Chamber event to examine current state of education in OKC, offer glimpses of what’s ahead

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber will present the 2022 State of the Schools, with featured guests Higher Education Chancellor Allison Garrett and Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel, on Wednesday, August 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Garrett, chief executive officer for the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education and the first woman to hold the position of Chancellor in Oklahoma, will provide an overview of higher education, including recent budget and legislative issues, the impact and recovery from COVID-19, and the vision for encouraging more graduates with in-demand degrees in STEM, health care and education.

McDaniel will deliver an update on the district, including the progress on Pathway to Greatness and EmbraceOKC, share highlights from the past year and discuss the impact the upcoming bond issue will have on the district’s future.

The event will also feature a panel with McDaniel and other area superintendents as they discuss what is needed to help all students reach their potential, how Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds will be utilized, and how area districts are working to improve the mental health of their students, teachers and staff. Joining McDaniel on the panel will be:

• Rick Cobb, Superintendent, Mid-Del Public Schools
• Angela Grunewald, Superintendent, Edmond Public Schools
• Robert Romines, Superintendent, Moore Public Schools

Individual tickets are $60 for Chamber members and $85 for nonmembers. To register or learn more, visit the event page on okcchamber.com. Sponsor tables of eight with additional recognition are available for $1,500. Contact Suzette Ellison Jordan at [email protected] for table sponsor inquiries.

The Chamber and American Fidelity Assurance Company invite attendees to bring school supplies to the event, which will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. Supplies can also be dropped off at the Chamber office prior to the event.

Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and Host Sponsor Cox Communications, and School Supply/Centerpiece Sponsor American Fidelity Assurance Company.