Owasso superintendent says schools are ready for first day of classes

Owasso Public Schools is preparing to start the new school year Thursday, with leaders highlighting lunch programs, curriculum policies, testing changes and an upcoming bond vote.

Wednesday, August 13th 2025, 7:33 am

By: Brooke Cox

OWASSO, Okla. -

Students in Owasso are spending their final day of summer break as classes resume Thursday for the 2025-26 school year. Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates said staff and students are ready to begin.

Teachers kicked off the week with a district meeting, and bus drivers are practicing their routes ahead of the first day. Elementary students recently attended "Meet the Teacher" night to pick up class assignments and tour their classrooms.

School Lunch Program

The district is reminding families to apply for free and reduced-price lunches, even if they are unsure if they qualify. Coates said the online application is available through the district website or by contacting the child nutrition office.

Families must reapply each school year, and the information helps determine federal funding for several district programs.

Bible Use In Classrooms

While the Bible is not part of Owasso’s adopted curriculum, Coates said teachers may use it as a supplemental resource and students are free to bring and read from it.

State Testing Discussion

Coates addressed the possibility of Oklahoma ending end-of-year standardized testing if a federal waiver is approved.

She said the district participates in state testing but supports the idea of shifting to benchmark tests during the year to better assist students while they are learning.

Upcoming Bond Vote

Owasso voters will decide on a $169M school bond proposal Sept. 9. Coates said the measure would fund projects in safety, academics, fine arts, athletics and technology.

She added that the district is planning for future growth, with enrollment projected to increase by 1,000 students in the next decade.

A full breakdown of how the bond will be used can be found on OwassoPS.org.

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