARY TEACHERS ONE, AND THAT IS ACTUALLY PRETTY GOOD.

SECONDARY TEACHERS HIGHER.

SPECIAL ED IS ALWAYS A NEED AS WELL.

WE HAVE A LOT OF SUPPORT POSITIONS FOR TEACHER AIDS AND PARAPROFESSIONALS AND SO ON.

>> AND SO, WE HAVE FOUR ELEMENTARY TEACHING POSITIONS OPEN.

WE NEED FOUR BUS DRIVERS.

WE HAVE TEN PARAOR TA POSITIONS IN THE DISTRICT.

FILL UP ON COUNSELLOR AND LOOKING FOR GOOD PEOPLE.

>> HOW DO YOU ATTRACT THE BUS DRIVERS IN THE ROLE THAT PEOPLE MAY NOT BE INCLINED TO GO TO.

HOW DO YOU GET THOSE ROUTES TAKEN CARE OF?

>> WE HAVE INCREASED STARTING PAPER DRIVERS.

18 AN HOUR IS WHERE WE ARE.

AIR CONDITIONING IS ADD TO ALL OF THE BUSES AND FILTERING SYSTEM WITH ALL OF THE AIR.

WE HAVE GPS, ON ALL OF THE BUSES FOR THE ROUTING AND IF YOU ARE A SUBSTITUTE DRIVER ON A ROUTE YOU ARE NOT USED TO, YOU CAN HAVE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS LEAK YOU ARE DOING RIDE SHARE.

HOPEFULLY WE HAVE THINGS IN PLACE TO MAKE BUS DRIVING MORE ATTRACTIVE.

>> WE ARE DOING THE SAME THING.

WE HAD SOME OF OUR BUS DRIVER THAT DIDN'T HAVE SIX HOURS OR MORE.

WE INCREASED THE HOURS SO THEY CAN GET HEALTH INSURANCE.

AND THEN THE FINAL THING, WE ARE WORKING HARD ON CULTURE AND TRYING TO MAKE PEOPLE IN A PLACE WHERE THEY WANT TO WORK AND BE.

SO, THOSE TWO THINGS ARE OVER TIME WILL HELP US OUT.

>> JILLIAN, I WILL TURN TO YOU NOW.

YOU DID A STORY ABOUT A COUNSELLOR SHORTAGE IN OKLAHOMA.

WHAT IS THE RATIO TO COUNSELLORS TO STUDENTS AND WHAT IS OKLAHOMA'S RATIO.

>> THE AMERICAN SCHOOL COUNSELLORS ORGANIZATION AND HELPS OUT AND SUPPORTS THE COUNSELLORS, AND THEY RECOMMEND A RATIO OF 250 TO 1.

IN THE END OF 2022, THE RATIO WAS 398 TO 1.

THAT MEANS WE NEED 1000 PLUS COUNSELLORS IN THE STATE.

>> AND WHAT ARE THE ROLES THAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW COUNSELLORS TAKE ON.

>> THEY DO A LOT.

IT RANGES FROM ELEMENTARY AND HIGHER GREAT LEVELS AND ELEMENTARY.

LESSON AND TEACHING KINDNESS AND SHARING TO THE STUDENTS.

BUT AS YOU GO ON TO HIGH SCHOOL, YOU MIGHT BE SEEING COUNSELLORS YOU KNOW, LOOKING INTO WAYS TO PROVIDE ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND SCHEDULING THEIR CLASSES AND COLLEGE VISITS FOR STUDENTS AS THEY ARE LOOKING FOR WHAT THEY WILL BE DOING OUTSIDE OF HIGH SCHOOL.

THEY WILL DO THAT AND WHEN THESE RATIOS ARE A LOT BIGGER, THEY ARE HANDLING TESTING COORDINATION AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, THEY ARE HANDLING EDUCATION PLANS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AND THEY ARE WHAT THEY RECOMMEND COUNSELLORS NOT TO TAKE O.

>> DOCTOR COBS, DO YOU HAVE COUNSELLORS THAT FILL IN THE ROLE AND HELP WHERE THERE ARE SHORTAGES IN TESTING OR WHERE EVER IT MAY BE?

