Two years ago I ran for office during a different kind of crisis. Oklahoma educators sounded the alarm and many signed up to serve. I am proud of the work we have done thus far in beginning to right that ship.
Fast forward to today - the COVID-19 Pandemic has touched us all. The systems in our state have been subjected to the same lack of attention as education due to a decade of cuts - and we are feeling the pain.
I have spent more time talking to constituents than ever before and getting them connected to support systems. So many are worried. So many are struggling. Biggest concerns: Access to health care. The loss of a job. Making payroll. Paying the mortgage. Being a parent, teacher, and employee from home all at the same time and worrying that you aren't doing any of it right.
I've also spent much of my time asking the tough questions of our state agencies and leadership and not letting up until we get the right answers. One thing has become very clear - my work here is far from done.
News
Thursday, October 8, 2020 6:46 AMTenants and Landlords Agree that Oklahoma needs eviction reforms
Friday, October 2, 2020 1:04 PM
Officials Call Epic findings "Concerning" and "Deeply Concerning
“As we have said from the beginning, our concern has never been about our teachers that work for Epic,” said state Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa. “Our concerns have always been upstream. Were Oklahoma tax dollars being spent on our students? Today it appears we found out they were not.”
Tuesday, September 15, 2020 6:32 AM
House Dem Education Policy Team Requests AG examine CARES Act Spending
Education Policy Team requests examination of CARES Act spending
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 4:09 PM
Returning to Learn in the Time of Covid - NASSP
"Public schools do rock star things every single day, and a lot of the time it gets overshadowed." - Rep. Provenzano
So thankful to be a part of the National Association Secondary Schools Principals (NASSP) "Return to Learning in the Time of COVID" conversation. Teachers, principals, superintendents and school staff - I am in awe. Keep up the good work! Click below to watch the national panel discussion!
or read about it here:
Thursday, June 25, 2020 12:42 PM
State Testing Waiver Requested for 2020-21 School Year - Tulsa World
For the 2020-2021 school year, the House Democratic Education Policy team is requesting a waiver for state testing.
“Our teachers have a monumental task this fall that they have already begun preparing for: determining how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted learning and developing the best plan to meet the unique needs these uncertain times will demand. It's time to put authentic assessment squarely into the hands of these skilled professionals who will be working directly with our children." - Rep. Provenzano
