Norman education, civic, and business leaders are worried about employee recruitment and college student retention. They outlined their concerns Thursday at the Norman Economic Development Coalition’s annual summit.
Norman Public Schools Superintendent Joe Siano said he understands that the school district is an important part of economic development. But the district needs quality teachers to remain attractive to families and businesses, The Journal Record’s Molly Fleming reports:
The only time Siano mentioned state budget cuts was when he talked about how they affect getting teachers. The city had previously approved bond issues to fund facilities. He said the district felt the need for trained and qualified teachers this school year. In the past, the district had about three teachers with emergency teacher certifications. This year, it had 30. The state Education Department’s website states that emergency certifications can be used only when a district has exhausted every option to find a qualified person.
Norman Regional Health System Interim President and CEO Richie Splitt said the company needs nurses and physicians to replace retiring Baby Boomers. With the University of Oklahoma in the city, it would seem like the city has young talent. But Norman Economic Development Coalition President Jason Smith and Chamber of Commerce President John Woods said the city needs to do a better job of retaining OU grads., according to Fleming:
The city of Norman had 2.5-percent job growth, which is about 4,000 jobs, from December 2014 to December 2015, Smith said. Another 387 jobs will come online this year from existing businesses. Smith doesn’t want to stop with that job growth. He said the NEDC is creating a new vision, which starts with its mission statement. If the organization is about creating jobs, then mission statement should say that, but it doesn’t currently. His new proposed statement boils down the organization’s work to improving the quality of life for Norman-area residents by creating jobs.
KGOU relies on voluntary contributions from readers and listeners to further its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. To contribute to our efforts, make your donation online, or contact our Membership department.
