very good clip. the big difference that i notice between living in a rural area and in the urban area is the attachment to the local schools. if you live in, say, kingfisher, everyone goes to the ballgames. people actually attend graduation ceremonies and school plays, because they feel a connection to the kids. when there is a competition involving a rival, everyone rallies together around the kids. this is NOT the urban reality, but it could be.

when huey long became governor of louisiana, he was determined to build a real university. lsu had been a sleepy college where the wealthy sent their kids, and no one really cared. huey decided that they must have some flash and keep tuition affordable, and he started with (of all things) the BAND. he also hired a good football coach. he wanted lsu to have the biggest, loudest, best band in the sec, and he wanted a winning football program. eventually, it worked!

i have long wondered why taft stadium was not involved in the MAPS for kids. if you want to get people interested in the kids, SHOW them the kids. give them some entertainment, and make them feel emotionally attached to what is going on. it’s called MARKETING, and it works. believe it or not, millionaires have graduated from capitol hill high school. no, they weren’t millionaires at the time, but they became that way. each of our schools has had its time in the sun, but they have sadly faded. this need not be, anymore than the paseo/jefferson park is doomed, or automobile alley, or bricktown, etc.

Steve, I congratulate you for posting this video, and for the implicit recognition of the social concerns/issues which it embraces.

For individual people who would like to offer non-monetary but hands-on help, I’m interested in learning who to contact about what individual people can do to help. I’m also thinking that Retro Metro OKC might find a role in the process.

Doug, feel free to give us a call at The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools next week and we’d be happy to visit with you about opportunities to help! 405.879.2007

The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools welcomes the opportunity to work with everyone in our community to bring resources to OKCPS. Please feel free to call us at 405-879-2007 to talk about how you can be involved in ensuring all of our students have opportunities to be successful. RISE UP Oklahoma City!

Thanks, Christy. I will call.