>> FOR US, COUNSELLORS DO A LOT OF THINGS AND I THINK IT IS LIKE WHAT JILLIAN SAID, WE ARE CONCERNED WITH THE SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING AND WE ADDED COUNSELING POSITIONS TO TRY TO GET OUR RATIO DOWN.

BUT HAVING APPLICANTS IS A CHALLENGE AS THERE WELL.

WHEN IT COMES TO TESTING AND IP'S FOR STUDENTS, THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE A STAKE IN DOING THAT AND COUNSELLORS DON'T HAVE TO BE IN EVERY MEETING, BUT SOME YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED A COUNSELLOR BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE STUDENT'S NEEDS.

>> DOCTOR, WE TALK ABOUT GETTING QUALIFIED PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT POSITION.

IS THERE AN EMERGENCY SITUATION WHERE THEY CAN GET EMERGENCY CERTIFICATES AND FILLING A VOID IN THE CLASSROOMS?

>> I THINK MOST OF US ARE USING THAT.

AND I THINK THE KEY TO THAT IS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

ONCE WE GET PEOPLE IN TO THOSE POSITIONS.

THEY HAVEN'T GONE THROUGH TEACHER TRAINING.

THEY HAVE BEEN IN ONLY AS A STUDENT.

WE HAVE TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME TRAINING THEM.

SO, WE DO AND THERE ARE EXCELLENT TEACHERS THAT COME OUT OF THOSE AND SOME FIND OUT IT IS NOT WHAT THEY THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE.

>> AND WHAT IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND EMERGENCY CERTIFICATION.

>> A REGULAR TEACHER THAT COMES THROUGH THE TRADITIONAL PROGRAM IS GOING TO DO STUDENT TEACHING IN A SCHOOL FOR A SEMESTER OR MORE AND SOME SCHOOLS THEY GO TWO SEMESTERS AND THEN THEY WILL HAVE A TEACHER, AND TAKE CLASSES THAT ARE SPECIFIC IN PEDOGEE AND CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND TECHNIQUES THAT YOU USE.

MUCH MORE PREPARED YOU KNOW, TO BE A TEACHER WHEN YOU GO TO A TEACHER COLLEGE.

>> AND JILLIAN.

LOOKING AT COUNSELLOR SITUATION.

DID YOU NOTICE ANYTHING IN THE EDUCATION PACKAGE THAT IS DEDICATED TO MITIGATE THE SHORTAGE.

>> WE SAW RAISES FOR TEACHERS.

3000 OR 6000 BASED ON EXPERIENCE AND THAT LEVELS OUT OVER THE AMOUNT OF YEARS THAT YOU HAVE.

BUT ALSO WE ARE SEEING THAT THE COUNSELLORS HAVE MASTERS DEGREES.

THAT MEANS TO COMPARED TA TO BACHELOR.

THEY ARE ONLY MAKING 1000 MORE EACH YEAR.

SO I TALKED TO COUNSELLORS WHO SAID FOR THE STARTING SALARY COMING IN WITH THIS RAISE, 40000 SALARY IT TOOK 25 YEARS TO GET TO THAT.

THAT RAISE IS GREAT, BUT THERE IS CHALLENGES THAT THEY ARE EXPERIENCING.

>> DO YOU KNOW IF THEY HAVE TO HAVE A MASTERS TO BE REQUIRED?

>> IT IS REQUIRED.

YES, THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE TRACK TO TAKE, BUT YOU STILL MOSTLY HAVE TO HAVE A MASTER'S DEGREES.

>> DR. COB.

HOW ARE CLASSROOM SIZES THIS YEAR AS YOU HEAD IN THE 2023- 24 SCHOOL YEAR.

IT FELT LIKE IT KEPT GROWING WHEN I WAS IN SCHOOL.

>> IN MADILL BRAE MAINTAINED LOWER CLASS SIZES AND WHEN WE CAN'T FIND A TEACHER IT CHANGES THAT.

WE SET A TARGET LIMIT FOR EACH GRADE LEVEL.

EACH MIDDLE SCHOOL AND SUBJECT AREA IN HIGH SCHOOL.

