John Tepotella, principal at Ponca City High School, told the Ponca City Public Schools Board of Education that the district plans to run a summer driver education program beginning May 26, with applications opening April 9 and accepted applicants chosen April 15.

"Last year was our first year to bring it back in the summer. It was a huge success. We were able to serve 40 students that went through the driver's ed program and, we're able to even get their permits at the end of it," Tepotella said.

Tepotella said the program provides an elective credit and that students must be 15 years old by the program start date. Instructors will proctor the written exam during class so students do not need to leave to take the test.

The presentation noted the program requires 30 hours of instructional time and six hours of drive time. Tepotella warned the board that the HOPE Schafer Act, a new state law discussed at the meeting, defaults to students riding alone unless their parent signs a waiver. That requirement could reduce how many students the district can serve because instructors cannot have more than one student driving in a vehicle unless a waiver is signed.

"So it could possibly, we could see a dip in enrollment just based on, you know, this new law," Tepotella said. "Our intent was we wanted to expand this program and offer 60, 80 kids the alternative to new drivers. But if parents don't fill this waiver out ... then we're stuck on, okay, get that kid, drive him, take him back to their slot, pick up another kid, drive him."

Board members asked whether the district could hire more certified instructors or add vehicles. Tepotella said certified driver education instructors are the main barrier because instructors must hold a driver's education certificate and such positions have become less common.

Tepotella said the district will require applicants to sign the waiver via PowerSchool forms immediately after applying, and staff will evaluate enrollment after the application period to determine how many students can be accommodated under the new rules.

The district also thanked local dealers for vehicle support and confirmed scholarships will be available for students with demonstrated economic need.

The board did not take formal action on the program during the meeting; staff were directed to continue planning, finalize application wording and waiver language, and report back to administration and the board with final numbers.

Ending: Board members said they want more details about staffing, scheduling and potential enrollment once parents begin submitting waivers. Tepotella said he will meet with staff again and bring finalized operational details back to the administration and the board for further direction.