OKCPS enrollment and staffing up despite predictions

Despite predictions of declining enrollment, Oklahoma City Public Schools’ enrollment numbers are climbing. The district currently has 33,311 students enrolled, which is more than 2,000 over last school year.

Urban school districts across the country have seen declining enrollment trends but have incurred increasing operational costs. Recognizing this challenge, OKCPS anticipated the need and has taken a new look at how they deliver education and utilize resources to improve the classroom.

OKCPS utilized the Pathway to Greatness initiative to create efficiencies allowing them to reinvest savings back into the classroom, add counselors and nurses, and increase technology resources for students. Although the pandemic may have interrupted the anticipated outcomes, these investments are ultimately bringing many families back to the district.

“The strong leadership from Superintendent McDaniel and the OKCPS Board has brought stability and restored families’ confidence in the education their students will receive in OKCPS,” said Teresa Rose, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma executive director, Chamber vice chair of education and chair of the MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board. “The district’s vision has put them on a positive trajectory with limitless possibilities, especially with the support of the community behind them.”

The district has filled 98% of all staff vacancies, a notable accomplishment in a time when schools across the state are struggling to find and retain teachers. In another success this year, OKCPS teachers renewed their contracts earlier than in the past, showcasing the work the district has done to build better relationships and open lines of communication. The contracts included a significant pay increase for current teachers with starting salaries rising to $42,000, which is higher than the state minimum.

Officials are confident that through the upcoming bond proposition, in combination with their academic programs, they will continue to see enrollment increases and will be better able to attract the best teachers.