Since Chairwoman Paula Lewis took office as a Board member in 2017, her leadership has transformed Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) with a steadfast focus on improving student outcomes. As Board Chair, she has fostered a culture of collaboration and accountability, modernized district systems, and developed policies that prioritize equity, transparency, and excellence in education.
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Budgeting: Ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategically aligning resources to support student learning, teacher effectiveness, and access to classroom resources and technology.
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Hiring and Supervising the Superintendent: Lewis has led the board in hiring and supporting superintendents who prioritize student outcomes, community engagement, and operational efficiency.
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Policy Development: She has championed policies that enhance equity, inclusion, and safety while fostering transparency and accountability, promoting equity and integrity.
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Setting Goals: Lewis has supported a data-driven approach to developing frameworks focused on student outcomes, leveraging innovation, systemic improvements, and transformational change.
Paula Lewis’ unwavering dedication to advancing student-focused outcomes makes her a proven leader. Reelecting her as Board Chair ensures continuity in this vital work, empowering OKCPS to equip every student with the tools to be graduate-ready for the future.
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Protect public schoolsWe must defend our students' right to quality education. Our public schools face unprecedented challenges in Oklahoma, and it's crucial that we stand united to protect them. I am committed to fighting for the resources and support our schools need to thrive. Together, we can ensure every child receives the education they deserve.
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Advocate for mental wellnessInitiatives like Embrace OKC have been pivotal in supporting our students' mental health. Mental wellness is a cornerstone of my work on the school board. Through initiatives like Embrace OKC, we have made significant strides in providing mental health resources and support for our students. I am committed to continuing this vital work to ensure every student can learn and grow in a supportive environment.
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Addressing chronic absenteeismOne of my top priorities is tackling this issue head-on. Chronic absenteeism is a significant barrier to student success, and it requires immediate attention. I will support the superintendent's new task force dedicated to solving this problem. Together, we will develop strategies to ensure students are present and engaged in their education. I fully back Dr. Polk's new task force to fix this. We share a commitment to addressing the root causes of absenteeism.
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Commitment to follow throughI am running to continue our successes and keep the momentum going for OKCPS. Our work is far from over, and I am dedicated to seeing our initiatives through to completion. My commitment to follow through on our successes will ensure that we continue to make progress and achieve our goals. Together, we can build a brighter future for OKCPS.