HOW MANY STUDENTS PER TEACHER AND TRY TO KEEP IT IN THAT RANGE AND AFTER YOU HAVE SET YOUR FACULTY AND YOU HAVE 3 OR 4 STUDENTS MOVE IN AND THAT BALANCE IS RUN A BIT.

WE HAVE MAINTAINED A PRETTY GOOD CLASS SIZE ACROSS THE DISTRICT.

I KNOW THAT YOU ARE NEW TO PEIDMONT.

HOW ARE THINGS LOOKING IN THE 2023- 24 SCHOOL YEAR.

ARE YOU ANTICIPATING LARGE CLASSROOM SIZES.

>> WE WILL HAVE LARGER THAN WE LIKE.

WE ARE A GROWING DISTRICT AND WE GROW EVERY YEAR AND WE HAVE TO PLAN FOR THAT AND WE CONTINUE, WE ARE COMMITTED TO LOW CLASS SIZES.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE TEACHERS AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE SPACE AND THOSE ARE OUR CHALLENGES RIGHT NOW.

>> ALL RIGHT.

WELL, I WANT TO TURN BACK TO JILLIAN HERE.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT UPON COVID PANDEMIC WITH COUNSELLOR AND SUPPORTING THOSE ROLES.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE FUNDS RUN OUT.

DO THEY RUN OUT?

>> IT IS ONE MORE SCHOOL YEAR FOR THOSE.

201 COUNSELLORS WERE HIRED IN THAT AND SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS.

BUT ONCE THAT RUNS OUT.

SCHOOL SDREBTS WILL HAVE TO DECIDE TO COVER THE OTHER HALF OF THE SALARY THAT WAS PROVIDED.

>> IS THERE ANY FEDERAL PLAN IN EFFECT TO HELP MITIGATE THAT?

>> NOT CURRENTLY NO.

>> AND NOT CURRENTLY.

DR. COB.

WHEN YOU TALK TO COUNSELLOR AND TEACHERS.

WHAT DO THEY WANT MOST?

NOW THEY HAVE THE RAISE, WHAT IS NEXT?

>> I THINK THERE IS A LOT OF CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE IN SCHOOLS RIGHT NOW SINCE THE ONSET OF THE PANDEMIC.

BUT ONE CHALLENGE THAT PREDATES THAT, IS JUST POLITICAL NARRATIVE ABOUT PUBLIC EDUCATION.

I THINK THAT OUR EDUCATORS WANT TO SEE THE PEOPLE IN THOSE LEADERSHIP POSITIONS IN THE STATE DIAL THAT DOWN AND SHOW US RESPECT.

SHOW OUR TEACHERS WHO SPEND EVERY DAY THE RESPECT THEY DESERVE FOR BEING IN THE CLASSROOM AND DEDICATING THE LIVES FOR STARTING SALARIES THAT DON'T MATCH OTHER PROFESSIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH BACHELORS AND MASTER'S DEGREES.

THAT IS THE BIGGEST THING THEY LIKE TO SEE.

>> RECENT HEADLINES MADE TEACHERS FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE IN THE CLASSROOM.

IS THAT NOT MAKING THE RAISE ENOUGH TO GET TEACHERS BACK IN THE CLASSROOM AND THE NARRATIVE THAT THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE AND DON'T WANT TO TEACH HERE.

>> TEACHERS DESERVE THE RAISE.

THAT WILL NEVER HURT GIVING THEM ADDITIONAL FUNDS BECAUSE WE ARE JUST TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH PEOPLE IN OUR REGION.

>> AND THAT DOESN'T NECESSARILY SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

IN FACT IT DOESN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

THE WAY TEACHERS ARE PERCEIVED BY SOME, IS REALLY CHALLENGING.

GETTING PEOPLE TO GO INTO EDUCATION AS A PROFESSION IN COLLEGE TO SCHOOLCHOOSE THAT WHEN YOU GO INTO COLLEGE.

WE HAVE TO DO MORE ABOUT STRENGTHENING THE CULTURE ACROSS THE STATE ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT TEACHERS DO.

AND HOW THEY'RE PERCEIVED BY THE OTHERS AND WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE RESPECTED BY ALL OF US.

JILLIAN, YOU SPOKE WITH COUNSELLOR AND WHAT ARE THE THEMES THAT ARE IMPACTED BY THE SCHOOLS?

