State of the Schools returns to in-person event; Hofmeister, Shrum featured speakers

The annual State of the Schools will return in 2021 as an in-person event on Aug. 11 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Aimed at learning about efforts and ideas to improve education in Oklahoma, this year’s State of the Schools will feature several education leaders representing various levels of instruction in Oklahoma, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister and new President of Oklahoma State University Dr. Kayse Shrum, who will be the featured speakers.

Hofmeister has served in the state superintendent’s role since January 2015. The event will also introduce the new president of Oklahoma State University, Dr. Kayse Shrum, who will share her vision for the university. 

Hofmeister has championed a host of education reforms during her tenure designed to improve public education in Oklahoma, including a repeal of the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind, the strengthening of the A-F school accountability system and many other reforms.

State of the Schools will also include a panel discussion about workforce development programs that are preparing students to have successful college and professional careers. Serving on this panel will be several Oklahoma City-area education leaders:

– Chris Brewer, Superintendent, Santa Fe South Public Schools
– Chip Carter, President & CEO, Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School
– Michelle Keylon, Ed.D, Superintendent/CEO, Francis Tuttle Technology Center
– Jeanie Webb, President, Rose State College

Individual tickets are $50 for Chamber members and $75 for nonmembers. Sponsor tables of eight with additional recognition are available for $1,500. Contact Suzette Ellison Jordan at [email protected] for table sponsor inquiries. Masks will not be required but are encouraged, especially during networking time.

Member registration

Non-member registration

To register or learn more, visit the event page at okcchamber.com.

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

A version of this story originally appeared in the July 2021 edition of the VeloCity newsletter.