Kingfisher Public Schools won’t require a Bible be placed in every classroom or teaching from the Bible, but will continue to follow the Oklahoma Academic Standards.

The board of education took that stance last Monday when members voted 3-0 to approve a position statement regarding the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s mandate and guidelines for the Bible that were to be implemented this school year.

The position statement was prepared by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.

Voting for its approval were Charles Walker, Carly Franks and Brad Wittrock. Members Terry Payne and Dana Golbek were absent from the meeting.

“Schools have always been able to incorporate biblical examples and teachings within the Oklahoma standards because they are built into our standards already,” the statement reads, in part. “Any faith-based activities that go beyond the state standards will be considered for approval by our local board of education and administration based upon whether it is legal, constitutional and beneficial to our students.”

••• State Superintendent Ryan Walters raised eyebrows statewide - and nationwide - in May when he announced a mandate that Bibles be placed in every classroom in every school district and that it be taught in classrooms.

“Every teacher, every classroom in the state will have a bible in the classroom and will be teaching from the Bible in the classroom,” Walters said.

A member from the Oklahoma State Department of Education later stated “all Oklahoma schools are required to incorporate the Bible, which includes the Ten Commandments, as an instructional support into the curriculum across specified grade levels, e.g. grades 5 through 12.”

The OSDE didn’t provide guidelines for the mandate until July.

In the introduction to the standards, it states: “Immediate and complete implementation of these guidelines for the 2024-2025 school year is required.

“This memorandum and the included standards must be provided to every teacher as well as providing a physical copy of the Bible, the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Ten Commandments as resources in every classroom in the school district. These documents are mandatory for the holistic education of students in Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond weighed in on the matter in July, stating the state superintendent doesn’t have legal authority to decide curriculum content, but rather that falls to local school boards.

As for using the Bible for teaching, AG spokesperson Phil Bacharach said “Oklahoma law already explicitly allows Bibles in the classroom and enables teachers to use them in instruction.”

Many school districts have openly stated they will follow the guidelines laid out in the Oklahoma Academic Standards.

Those are approved by both the Oklahoma State Board of Education and the state legislature and do not require Bible placement or teachings.

Following is the complete position statement approved by the board:

Kingfisher Public Schools upholds the values that have shaped our great nation, respecting our country and its rich heritage rooted in Judeo-Christian principles. Our commitment to these values is reflected in the fact that we honor our history and that we recognize the profound influence of faith and the Bible in the foundation of the United States.

Respecting our Country We believe that one purpose of education is to foster a deep respect for our country among students, educators, school leaders and the broader community. This respect is cultivated through understanding and appreciating the principles of freedom, democracy and justice that underpin our society. We emphasize the importance of civic responsibility and national pride, encouraging students to become informed and active citizens who contribute positively to our nation.

American Values

Foundational values that have been integral to the development of American society guide our educational philosophy. Values such as integrity, compassion, respect for others and the importance of community are central to our mission. These principles help create a nurturing and ethical environment in our schools, promoting moral development and a sense of shared responsibility.

Honoring Our History We are dedicated to teaching and preserving the history of the United States, acknowledging both its triumphs and challenges. By providing a comprehensive and balanced historical education, we ensure that students understand the context of our nation’s development and the lessons it offers for the future. This includes recognizing the contributions of all the diverse groups that have helped form our great country.

The Influence of Faith and the Bible The influence of faith and the Bible in the foundation of the United States is undeniable. Many of our founding fathers were guided by biblical principles and a deep faith in God. These influences shaped the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and other foundational documents, embedding ideals such as liberty, equality and the inherent dignity of every individual.

In our schools, we respect and acknowledge this historical influence while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and respect for all faiths and beliefs. We encourage students to explore and understand the role of faith in the American story, fostering an environment of mutual respect and open dialogue.

Conclusion

Kingfisher Public Schools remains steadfast in its commitment to respecting our country upholding its constitution and foundational values, honoring our history and recognizing the significant influence of faith and the Bible in our nation’s foundation. Through education, we aim to instill these principles in our students, preparing them to be thoughtful respectful and engaged citizens who will continue to uphold and cherish the values that make our nation strong.

This is the common ground we hold with the recent guidelines sent out by the State Superintendent of Instruction. Schools have always been able to incorporate biblical examples and teachings within the Oklahoma standards because they are built into our standards already. Any faith-based activities that go beyond the state standards will be considered for approval by our local board of education and administration based upon whether it is legal, constitutional and beneficial to our students.