YEAH, DEFINITELY.

THERE IS LESS TIME FOR THEM TO HAVE DIRECT SERVICES WITH THE STUDENTS AND FOR THAT, AND TALKING WITH THE COUNSELLORS, THEY WOULD SAY WE ARE DOING SPECIAL'S ROTATIONS AND TEACHING AND THAT MEANS WE ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE STUDENTS IF SOMETHING COMES UP.

THAT MEANS THAT THE POSITIVE OUTCOMES ARE HARDER TO OBTAIN AND TAKE TIME OUT OF THEIR SCHEDULE AND AT THE SACRIFICE OF THEIR OWN WELL-BEING BECAUSE THEY CARE ABOUT THE STUDENTS.

>> DOCTOR, WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE JANITORIAL STAFF.

IS THAT STAFF BUILT UP OR STILL SEEING SHORTAGES THERE.

>> THAT IS ANOTHER AREA WHERE WE ARE HARD TO STAFF.

WE HAVE REACHED WITH ALL OF OUR SUPPORT POSITIONS, THE DOCTOR MENTIONED TA'S AND PARAS.

WE HAVE A LOT OF THOSE EMPLOYEES THAT WORKED WITH KIDS FOR YEARS AND THEY'VE DECIDED TO TAKE A LEAVE.

SO, IT IS JUST AS PEOPLE ARE MOVING UP AND TRYING DIFFERENT THINGS TO IMPACT STUDENTS, WE HAVE OTHER POSITIONS THAT ARE HARDER TO BACK FILL.

AND SO, THAT GOES TO EVERYTHING.

I THINK THE ONES THAT GET THE MOST ATTENTION ARE TEACHERS AND COUNSELLOR AND BUS DRIVERS.

I DON'T THINK THERE IS A JOB CLASSIFICATION IN OKLAHOMA WHERE THERE IS A SUPER DEEP TALENT POOL.

>> IT IS.

WHAT WE FIND IN OUR JANITORIAL STAFF IS THAT THEY ARE TRANSITORY, AND THEY WILL COME IN AND WORK FOR A WHILE AND GET A BETTER PAYING JOB.

WE DON'T BLAME THEM FOR TAKING THOSE JOBS.

BUT IT IS HARDER TO BACK FILL AND TRAIN THOSE PEOPLE.

IT IS A CONTINUOUS CHALLENGE.

>> NOW, THAT WE KIND OF ARE HEADED IN THE NOW SCHOOL YEAR, WHAT ARE YOU ANTICIPATING FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR?

ARE YOU ANTICIPATING THE SHORTAGES OR WHAT DO YOU SEE OVERALL?

>> I THINK IT IS GOING TO BE A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR.

EDUCATORS TAKE WHAT WE ARE GIVEN AND MAKE IT GREAT.

SO OUR TEACHERS AND OUR ADMINISTRATORS AND BOARD MEMBERS ARE GOING TO DO WITH WHAT WE HAVE AND DO A REALLY GOOD JOB AND GREAT JOB FOR OKLAHOMA STUDENTS: WITH MORE TEACHERS AND COUNSELLORS AND YOU KNOW, SUPPORT STAFF THAT WE NEED WE CAN DO A BETTER JOB.

THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE.

ALL OF THE STATES ARE CONTINUING TO RAISE THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT THEY ARE PUTTING IN EDUCATION.

AND SO, WE HAVE TO PUT MONEY IN JUST TO KEEP UP.

>> I AM ACTUALLY EXCITED ABOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.

WE HAD A LEADERSHIP RETREAT WITH OUR PRINCIPLES AND CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF YESTERDAY AND THE ENTHUSIAM WAS PAL PAPABLE.

THEY CALLED FOR A BOND ELECTION ON OCTOBER 10TH THAT IS REALLY GOING TO PUT ENVESTMENT IN THE FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS AND STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES SO THAT IN MADILL, WE DON'T HAVE THE SAME BONDING CAPAC ITY OTHER DISTRICTS HAVE.

WE WILL NOT BE CATCHING UP AND TRYING TO LEAD IN TERMS OF WHAT WE ARE PROVIDING FOR OUR STUDENTS.

