News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | Small Garvin County School Prepared for Tough Times

Small Garvin County School Prepared for Tough Times

Posted: Updated:
Whitebead School in Garvin County has been preparing for tough times for awhile. The school also relies on parents to bring in supplies. Whitebead School in Garvin County has been preparing for tough times for awhile. The school also relies on parents to bring in supplies.
Residents said they refuse to let the school close or consolidate with another district if the state is forced to take those measures. Residents said they refuse to let the school close or consolidate with another district if the state is forced to take those measures.

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Several education leaders and school districts around the state fear school closures or consolidations may be in the future if state budget woes continue, but a small school in Garvin County has no plans to do either.

Long ago a Caddo princess sold her white beads in Garvin County. The town became known as Whitebead and a school was later built there.

Today more than 400 children, grades K through 8th, attend Whitebead, just like their elders before them.

"Well, I went to school here when I was a little girl and up to the fourth, fifth grade. I think it's very important that the students have this school," said Lottie Wood, a former student.

Whitebead Superintendent Mary Smith said the school has been preparing for hard times.

"We have absorbed as many jobs as we could over the last couple of years through attrition. As teachers left or aides left, we didn't hire any new people," Smith said.

In the classroom, teachers like Belinda Hunt are conserving on paper and other supplies. They're also getting support from parents.

"If I need supplies I can ask them, and they're very, very good to supply those for us," Hunt said.

Friday afternoon, parents held a Halloween party for the whole school and provided food, fun, and games. No one wants to think about Whitebead ever closing.

"I think it would be a real big blow for the students and for the faculty. I think it needs to be in. It's important for the kids," Wood said.

A church, a cemetery, and the school are all that's left of the town of Whitebead. The church and cemetery are pretty much permanent fixtures, and residents insist the school will be too.

Whitebead School is a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School. Only two K through 8 schools in the country have received that award, and Whitebead is the only one in Oklahoma.

You must be logged in to rate this story. Login or register
Comments
Terms of Use: Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. In addition, by submitting a comment, you recognize that your comment may be read or discussed on one or more television news broadcasts on NEWS 9 and you consent to any such use. By submitting a comment, you agree to these Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register
See all comments
Close windowBranding

Small Garvin County School Prepared for Tough Times

Close window

Education More>>

How Schools Plan to Make Up School Days

Some districts have already decided how to make up snow days this school year. More>>

Putnam City Asks to Push Back Standardized Testing After Snow Days

The possibility of more winter storms could mean more snow days for Oklahoma schools. Now, teachers are worried if students will be prepared for the upcoming standardized tests. More>>

Will Bible Classes Be Taught in Public High Schools?

High schools across the state could begin offering an elective course in the study of the Bible under a measure approved by a Senate committee. More>>

Schools Report Big Cuts in Online Survey

The State Board of Education asked all schools in Oklahoma to fill out an online survey about budget concerns last fall. Officials released the results of that survey Tuesday. More>>

More Information

A checklist for college preparations, from high school to secondary ed! More>>

Tips in getting the most out of your test studying! More>>

Helpful tips and advice on protecting yourself from identity theft! More>>

Get good tips on how to keep your kids healthy and fit! More>>

Hear about issues affecting you and Oklahoma in My 2 Cents

Send your Gary's Hot Shots to Gary England for it to be selected to be seen on NEWS 9.

Extraordinary Oklahomans are highlighted in Making a Difference

Protect yourself from scams with the Consumer Watch team

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000-2010, WorldNow and KWTV. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Help Page.