EF)--Local residents had the opportunity Tuesday night to hear information on the Enid Public Schools proposed bond issue, and from the two candidates in the Ward 1 Enid City Commission recall election. The first segment of the forum focused on the Enid school district plan for a bond issue to address technology, security and transportation needs. The bond issues package total about $10.8 million. Dudley Darrow, superintendent of Enid Public Schools, spoke about the importance of the bonds if they were to pass. Both city commission candidates, incumbent Judd Blevins and challenger Cheryl Patterson spoke during the forum. Enid Social Justice Committee was successful in its efforts late last year to recall Blevins over allegations around his involvement with white nationalist groups, allegations that he continues to deny. Both the bond issue proposals, and the recall election will be decided next Tuesday April 2. Although almost all Enid residents will be eligible to vote on the school bond proposal, only residents of Ward 1 in southwest Enid will be able to vote on the commission candidates. For voters who could not attend, the forum was live streamed on a number of social media sites.
--00-- 27 Mar 24 7a
CB)--The fourth annual Cultural Blitz was held Tuesday morning at the Enid High gymnasium for all cultures to present and honor their ancestry. A wide variety of cultures were represented and honored including African-American, Native-American, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander. EHS Principal Craig Liddell got into the spirit of the celebration by wearing a kilt to honor his Scottish heritage.
--00-- 27 Mar 24 7a
MC)--April is designated the Month of the Military Child. The Defense Department celebrates military children during the month, and Enid is joining in the celebration. Nicole Painter, school liaison program manager for the 71st Force Support Squadron at Vance Air Force Base, it is an important month for the community of Enid to recognize our military children. Painter takes care of inbound families and keeps military leadership current on events in the community and schools. The official color of the military child celebration is purple, signifying a blend of all the branches of the military. There will be a number of local activities and observances of Month of the Military Child beginning with First Friday April 5th in downtown.
--00-- 27 Mar 24 7a
CF)--Enid Public Schools will host a Teacher Career Fair. The fair is scheduled for Thursday in the Administrative Services Center board room, 500 S. Independence. EPS administrators will be available to speak with potential candidates, accept resumes, and have extended interviews from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on both evenings. EPS provides a competitive starting salary, paying an average $3,800 more per step than the state scale, as well as a $2,000 signing bonus for standard certification in early childhood, secondary math, secondary science, special education, and world language. EPS provides 1:1 technology for all students, every school has newly added classrooms and secure entrances, character education district-wide, and Enid High School boasts a state-of-the-art competitive gymnasium and performing arts center. For information on employment, please visit enidpublicschools.org/applytoday.For questions, call 580.366.7000 to be directed to the EPS Human Resources Department.
--00-- 27 Mar 24 7a
SE)--Enid Public Schools will welcome its newest students beginning next week during four-year-old enrollment for the 2024-25 school year. Families must enroll students online at www.enidpublicschools.org/enrollment. Enrollment will open on April 1 and will be completed exclusively online. Guardians enrolling their children as EPS students for the first time will need the children’s immunization record, birth certificate (no hospital footprints, please) and verification of address, such as a utility bill. Enrollment is first come, first served. Randy Rader, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education, expressed the need for guardians to enroll their students as soon as possible. Families who do not have access to a device to complete enrollment online can visit the EPS Welcome Center at 500 S. Independence between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. beginning April 1. Resources and assistance will be available. Students must be four-years-old on or before September 1, 2024. Beginning May 6, full-day kindergarten enrollment for students who are new to EPS will be open online to families. Parents should enroll their student online at www.enidpublicschools.org/enrollment or visit the Welcome Center located in the Administrative Services Center, 500 S. Independence. Online enrollment will be open May 6. Students must be five-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2024 to enroll. If a child is currently an EPS pre-kindergarten student, it is not necessary to attend kindergarten enrollment because their school will send out pre-enrollment for kindergarten via call, text or email.
--00--
RE)--City of Enid Ward 1 residents are encouraged to participate in the Enid Municipal Recall Election on Tuesday, April 2. Polling locations are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. On the ballot will be Judd Blevins and Cheryl Patterson. The election will decide who will represent residents in Ward 1 going forward. Early voting will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28 and Friday, March 29 at the Garfield County Election Board located at 903 Failing Avenue in Enid. Residents in Ward 1 can look up their polling location by going to Oklahoma.gov/elections and can view the ward map at: Enid.org/WardMap. If you have any questions about the election, you may contact the Garfield County Election Board at (580) 237-6016. The office is located at 903 Failing Avenue.
--00--
CF)--Several positions in Garfield County will be up for election this year. Garfield County positions up for election this year are county commissioner District 2, county clerk, court clerk and sheriff. The filing period will be April 3-5. County candidates will file at the Garfield County Election Board, 903 Failing. In addition, state and national positions also will be contested, with those candidates filing at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. The 3rd Congressional District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas will be up for election. In the state Legislature, odd numbered Senate districts will be up, including District 19, currently held by Sen. Roland Pederson. All state House positions will be up, including all of those representing Garfield County: District 40, currently held by Rep. Chad Caldwell of Enid; District 59, held by Rep. Mike Dobrinski of Okeene; District 58, held by Rep. Carl Newton, of Cherokee; and District 38, held by Rep. John Pfeiffer, of Orlando.
--00--
