Foundation For OKCPS Asking For Public's Help With Funding

Oklahoma City Public Schools are asking for the public's help due to its budget crisis.

It released new details on how schools will be impacted by a $30 million shortfall.

Oklahoma City school principals were told the fine arts budgets were reduced by 50 percent to save $195,000.

Library media budgets have been eliminated to save $206,000.

OKCPS said it's fortunate to have already built a solid collection of resourced for student will have available

Elementary school budgets will be reduced from $25 per student to $15 to save $260,000.

The foundation working to get private donations for the public schools said it's working hard to get word out that help is badly needed.

“We are trying to get out there and talk with groups. We are doing mail. We are doing phone calling. We’re doing anything and everything,” said Mary Mélon, The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools president.

Mélon said the foundation has raised more money than at this point last year but the need is greater.

“There’s a sense of urgency,” Mélon said.

The Foundation usually raises about $1.5 million annually. This year, it hopes to raise $2 million.