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About OROS
The
Organization of Rural Oklahoma Schools (OROS) is an organized group of
some 400 schools that strive to promote and preserve the rural schools
in our state. We also attempt to educate the public on the importance
of the continued operation of rural schools.
The
first meeting of OROS was called in February of 1984 and was attended
by approximately 50 superintendents. Consolidation was the primary fear
facing the smaller rural schoools at the time. The organization opposed
then, and is still opposed to, legislation that mandates consolidation
or combining administrative units based on number of students, number
of districts and/or size (square miles) of a district.
Over
the years, OROS has gained respect and credibility with other
educational organizations of the state, the executive and legislative
branches of government and state agencies that oversee education in the
state. OROS is now a major player and in the mainstream of the
decision making process for the rural schools of Oklahoma.
OROS
was organized as a non-profit organizaton.
OROS
is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of three directors from
the four quadrants of the state and three at-large directors appointed
annually by the elected board.
OROS
Directors serve staggered terms and are elected by the membership at
the annual business meeting that is held in conjunction with the
monthly meeting in May.
A
President, President-elect, and Treasurer are the officers of the
organization and are elected by the membership. The President-elect
succeeds the President annually.
The
immediate Past President is also a voting member of the Board.
The
Board employs an
Executive Director and
a
Legal Counsel.
The
Board meets monthly, on a date designated by the Board of Directors,
usually in Oklahoma City.
- OROS WORKS CLOSELY
WITH THE LEGISLATURE DURING THE SESSION AND THE INTERIM TO PROVIDE
INPUT FOR RURAL SCHOOLS.
- OROS PROVIDES A
FULL TIME LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT DURING THE SESSION.
- OROS PROVIDES
SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES FOR MEMBER DISTRICTS.
- OROS KEEPS MEMBER
DISTRICTS INFORMED DURING THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION THROUGH OUR E-MAIL
TREE AND OUR INTERNET HOME PAGE.
- FREE WORKSHOPS AND
SEMINARS FOR MEMBERS.
- MEMBERS RECEIVE ON
REQUEST A FULL SET OF SAMPLE SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES AT NO COST TO THE
DISTRICT.
- ANNUAL FALL
CONFERENCE (at no charge) WITH PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO ASSIST RURAL
SCHOOLS IN IMPLEMENTING NEW STATE AND FEDERAL MANDATES AS WELL AS
PROVIDING OTHER TOPICS OF INTEREST.
- MONTHLY
NEWSLETTER THAT KEEPS THE MEMBERSHIP INFORMED OF STATE AND NATIONAL
RURAL EDUCATION ISSUES.
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