On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, a non-partisan primary election will be held for a member on the Owasso Public School Board representing Ward 3. Three candidates are seeking the position: the incumbent Neal Kessler, who is also the current president of the board, Kristy Moon, and Vincent Donaldson.

The election follows on the heels of an incident many believe to be an abuse of power by OPS’s administration. In November 2022, after voicing his concern about pornographic material in a school’s library, Timothy Reiland was banned from coming on any school property, apparently for the use of “colorful language” in the parking lot after a board meeting. However, the Federal court found Reiland’s remarks to be protected speech under the U.S. Constitution and issued an injunction. Recently, the Owasso school board did vote to have books screened for sexual content.

Neal Kessler currently serves on the school board and is seeking reelection. Kessler states that he believes in “strong public schools” and that he wants to “build on the foundation of past successes.” Guided by his slogan “Students first,” Kessler considers the essential purposes of the school board to be encouraging high achievement, providing a safe environment, empowering teachers and administration, encouraging parental input and involvement, and engaging in fiscal responsibility.

Kessler’s campaign website is  www.facebook.com/kesslerforowasso.

Kristy Moon is an experienced IT professional and a teacher. Perhaps, better than most, Moon understands and is concerned about the reliance on current technology in the classroom. She believes “that children should learn using all of their senses and not just by staring at a screen.” Moon states that she has the experience to encourage both growth and development within the school system. Also, as a teacher, Moon understands the needs of teachers as an insider and wants to ensure they have the support and materials to achieve “a high-quality education” for students. Also important to Moon is “listening” to issues raised by students, parents, and teachers.

Moon’s campaign website is www.facebook.com/votemoonward3.

Vincent Donaldson is a retired teacher, where the lion’s share of his experience belongs with special education students. Donaldson entered into the race predominantly because he dislikes the failing performance in the Owasso Public Schools. Since this failure falls on the shoulders of the board, Donaldson states, “If the team is failing, then the coaching staff needs to go away.” Also, Donaldson insists the recent banning of a parent from the administration is totally unacceptable. According to Donaldson, “There is zero place for shutting out parents out of the school board meetings.”

Donaldson’s campaign website is www.facebook.com/donaldsonforowasso.