Oklahoma City schools superintendent prepares for 'Pathways to Greatness' recommendation

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — After several public forums, Oklahoma City Public Schools superintendent Sean McDaniel will reveal the choice he thinks is best in his "Pathways to Greatness" program. He will present his choice to the board of education on Thursday at 3 p.m. at Northeast Academy.

His plans involve closing or repurposing at least 15 schools, which has sparked a lot of debate.

"A lot of people have weighed in on whether it's (plan) A, B or C," McDaniel said. "Probably A and B more so than C."

Both path A and B would close 15 schools that would be repurposed. Path C would close and repurpose 18 schools.

McDaniel said he knows which path he will recommend and is confident the board of education will agree.

"This originated with this board a year and a half ago where they recognized we've got to do a better job by all of our kids," McDaniel said. "I'm going to make my presentation tomorrow. I fully expect a favorable outcome."

McDaniel presented details of the "Pathways to Greatness" to the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. He said meetings like this have been a big part of selling change in the district.

"The reason it's important to get the word out is we have got to have the feedback coming back to us," McDaniel said.

He said overall, most in the district are excited about the pathways.

He said it's something the district needs to do.

"The outcome of this process is to take care of 46,000 kids and meet their needs and give them resources and provide equity and access and opportunity," McDaniel said.

McDaniel is only presenting his recommendation to the board of education tomorrow. The board will vote on his recommendation on March 4.