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Walters promotes ‘performance-pay’

Georgia

Jones

Contributing Writer

The state Board of Education approved Superintendent Ryan Walters’ proposal for a “performance-pay” approach to Oklahoma teacher salaries in late January. The measure is now headed to the Oklahoma legislature, which convenes this week.

Walters’ $150 million program would offer raises varying from $2,500 to

$10,000 on top of the state’s minimum salary, with raises determined by factors such as professional development, student performance and classroom practices.

“We grade kids in the classroom and reward them for hard work and diligence,” Walters said. “Teachers need to be rewarded for the same.” reallocation which required eliminating more than 100 positions and cutting costs to athletics.

However, he took unorthodox approaches to maintain community satisfaction. The early 2000s Nickelodeon show “Zoey 101” was filmed at Pepperdine, garnering significant funding for the university.

“It goes back to my point about cuts and revenue,” he said. “If I could raise revenue by allowing our dressed campus to be used for movies and television shows, then that’s more we don’t have to charge in tuition.”

“It was good marketing. [‘Zoey 101’] was a good, wholesome story,” Benton said.

He remembers the experience as “crazy talented kids running around campus.”

With Oklahoma’s growing film industry, Benton said does not see why UCO could not take on these unique approaches to raising revenue.

The Regional University System of Oklahoma has begun its search for a permanent president, but no official timeline has been given. Benton said he would not accept a permanent position, and will return to retirement so he can spend time with his wife and grandchildren.

“Every day I wake up thinking about relations on campus, relations with the community, and student enrollment,” Benton said. “That’s my mantra, and I like our chances.”

Diverse candidates line up for open Oklahoma County Clerk position

Quinn Daugherty Reporter

A Special Primary Election will be held Tuesday, February 14, to determine Republican and Democratic nominees for the April 4 election for the office of Oklahoma County Clerk.

Eight candidates — five Democrats, and three Republicans — will appear on the special election ballot. The position was made vacant last June when former Oklahoma County Clerk David Hooten was accused by two female employees of sexual harassment. The office was helmed in the interim by Hooten’s chief deputy Danny Lambert. Republican Maressa

Treat received endorsements from U.S. Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin in January. Treat served as finance director in Lankford’s re-election campaign, and as director of state outreach in his personal office. Treat is a lifelong conservative and community advocate in Oklahoma, according to her website.

Former Oklahoma State Representative Al Lindley and Oklahoma County Democratic Party Chair endorsed democrat Tom Guild.

“Over the years I have come to know a few of the many candidates seeking this office either by reputation or personal contact. Tom Guild is the best choice for this essential office,” Lindley said in his endorsement. “I urge you to support and vote for Tom Guild for the office of Oklahoma County Clerk and ask others to do the same.”

Guild served as Oklahoma County Democratic Party Secretary and taught at Oklahoma universities during a career that spanned 30 years. Oklahoma voters might remember Guild from his failed congressional bid in 2018. In the lead-up to the Democratic primary, Guild was caught tampering and removing opponents’ signs.

21-February 18

Positive signs are on the move as Mercury enters your sign on Saturday. The next few weeks will be full of ingenuity and creativity in communication where everyone else might understand your wavelength just a little better. Your song for the week is “Jubilation” by Norma Tanega.

19-March 20

Lucky you! A Venus-Uranus connection could bring right-placeright-time energy early in the week. Keep an eye out for opportunities that only knock once. Saturday’s Scorpio Moon will bring a creative and emotional undercurrent you can tap into for inspiration. Your song for the week is “Raindrop” by Hot Flash Heat Wave.

Exciting news! Vesta –the asteroid of absolute devotion – enters your sign on Tuesday. Expect passions to climb high this week. More than ever after the Leo Moon last week, this is your chance to walk into a new future. Create the life you want. Your song for this week is “MR NiCE GUY” by CHOBLOCOP.

Is an opportunity knocking at your door again?

A Venus-Uranus aspect brings luck in unexpected places Tuesday and Wednesday, so following your intuition might bring you anything from a really good day to some extra cash in your wallet. When Mercury enters Aquarius on Sunday, communication becomes easier with the air signs in your life. Your song for the week is “One Inch Punch” by Yin Yin.

21-July 22

Your sign is ruled by the Moon. When it wanes this week, you might feel that your energy is directed into different places than normal. This is the time to nurture yourself and the projects dearest to your heart.

Your song for the week is “Calming Night Partner” by Land of Talk.

After your full moon on Sunday night, it might be that a new version of yourself is stepping forward. It’s up to you to embrace it. This week brings themes of passion, drive, and connection. Your song for the week is “ALIEN SUPERSTAR” by Beyonce.

VIR GO August 23- September 22

This week starts with the waning moon in your sign, perfect for finishing projects and tying up loose ends. Mercury in Aquarius enhances your ability to see through confusing situations. A Mercurian aspect later in the week is the cherry on top for getting work done. Your song for the week is “Sedona” by Houndmouth.

LIBR A

23-October 2 2

Is dancing in your plans?

The Moon in your sign Thursday and Friday brings peaceful energy that could turn into a lot of fun. Also, Mercury’s transition into Aquarius heightens your bubbly nature. Your song for the week is “Spotlight” by Jessie Ware.

If the snow days had you frazzled, there’s good news here! Friday will bring a mental boost perfect for powering through. A Libra Moon rings in the weekend this time around, adding a little extra sparkle to your networking skills. Mercury goes into Aquarius Saturday, putting the spotlight on new ideas and creative solutions. Now’s your time to shine! Your song this week is “Crash” by Neovaii.

23-November 21

You are no stranger to devotion. This week, when Vesta enters Aries, your passions may feel even deeper and more intense than before. Saturday night brings the waning moon into your sign, marking a perfect time for self care. Do things that make you feel more like yourself. Your song for the week is “Crush With Eyeliner” by R.E.M.

SAGITTARIUS

22-December 21 CAPRICORN

Dear firecracker, good things are on the way! A Mercurian aspect means Friday will be a quick day for getting work done. A Libra Moon this weekend lightens up the mood. Have fun with it!

Your song for the week is “This Is What We Look Like” by Personal Best.

21-January 20

On Friday, Mercury teams up with Pluto to enhance your problem solving skills. Sharing your clever solutions could result in a boost for your reputation. This is also under a Libra Moon, meaning that your diplomatic communication skills are sharper than normal.

Your song for the week is “Those Were The Days” by Lady Sovereign.

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