Oklahoma City School's policies come under review

The head of Oklahoma City’s school board said Friday it’s time for the district to review its media policies and become more open with the public.

Oklahoma City School Board Chairman Angela Monson made the comments as an annual national effort to promote open government comes to an end today.

Throughout Sunshine Week, The Oklahoman offered stories highlighting government attempts to close access to information. One of those stories questioned why none of the Oklahoma City Public School District employees are allowed to speak with the media without first gaining approval from the district’s public relations department.

Kathleen Kennedy, who runs the department, often chides reporters who try to schedule interviews with school principals and other district workers without going through her office. The policy also is problematic because Kennedy sometimes doesn’t return media phone calls.

Kennedy did not return a phone call seeking comment Friday. She responded to media inquiries earlier in the week by saying the schools are on spring break and her entire department is on vacation.

Monson said the district sells its employees short by assuming they need their hands held when speaking with reporters.

"They don’t lose their autonomy because they are school employees,” Monson said. "They are competent people and can answer questions coming from the press. I would suggest a review of any policies that exist and practices that we have.”

Monson said the district is missing a chance to connect local communities with their schools by not letting principals communicate directly to parents and city residents.

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