The Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Red Tape Task Force began work on its report to help eliminate unnecessary administrative costs and actions. The task force was established by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister.
“It is high time we take meaningful action against runaway administrative costs that take a toll in both financial and human capital,” said Hofmeister. “We are thrilled that so many education leaders and stakeholder groups are helming our efforts to reduce unnecessary red tape in our schools so that we can better serve classrooms and children. This is particularly critical as we look ahead to a very difficult budget year.”
Several superintendents and administration officials make up the Red Tape Task Force which is divided into three standing subcommittees. The goal is to recommend changes that the Education Department and the Legislature can make to help save resources. Norman Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joe Siano serves as co-chair to the 51-member task force.
“I appreciate the state superintendent and State Department of Education staff for giving us an opportunity to really look at this issue,” said Siano. “There’s only so much time in the day, and educators—whether teachers or administrators—want to spend time on the things that are most impactful on the classroom. This is an opportunity to reallocate our resources and time to things that affect students and student learning.”
According to the task force’s other co-chair, Alex Public Schools Superintendent Jason James the ultimate goal is to keep teachers doing what they do best.
“I believe teachers are the greatest educational tool ever created,” he said. “My goal for this task force is to help eliminate bureaucratic burdens placed on educators so they can get back to teaching the children of Oklahoma.”
Siano and James plan to make a full report of the Red Tape Task Force’s recommendations to the State Board of Education at its December meeting.