SO IN THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS, I AM STARTING TO SEE THE ENTHUSIASM AND THE FUTURE BUILDING AND HOPEFULLY THAT WILL CARRY THROUGH THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ON THE 9th AND IN THE BOND ELECTION ON OCTOBER 10TH.

>> THE UPGRADES ARE GIVING THE STAFF MOMENTUM TO TAKE IN THE NEW YEAR.

>> YEAH, I TALKED ABOUT THAT IN OUR LEADERSHIP RETREAT, THERE WAS A LOT OF EXCITEMENT AND A COUPLE OF GUESTS.

>> AND THEY WILL HAVE MORE CLASSROOMS.

>> IN THE AREA WHERE WE HAVE CLASSROOM SHORTAGES, WE ARE TAKING CARE OF THAT AND FINISH UP ADDING STORM SHELTERS IN THE CAMPUSES WHERE THERE IS FULL- TIME ENROLLMENT.

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE LOCATION PROGRAMS THAT ARE IN BUILDINGS OR CAMPUSES WHERE YOU HAVE A BUILDING AND BUILDING AND BUILDING TO SECURE THE PERIMETER.

ALSO IMPROVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS, ATHLETICS AND SAFETY AND SECURITY UPGRADES IN THE DISTRICT WHICH WAS THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY IN EVERY SURVEY AND COMMITTEE FORUM.

TO TRY TO MEET ALL OF THOSE NEEDS IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME IS WHAT I AM EXCITED ABOUT.

>> DR. RICK COB AND THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US AND BEING A PART OF THE DISCUSSION.

>> THANK YOU, REESE.

IN THIS WEEK'S NATIONAL VIEW, WE'LL TAKE YOU TO THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOOTHILLS FOR DENVER WITH COUNSELLORS WHO HAVE TIES TO OKLAHOMA WITH SUMMER CATCHES TO HELP NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN CONNECT WITH THEIR CULTURE.

THERE IS A WILDERNESS CAMP IN THE MEMORIAL PARK.

>> WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE HISTORY FROM THE RESERVATIONS, THE BOARDING SCHOOLS AND FEDERAL RELOCATION ACT WHICH DENVER WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL CITY.

YOU HAD AN INFLUX AND A LARGE NUMBER OF TRIBAL PEOPLE COMING INTO THE CITY LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES.

AND THIS WAS IN THE '50'S AND '60'S AND UP UNTIL NOW.

YOU HAVE PEOPLE GROWING UP IN THE URBAN AREAS, NATIVE PEOPLE AND LOSING THAT CONNECTION WITH THEIR COMMUNITY.

AND KNOWING AND LEARNING THROUGH THEIR FAMILY TIES AND IF GRANDMA AND GRANDPA AND AUNT AND UNCLE AND COUSINS ARE NOT NEAR ME WHERE WILL THEY LEARN ABOUT THEIR HISTORY AND BACKGROUND AND LANGUAGE AND THINGS TIED TO IT.

>> STAY STAND UP AND STRING AND DRY THEM OUT.

THEY WEIGH LIGHTER.

FRESH CUT THEY ARE HEAVY.

THIS IS A REAL NEAT AREA IN GENERAL.

I AM LOOKING OUT AND ACROSS AND SEEING THE MOUNTAIN AND KNOWING THAT YOU ARE NEAR THE PLAINS.

YOU START TO GO OVER THE HILLS HERE AND HIT THE TRANITION AREA.

I AM GROWING UP IN A SMALL TOWN IN CURBING, OKLAHOMA WHEN I WAS YOUNG.

>> GET IN THE LONG LINES.

>> MAINLY JUST TO GIVE URBAN NATIVE YOUTH AN OPPORTUNITY TO ONE, USE THOSE TIED TO THE PLAINS LEARNING ABOUT THAT CULTURAL ASPECT OF DOING THE TEPEES AND STAYING IN THEM.

BUT ALSO A LITTLE BIT OF YOU'RE OUT DOORS AND DEALING WITH THE HEAT AND WEATHER AND WHATEVER IT IS.

IT IS ACKNOWLEDGING THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS YOU DON'T HAVE CONTROL OVER, BUT YOU HAVE CONTROL OVER HOW YOU WILL HANDLE IT AND TAKE CARE OF IT.

