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School grades: Too easy to understand?

Tulsa Beacon

Citing concerns that the system is too easily understood by the public, members of a state House committee have voted to scrap A-F school grades that inform parents of how their local public school stacks up against other public schools. “Language matters,” said state Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa. “There’s a big difference between saying this…

Strengthening teachers rights when dealing with Unions

Tulsa Beacon

Legislation that would strengthen teachers’ rights when dealing with unions has won easy approval in a state Senate committee. Senate Bill 99, by state Sen. Julie Daniels, would require schools to obtain annual reauthorization from teachers before union dues may be automatically deducted from a teacher’s paycheck. “This bill would simply require the school districts…

Gas prices rising in Tulsa again

Tulsa Beacon

Average gasoline prices in Tulsa have risen 14.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.95/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 321 stations in Tulsa. Prices in Tulsa are 1.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 65.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price…

Spring gardening tips from the OSU extension service

Tulsa Beacon

Plant bare-root plants now Although many gardening activities remain on hold for a few more weeks, it is the time of year to get bare-root plants in the ground. Bare-root plants are available now and should be planted between mid-February and mid-April. Bare-root plants are those harvested, stored and sold without any type of soil…

Spring garden tips

Tulsa Beacon

With Mother Nature sprinkling in some 70-degree days amongst the colder temperatures, gardeners all across Oklahoma are more than ready to get rolling on their gardens. With as much time and effort that gets put into their gardens and landscapes, gardeners want to make sure their efforts are rewarded. First, learn what USDA Plant Hardiness…

DAs, Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police say YES 820 Campaign is misleading

Tulsa Beacon

A large group of Oklahomans in the law enforcement community came together to criticize the recent mailings and television advertising of Yes on 820. “To imply that expanding access to marijuana will make our communities safer would be laughable if it were not so destructive,” said former Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, State…

Tulsa resolution “Inclusive, Welcoming City

Tulsa Beacon

Four Tulsa City Councilors have proposed a new resolution to make Tulsa an “inclusive welcoming city.” Laura Bellis (Dist 4) along with Vanessa Hall-Harper (Dist 1), Crista Patrick (Dist 3) and Lori Decter-Wright (Dist 7) are behind the resolution. However, the question is whether it is needed especially as the city’s nondiscrimination policy was amended…

Senators vote to streamline the Charter School process

Tulsa Beacon

State senators have voted to streamline the process for public charter schools to obtain sponsors, potentially shaving months off the application period required to open a new school. “My goal is not to have more charter schools; it’s to have higher-quality charter schools,” said state Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond. Senate Bill 516, by Pugh, would…

Early voting begins Thursday

Tulsa Beacon

Early voting begins for the Special Election for State Question 820, Thursday, March 2 for voters in Tulsa County. Voters, who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, have the option of voting early at their County Election Board. Tulsa County Election Board Secretary, Gwen Freeman, said early voting…

Bill Protecting K-5 Students from Sexual Content Passes Committee

Tulsa Beacon

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa, today passed a bill in the House Common Education Committee that would prohibit classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in grades K-5. Any classroom instruction on these topics in grades 6-12 must be age appropriate for students. “This speaks directly to the heart of a parent’s…