Stillwater Public Schools To Hold Meeting Addressing Students, Parents Concerns On Virtual Learning

Stillwater Public Schools is set to meet Thursday at 5:30 p.m. so parents and students can voice their concerns about canceled activities and virtual learning.

There's a lot of frustration - sports have been canceled for this week and there's no deadline yet for virtual learning.

Read Related: Stillwater Students Voice Concersn Over COVID-19 Plans

Right now, Payne County is in the state Department of Educations "red COVID-19 risk level." This means the state recommends Stillwater schools should close buildings and provide only distance learning until the risk zone drops back down to "orange."

However, this has caused a stir among parents and students who say the district's policies are inconsistent.

Students got a chance to meet with Superintendent Marc Moore Wednesday to express concerns.

"Those kids are home all day by themselves trying to do first and second grade,” Senior Gatin Wilson.

"They just need the teacher there in person to help them,” Senior Alex Griffin,

Steve Hallgren with Stillwater's Board of Education provided the following statement:

“I expressed myself poorly during that meeting. First and foremost, I’d like to apologize for my comments that offended members of the Stillwater community. My intention was not to belittle their feelings or their involvement in the education of their children. I am aware that the families of Stillwater are very involved in the educational and extracurricular lives of their children. COVID-19 has made us all hyperfocus on the importance of the public school system and elevated parent feedback to unheard of levels, especially in recent weeks. The high level of participation is beneficial to proper governance of Stillwater Public Schools and is highly appreciated. I apologize that I did not properly express my thoughts during today’s meeting and will endeavor to better reflect the values of the Board and community that I will serve going forward.”

News 9 has reached out to Stillwater Public Schools Superintendent and we haven't heard back.