Teachers Work at Sonic to Help Plug Budget Hole

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Significant drops in state funding hit school districts across Oklahoma hard this year and will make for tough times in the upcoming school year. The Putnam City School District lost about $2 million in state funding. That's why teachers are taking matters into their own hands to help save programs.

"Everyone is feeling the pressure due to budget cuts," said Will Rogers Elementary 2nd grade teacher Geri Mentzer.

Elementary teachers at Will Rogers Elementary are spending the summer car hopping at Sonic to help raise money. A portion of the profits and all of their tips will go to help buying school supplies and to help programs including the 5th grade ballroom dancing program.

Mentzer, who often spends her own money on school supplies for her students, has spent every Thursday in July car hopping to ease the sting of funding issues.

"I do this because I love children just like every other teacher out there. We want what is best for our kids, and if the funds are not there then we're going to find a way to come up with it. So if it is car hopping at Sonic and taking time out of our summer, that's what we're going to do," Mentzer said.

The team of teachers has raised about $1,000 in tips so far. Sonic will also be contributing a portion of the profits.

If you would like to help, stop by to eat at the Sonic at N.W. 122nd Street and Council Road between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Thursdays in July.