ROPE - Restore Oklahoma Public Education Becomes ROPE 2.0 - Reclaim Oklahoma Parent Empowerment Effective 11/2/15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11/2/15

Effective immediately, ROPE - Restore Oklahoma Public Education - will become ROPE2.0 - Reclaiming Oklahoma Parent Empowerment.

Though Restore Oklahoma Public Education has worked diligently to tutor Oklahoma parents and taxpayers about how issues such as the Common Core State Standards and threats to Student Privacy effect students using public education since its inception in 2010, its mission field has shifted markedly in the last several years.

President, Jenni White explains, “For years, ROPE board members have worked as volunteer citizen researchers and lobbyists, watchdogging Oklahoma public education on behalf of parents and taxpayers. Over the years, as our organization has navigated the often-choppy waters of education policy, we’ve begun to believe strongly that parents – not governments of any kind – hold the keys to the future educational successes of Oklahoma’s students. Only parents can truly know what’s best for each of their individual children and only parents have the vested interest necessary to raise children with the education each will need to become productive Oklahomans and Americans. Every child has the right to an education best suited to them, and every parent has the right – and duty – to provide such an education. We believe the time is right to invest in the education and support necessary to equip parents to champion their child’s educational needs.”

Vice-President Lynn Habluetzel concurs, “I’m frequently asked, “Don’t you want accountability?” Yes. I want the ultimate accountability - the parent. Let’s let parents choose the best education for their particular child.”

ROPEs new trajectory will include four levels of outreach. Lynn Habluetzel will become ROPE’s Legislative Director and facilitate connection with the state legislature. Tracey Montgomery will bring her experience as Oklahoma’s Parental Rights.Org Director to her position as Parental Rights Liaison, Julia Seay will act as ROPE’s Political Director, taking on the task of helping parents find their voice in the decisions that affect the education of their children at the state level, while Joy Collins will become Creative Director, overseeing the new website and creation of marketing and education tools. Former ROPE President, Jenni White will transition to Education Director, educating parents about practical homeschooling methods and other approaches toward making student-centered education a reality.

ROPE2.0 will be available to parents in any size group interested in hearing more about how to empower themselves to fully invest in the education of their children.