Parents Start Online Petition Challenging Distance Learning Plans For Owasso, Jenks

Parents at two of the largest school districts in Northeast Oklahoma want school leaders to change their decision about starting the year with distance learning instead of in-person classes.

Shortly after Owasso Public Schools announced their decision was announced Tuesday night, a Change.org petition started circulating and it has already received 1,300 signatures.

Related Story: Owasso Schools Pushes Back School Start Date; Will Begin Distance Learning

Owasso Superintendent Amy Fichtner says the decision was not an easy one to make and they are getting a lot of mixed reaction from parents who either want their kids back in school or want the distance learning.

"I'm a professional educator. I'm an educational leader and in reflecting and as I spoke with our board of education I do not feel comfortable or well educated enough or well versed in epidemiology to say that I know better than someone who does that for their specialty,"

A petition has been made by Jenks parents as well, with that petition stating that "11% of the student body chose to do virtual learning" while the rest chose in-person classes. Jenks Public Schools has not yet responded to that petition.