>> THE OPPORTUNITY CAME WITH A GRANT FROM THE STATE OF COLORADO, OUTDOOR EQUITY PROGRAM.

WE APPLIED AND WERE AWARDED AND BASICALLY WE WILL PROVIDE AN OUTDOOR CAMP NEAR THE SUMMER OF 2023 AND ALSO 2024.

PRIOR TO COVID, WE WERE IN THE STAGES OF REVITALIZING THE YOUTH PROGRAMMING WHICH IS AROUND SELF RELIANCE AND EDUCATION AND DETERMINATION AND ALL OF THE ABOVE.

THEN THE PANDEMIC HIT AND PUT EVERYTHING ON HIATUS.

WE ARE SLOWING REVAMPING AND REVITALIZING THE YOUTH PROGRAMMING.

>> WE ARE DOING THIS.

AND IT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT TEACHES THEM WHAT WE HAVE TRADITIONAL DONE BACK IN THE PAST.

THIS IS A TRADITIONAL ART FORM.

WE HAVE IT ON A GOAT RAWHIDE TODAY.

PREVIOUSLY WE WOULD HAVE DONE IT ON A BUFFALO HIDE OR ELK HIDE.

THEN YOU HAVE IT FOR THE WINTER HOUSE.

TODAY, WE ARE DOING IT ON SMALL THINGS.

THEY ARE DOING EARRINGS AND MEDALLIONS AND CHOKERS AND NECKLACES.

>> WE DON'T LIVE OUT HERE LIKE WE USED TO.

WE ARE COMING IN A SPACE WHERE THE ANIMALS AND THE DIFFERENT BEINGS THAT ARE OUT HERE ARE HERE DAILY AND THIS IS THEIR HOME AND WE ARE ESSENTIALLY BEING A PART OF THAT.

WE HAVE TO GET IT STARTED.

>> BEAUTIFUL AND NATURAL PLACE THAT IS USED FOR GATHERINGS AND CEREMONIES AND SWEAT LODGES AND DIFFERENT GATHERINGS AND WE HAVE HAD BURIALS UP HERE IN THIS AREA.

IN MANY RESPECTS, IT IS, SACRED TO A LOT OF PEOPLE.

THIS WAS THEIR LAND.

THIS WAS OUR LAND AS WELL.

PRIOR TO THAT.

LONG ON THE FRONT RANGE.

>> WHAT BETTER TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE LAND THAT NATIVE BEFORE IT WAS COLORADO, THIS WAS INDIAN COUNTRY AND IT STILL IS.

SO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO COME AND EXPERIENCE WHAT IT WAS LIKE FOR THE TRIBAL ANCESTORS IS SOMETHING THAT WE THAT MORE AND MORE OF THE COMMUNITY XTHE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WILL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF KNOWING THAT THE TIME LINE IN HISTORY AND WHAT BROUGHT US TO THIS POINT.

>> OKAY, ON THE NEXT EDITION OF THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT, WE CONTINUE OUR YEAR LONG SERIES REPORT OF THE OKLAHOMA BLACK FRONTIER TOWNS WITH THE MUSKOGEE.

THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN WHO WAS ELECTED TO MAYOR OF THE CITY.

>> PRESIDENT FORD HAD A GOLDEN RETRIEVER RUNNING AROUND IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

AND EVERYBODY TALKED ABOUT THE DOG.

BUT I SAID TO PRESIDENT FORD.

I AM MAYOR FOLEY FROM PATH EOKLAHOMA.

I DIDN'T COME TO TALK ABOUT A DOG.

CAN WE TALK ABOUT SOME HOUSES.

HE SAID YEAH.

>> AND THAT IS THE REPORT NEXT FRIDAY AT 7:00 P.M. WE'LL LEAVE YOU THIS WEEK WITH A LOOK AT OKLAHOMA GLASSBLOWER SUPPORT.

PLEASE, REMEMBER YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT OETA.O.E.T.A.TV.

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER BY SEARCHING.

FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE SEARCH THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

FOR ALL OF US WHO PLAY A ROLE PUTTING IT ON THE AIR EACH YEAR.

I AM RICH LENZ.

MAKE THE MOST OF THE YOUR WEEKEND.