By Karen Kizzia
The Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB) provides accredited alternative education options for students from preschool to age 21 who live on campus during the week, commute from home or attend summer school programs.
The school campus is 25.645 acres with an additional 43 acres of school property across the street, known as Civitan Park. As a statewide resource center, OSB also offers critical outreach services for students attending public schools across the state who may be on campus for evaluations or other assistance. The school is a division of the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).
In 2008, the Oklahoma Legislature approved funding for an iron and brick column security fence and eight locking gates around the south boundary of the school grounds to protect OSB students and control access to school property. Because the school is a residential educational facility, a permanent fence was recommended.
The total funds set aside for this project, including architect and design fees, is $388,750. We expect the fence to be completed in the next month.
We knew that building a secure fence for a facility of our size would require a substantial commitment.
However, we agree with the Legislature that protecting blind children and ensuring that they have a safe learning environment is definitely worth the investment. The School for the Blind is already 110 years old with plans to continue educating children for many years to come, so we expect to get at least a century of protection out of the new fence. We encourage anyone who has questions about this decision to visit the school and give us a chance to explain in more detail.
Karen Kizzia is superintendent of Oklahoma School for the Blind.
