Columns
Henry wants to change nickname
CHICKASHA — I heard Gov. Brad Henry speak recently and during questions afterwards he was addressed as the “lottery governor.”
Henry answered the question but pointed out that he would much prefer to be known as the “education governor.”
True, Henry's agenda has included issues such as a state lottery and a gaming compact with Native American tribes.
But, his platform has always included several progressive education initiatives such as the public pre-school program he proposed in his 2007 state of the state address.
His latest education reform effort is a bill in the state legislature aimed at reducing the number of high school dropouts.
Around 6,000 students dropped out of Oklahoma high schools last year. Henry's plan aims to reduce that number by raising to 18 the age at which a student could legally leave school with parental consent.
The bill that passed the Senate Thursday, and now moves to the House, would require that students stay in school until they turn 18 or get a high school diploma. The legislation would allow exceptions for mental and physical disabilities or for some other hardships.
Currently, a student can leave school at 16 if parents agree. One deterrent to dropping out that early was supposed to be not being able to get a driver's license until age 18. But I doubt if a parent allows their child to leave school they're not really going care if they drive without a license.
Henry says his goal is to ensure that every Oklahoma student gets a high school diploma.
This latest legislation won't guarantee that but it sure gives a lot of kids a better chance of accomplishing that walk across the stage. The governor also is seeking additional funding to alternative schools and increased remediation classes as other ways to reduce the number of dropouts.
You might not agree with the governor's gaming initiatives but you've got to respect his efforts to improve education.
Jerry Pittman is publisher of The Express-Star. You can e-mail him at cnhi.com
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Garage sales are for the warm-weather birds
Looking through the classifieds today, I noticed a large number of garage sales advertised. Many were even touted as huge.
I suppose, with the onset of summer, people feel the need to be outside enjoying the warm weather and having a garage sale, especially a huge one, is as good a way as any to get some sun and make a few bucks. -
A toot of the horn for a deserving lady
The restored Verden Separate School, an African-American schoolhouse built by a black farmer for black children in 1910, received its highest honor to date on Monday, being placed on the National Schoolhouse Register.
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Ninnekah police chief disagrees with Sheriff Kell’s E911 stance
Dear Editor,
I felt it was time to express a slightly different point of view and elaborate on the recent stories concerning The Town of Ninnekah, E911 and Sheriff Kell.
First I would like to say that The Town of Ninnekah is not "Broke." Although the recent economic situation has impacted our Tax Revenues, the town does have the funds to pay for dispatch services. In my opinion the issue has become more of a point to make and maybe to finally resolve some issues. - Session begins with many ideas
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Alex makes big plays to beat Fox
ALEX -- Nowhere in the rules book does it say the biggest or fastest team must prevail.
Big 'ole boy Seth Beaird probably wishes it did. Maker of big 'ole plays Randy Alexander is glad it doesn't.
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Oklahoma man runs to extremes
HAMMON (AP) — One day when Jack Christian was on the family farm with his parents, his mother collapsed and died of a heart problem. Run home and get a blanket, his father told the 5-year-old boy.
"I remember that day perfectly," Christian said.
- Trick or treat tips to make Halloween less scary CHICKASHA, Okla. - The candy aisle at the local store is filled with all kinds of treats. Costumes and decorations fill another section of the store. Obviously Halloween is just around the corner.
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Garage sales are for the warm-weather birds
