Hear from candidates in upcoming OKCPS School Board election

Residents within District 5 of the Oklahoma City Public School District will have an opportunity to elect a new representative to the school board on Tuesday, April 5, during the upcoming election. Two candidates filed to run for the seat, which is currently held by incumbent Ruth Veales. School board incumbent Meg McElhaney, who currently represents District 7, ran unopposed to represent her district and will be automatically re-elected for a four-year term.

The Chamber asked Adrian Anderson and Dr. Sharri Coleman, the two candidates for the District 5 seat, to complete a survey that would ascertain their goals if elected and their stance on the availability Pre-K within the district, the addition of charter schools and more. Read on for a summary of their responses.

Adrian Anderson, candidate for District 5

Chamber: If elected to the school board, what would be your priorities?

Anderson: If elected, one of my main priorities would be to ensure our students and their families that their voice is as important as any other aspect of the educational process and that I will be representing their voice as their board member that they have provided me the opportunity to do so by electing me as their representative. I will prioritize improving my learning curve as much as possible about the board member role to be effective in the role, being intentional in listening and learning current and future goals and objectives of the district as well as providing opportunities for our parents, students, teachers, and community to provide feedback on specific ideas and strategies could be implemented for our children. Being willing and present in finding ways to continue to communicate with all stakeholders and having a healthy dialogue on methods on how we can improve academic outcomes in OKCPS. I also believe that building a positive relationship with state leaders regarding public school funding will be instrumental and I would make that a priority in finding a way to have those conversations.

Read Anderson's full responses to the Chamber's survey.

Dr. Sharri Coleman, candidate for District 5

Chamber: If elected to the school board, what would be your priorities?

Coleman: My goal will be to get an accurate snapshot of what the school district has done, is currently engaged in, and its future goals and plans. Upon election, my job will be to familiarize myself with the recent policies and budget for the school district. I will meet with each current board member to establish a positive working relationship. If we are to work together to improve the educational experience of all constituents within OKCPS, then it would be beneficial for us to know and respect one another.

Read Coleman's full responses to the Chamber survey.

Election information

Anderson and Coleman will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, April 5, during the board of education general election and other special elections across the state of Oklahoma. Important election deadlines include:

• March 11: Last day to register to vote
• March 21 at 5 p.m.: Deadline to request absentee ballot
• March 31 and April 1, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Early voting
• April 5, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Election day

To register to vote, visit the Oklahoma State Election Board’s website at ok.gov/elections to download a voter registration form. Voter registration forms are also available at your local county election board, post offices, tag agencies, libraries and other public locations.

You can also use the Oklahoma voter portal to check or update your registration, request an absentee ballot, and find your polling location.