Parents wishing to enroll their children in one of the six selective “application” schools within the Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) district for the 2026-27 academic year must submit their applications by February 13, 2026. These application schools offer free public education with specific admission criteria that may include achievement tests, attendance records, auditions, grades, and letters of recommendation.
Among the schools available for application are Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School, Classen SAS Middle School, and Southeast Middle School, as well as Southeast High School, Classen SAS High School at Northeast, and the new Belle Isle Enterprise High School, which will open for freshmen in the 2026-27 school year. Any student currently in grades four through eleven is eligible to apply, including those from outside the district. Priority is given to students residing within the boundaries of OKCPS. Families seeking more information can visit the district’s website at www.okcps.org/applicationschools.
Superintendent Jamie Polk emphasized the unique opportunities these application schools provide, stating, “We are committed to expanding opportunities that allow every student to discover their strengths and pursue their passions.”
Details of Jamie Polk’s Contract Released
The OKCPS Board of Education recently approved Superintendent Jamie Polk’s updated contract, which includes a base salary of $275,000 per year. This contract, made public by The Oklahoman, also reveals several financial perks. Polk will receive an annual allowance of $10,000 designated for automobile and technology expenses, aimed at supporting her professional duties as well as personal use.
Additionally, the contract allows for up to $3,000 each year to cover costs related to her involvement in various local, state, and national educational organizations. The district will reimburse membership dues for associations that enhance her professional development. Polk is also eligible for a performance bonus of up to 10% of her base salary, which amounts to $27,500 for the current fiscal year ending June 30.
Her contract includes provisions for 15 days of sick leave, five days of personal leave, and 22 vacation days, alongside professional leave comparable to other full-time Central Office certified administrators.
Educational Opportunities for Teachers
In addition to student enrollment, fifth- and eighth-grade teachers in Oklahoma can now apply for fellowships to attend the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute at Colonial Williamsburg during the summer of 2026. Coordinated by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, this program offers educators an immersive experience in early American history. Fellowship recipients will engage with character interpreters, participate in hands-on activities, and develop lesson plans with expert facilitators.
These fellowships cover program activities, airfare, lodging, and most meals, along with a stipend of $300 for classroom materials. Interested teachers must apply by 5 p.m. on February 2, 2026. As Katherine Ethridge, a fifth-grade teacher who attended the program in 2025, noted, “This program has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this time period that I can’t wait to share with my students.”
Mustang Public Schools to Host Fundraising Gala
On January 31, 2026, Mustang Public Schools will host its inaugural black-tie fundraising event, titled “The Mustang Fine Arts Gala: An Evening for the Arts,” at the Mustang Performing Arts Center. The event will be emceed by Oklahoma actor, director, and comedian Lucas Ross, showcasing performances from students and faculty across Mustang’s fine arts programs.
Proceeds from the gala will directly support the fine arts in Mustang Public Schools. The evening will also feature the official induction of the inaugural class into the Mustang Fine Arts Hall of Fame. The first honorees include Kenn Hughes, an associate professor of music; Ty Fanning, a Broadway and film actor; and Bryan Myers, the retired band director for Mustang Public Schools. “The Mustang Fine Arts Gala is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent within our schools while ensuring these vital programs continue to thrive,” said Michael Raiber, the district’s director of fine arts.
This multifaceted approach to education and community engagement highlights the efforts of Oklahoma City Public Schools and Mustang Public Schools to enhance learning opportunities and celebrate the arts.
