On January 8th, Michael and Kendra Wesson, a board member of the Oklahoma State Department of Education, discussed key issues affecting parents and taxpayers. They emphasized the importance of parental involvement in children’s education and highlighted the significance of addressing teacher misconduct. Kendra’s insights on young people’s challenges and literacy were particularly noteworthy.
The podcast features three board members from Broken Trust discussing Oklahoma’s failing education system and its impact on children. They highlight the government’s misallocation of funds, with a shocking anecdote of a child’s forced mental health placement. Urging community involvement, they emphasize the need to protect children from being treated as commodities.
In a recent statement, House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert emphasized the significance of passing two bills in the upcoming legislative session: a state budget and a cellphone usage policy for schools. Criticism surrounds the proposed cell phone bill, which undermines local control, mandates discipline policies, and risks taxpayer funds without substantive impact on educational challenges in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Public school district Western Hills, has a history of hiring school employees with alternate lifestyles. Why? How much do parents know about these hires? Should they know? Why is the OSDE not addressing questions about a trans teacher in the classroom? Shouldn’t these questions be answered?
On December 6th, Edmond attorney Richard Lebarthe discussed his lawsuit against Edmond Public Schools concerning discriminatory COVID policies during a ROPE Report interview. He also addressed concerns about a $1.5 billion bond issue for the Oklahoma Transportation Authority, urging a delay for further review and accountability before approval.
On a recent podcast, Michael interviewed Dr. Robert Mather, a social psychologist, about his troubling experience at the University of Oregon, where he faced discrimination as a conservative. Dr. Mather also discussed a historical psychological experiment from the 1950s that sheds light on societal divisions affecting mental health access today.
The opinion piece by Dr. John Thompson critiques the influence of reality TV stars in the Trump administration and emphasizes the need for critical thinking among Oklahomans. The author argues that such scrutiny should apply to both parties, highlighting inconsistencies in calls for critical thinking during controversial events like COVID and January 6.
Becky Pelham, PhD, highlights serious issues in Oklahoma’s education system, particularly focusing on Dove Schools’ ties to the Gulen movement, exploitation of H-1B visas, and questionable financial practices. She criticizes state leaders for neglecting these problems in favor of religious education initiatives, ultimately undermining educational quality and trust in public schools.
On November 21st, Mary discussed Dr. Aaron Espolt, Superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools, highlighting his alleged sexual misconduct history at previous schools. She emphasized the absence of “pass the trash laws” in Oklahoma, allowing districts to hire individuals with past allegations. The conversation addressed the troubling circumstances of Espolt’s employment.
Jana Belcher and Robert Scott discussed the significance of homeschooling in Oklahoma, emphasizing its freedom compared to other states. They expressed concerns over the recent Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, arguing it threatens that freedom. A petition is available for those wishing to help remove homeschoolers from the tax credit.