Judge Rules In Favor Of State In Western Heights Fight; Supt. Hofmeister Responds To Order

Western Heights administrators have been fighting a state takeover for more than three months.

The Western Heights School District was placed on probation after complaints of financial mismanagement, staffing issues and building problems, forcing the Oklahoma State Department of Education to intervene.

Since the intervention, Western Heights has been unwilling to work with, or take direction from the department of education.

At a hearing Thursday, a judge ordered the Western Heights staff to acknowledge the state is in charge.

Read: Judge Rules Against Western Heights School Board, Paving Way For State Board Of Education Takeover

State Superintendent of Instruction Joy Hofmeister responded to the order.

Western Heights Public Schools said Thursday they will file an appeal to the ruling "immediately."

News 9’s Barry Mangold had the story.