OKCPS Gears Up For School Year With Staffing Needs & Focus On Safety

This time next week, Oklahoma City students will be wrapping up their first week back to school.

Oklahoma City Public Schools' new superintendent and board members share their final preparations before students head to the classroom on Tuesday.

"If you have not registered, please register so that we can have a seat for every child with a name on that seat," said Dr. Jamie Polk, OKCPS Superintendent. 

As they prepare for students, OKCPS is looking to hire 86 more employees and needs ten bus drivers. They also need extra helping hands in classrooms.

"We are still struggling to get special educator teachers. That is a challenge across the state and country," said Brad Herzer, the OKCPS Assistant Superintendent - Talent Management

One of the main objectives for elementary educators this school year is to get students writing.

The district studied 17 elementary schools last year and found that incorporating writing helps improve students' reading comprehension.

Now, all 31 elementary schools will use this writing-to-learn tool.

Dr. Polk is also focused on students' safety. She asks parents to help their children memorize their addresses, phone numbers, and parents' names in case of emergency.