In a letter issued to parents, staff and community members, Okmulgee Public Schools Superintendent Lu-Vona Copeland addressed the growing concern surrounding the fate of the Okmulgee High School building, following a recent structural engineering assessment that revealed serious safety concerns. While acknowledging the community’s strong emotional connection to the historic school, Copeland emphasized that any decisions will take time and be guided by transparency and due process.

“We understand many members of our community have questions and concerns about the condition of the Okmulgee High School building and the possibility of its demolition,” Copeland wrote. “While recent reports have provided critical information about the building’s deficiencies, there are still important details we are working to gather and address.”

— Structural Assessment Findings

According to the district, the assessment conducted by a structural engineer identified significant damage that compromises the building’s structural integrity. Although immediate repairs could potentially address the most urgent safety issues, the engineer raised alarms about the long-term stability of the facility.

“The assessment identified serious safety concerns… including damage that compromises its structural integrity and reliability,” Copeland noted. “While immediate repairs would be necessary to address urgent issues, the engineer also raised concerns about the building’s long-term stability.”

The estimated cost to repair the building and address the identified safety concerns currently stands at $2.5 million.

While the district evaluates its options, students will continue attending classes in the CAAT (Career and Academic Access and Transition) Building. The district has also identified the HUB building as a possible future location for high school classes, should relocation become necessary.

“Students, staff and families will be given advance notice of any change to make the transition as easy as possible,” said Copeland. “Thank you for your flexibility and understanding.”

— The Possibility of Demolition

Although the word “demolition” has sparked widespread concern among alumni and community members, no final decision has been made. The district plans to initiate a competitive bidding process to determine the cost of razing the building, in accordance with the Oklahoma Public Competitive Bidding Act.

“To ensure all options are carefully considered, the district will soon begin the bidding process to determine the cost of razing the building,” Copeland said. “This process is thorough and will take time.”

The bidding process will allow the district to compare the projected costs of demolition with the current $2.5 million repair estimate. Once the bids are in, school officials can evaluate all options more clearly before making a final decision.

“The demolition bid process is just beginning … The process will not move quickly; however, we will share updates as soon as more concrete information becomes available,” she explained.

— A Call for Patience & Unity

Above all, Superintendent Copeland emphasized that the wellbeing of students and staff remains the district’s top concern.

“We recognize the importance of this situation for our students, staff and community,” she said. “Please be assured that student safety and quality learning environments remain our top priorities.”

In closing, Copeland thanked the community for their ongoing support and reiterated the district’s commitment to communication and transparency throughout the process.

“Thank you for your patience and support as we move forward together.”

As the future of the Okmulgee High School building remains uncertain, the district’s deliberate and measured approach aims to balance safety, cost and historical significance. Community members who wish to stay informed are encouraged to follow district announcements as new developments emerge.

For many, the high school building is more than just bricks and mortar – it represents decades of memories and milestones. But as Superintendent Copeland’s letter makes clear, any decision about its future will be made carefully, with ample opportunity for public input and plenty of time to evaluate the best course forward.

— Supt. Copeland’s Letter to the Community Note: Below is OPS Superintendent LuVona Copeland’s complete letter to the community.

— Parents, Staff and Community Members, We understand many members of our community have questions and concerns about the condition of the Okmulgee High School building and the possibility of its demolition. While recent reports have provided critical information about the building’s deficiencies, there are still important details we are working to gather and address. Please know we are committed to transparency and will keep you informed as we navigate this challenging situation.

To provide as much clarity as possible, we have prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): What were the findings of the structural engineer assessment?

The assessment identified serious safety concerns within the Okmulgee High School building, including damage that compromises its structural integrity and reliability. While immediate repairs would be necessary to address urgent issues, the engineer also raised concerns about the building’s long-term stability.

Where will students attend classes moving forward?

For now, students will remain in the CAAT Building. As the situation develops, classes may be relocated to the HUB building. Students, staff and families will be given advance notice of any change to make the transition as easy as possible. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding.

What will happen to the Okmulgee High School building?

At this time, the district has received an estimate for repairs that would address immediate safety concerns. However, due to the extent of the structural issues, there are significant and legitimate concerns that additional problems will arise in the near future.

To ensure all options are carefully considered, the district will soon begin the bidding process to determine the cost of razing the building. This process is thorough and will take time. The final decision about the building’s future will depend on these estimates.

What is the timeline for this plan?

The demolition bid process is just beginning and will follow the requirements of the Public Competitive Bidding Act, as outlined in Oklahoma statute. The process will not move quickly; however, we will share updates as soon as more concrete information becomes available. This process allows the district to evaluate and compare the projected cost of demolition with the estimated cost of repairs which is $2,500,000.00 for the identified safety concerns.

We recognize the importance of this situation for our students, staff and community. Please be assured that student safety and quality learning environments remain our top priorities. Thank you for your patience and support as we move forward together.

LuVona Copeland, OPS Superintendent