logo
Hundreds of teachers, administrative staff laid off from Epic Charter Schools

Hundreds of teachers, administrative staff laid off from Epic Charter Schools

Yahoo04-06-2025
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Epic Charter Schools has laid off hundreds of employees.
Now, former employees say they found out with no warning at all.
'I just received an email stating that my contract was not going to be renewed for the upcoming school year. They gave no reason whatsoever, no warning, and then literally within minutes my computer was deactivated,' said a former employee.
Epic Charter Schools says a total of 357 employees were not renewed for the 2025-2026 school year:
83 Teachers
274 Administrative Staff
'My first initial reaction was just overwhelming sadness because I love the students and I love the people and I love the teachers, and then I was just mad, I was mad because these are people's lives at stake, like a warning would have been just courteous,' said a former employee.
Norman Regional Health System lays off 10% of workforce
The former employee says that they will not be getting severance pay, but will be paid through the end of June.
'To my understanding, it was a lot of us that were let go due to mismanaging funds,' said a former employee.
Epic says the layoffs were necessary to ensure long-term suitability
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, Epic will phase out its Learning Center model, no longer offering full-day in-person instruction Monday through Friday. Meal services for breakfast and lunch will also no longer be provided.
News 4 reported on other layoffs and pay cuts in the fall due to a financial shortfall from lower-than-expected enrollment.
'It's just a tragic reality and sadly, it's something that I predicted four years ago now when we changed the school funding formula,' said Rep. Andy Fugate (D-Del City).
In 2021, public schools relied on the most recent enrollment numbers to work up their budgets. Rep. Fugate says Epic used numbers that were inflated due to COVID-19.
'You know, the model itself, charter schools in general here in Oklahoma can be fly-by-night school learning environments. There's nothing that says they have to remain in business,' said Rep. Fugate.
Epic Charter Schools says enrollment is open for next school year.
Last year, they saw a little over 30,000 students; during COVID-19, it was about 60,000.
News 4 stopped by Epic Charter Schools today, but nobody was there.
A statement was sent to News 4 a few hours later.
As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, Epic Charter Schools remains committed to our mission of serving 30,000 students and families across Oklahoma. In order to continue delivering a high-quality educational experience and ensure long-term financial sustainability, our leadership team, working closely with our new Chief Financial Officer, has undertaken a thorough review of all areas of our organization.
As a result of this evaluation, it has become necessary to implement significant streamlining measures. This process includes the difficult decision to adjust certain positions within the organization. These changes are not made lightly, but they are essential to align our resources with our educational priorities and to ensure Epic's continued success in serving our students and families.
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, Epic Charter Schools will offer our two most popular models: the Epic One-on-one model and Comet Academy model. As we phase out the Learning Center model, we're excited to give our Learning Center families priority in the Comet Academy model, which has a similar face-to-face structure.
This will help to serve more students and eliminate the waiting list at Epic's largest facilities in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. This change will open up additional space for Epic teachers to book in-person meetings for One-on-one, Comet Academy and clubs.
We will no longer offer full-day in-person instruction Monday through Friday. Meal services for breakfast and lunch will no longer be provided.
'We are grateful to every member of the Epic team for the passion and care they bring to our community,' said Superintendent Bart Banfield. 'This transition is about preserving and strengthening our ability to serve students for years to come. We are committed to supporting those impacted with compassion and transparency.'
A total of 357 Epic employees were not renewed for the 2025-2026 school year:
83 Teachers of 1,401 (5.92%)
274 Administrative Staff of 732 (37.43%)
Enrollment is currently open for the 2025-2026 school year.
Founded in 2011, Epic Charter Schools is Oklahoma's largest public virtual charter school – and among the largest of its kind in the U.S. – serving approximately 30,000 students from PreK-12th grade in all 77 counties statewide.
Epic Charter Schools
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Direct To Consumer: Bachpan Play School's New Expansion Route
Direct To Consumer: Bachpan Play School's New Expansion Route

Time Business News

timean hour ago

  • Time Business News

Direct To Consumer: Bachpan Play School's New Expansion Route

In recent decades, D2C (direct-to-consumer) marketing has established itself as a trend with apparel brands and brands dealing with health and wellness, for the most part. However, a new D2C wave seems to be approaching with respect to early learning at home. Indian parents are growing increasingly conscious about value when it comes to their children's education, and with futuristic technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) starting to shape the world, that value-consciousness today calls for innovative solutions. In such a dynamic context, Bachpan Play School, which is a leading preschool brand in India with 1200+ branches nationwide, has been reported to soon extend its innovative educational products and 20 years of legacy into the D2C domain. This makes it important to explore what direct-to-consumer education is and how the D2C preschool model will address the growing concerns of new-age parents of the next-gen leaders. So far, parents have always been on the receiving end of educational products and services offered by schools. In other words, educational products and services are mediated by schools, and while parents are traditionally the primary decision-makers, they are not the direct consumers who have a direct say in what their children are learning. With the emerging D2C preschool model, this is all set to change for 21st-century parents and learners. Direct-to-consumer education is not about e-commerce as much as it is about a subtle shift in pedagogy and educational product designs that changes how learning happens. While the traditional model of schooling hinges on infrastructure and is constrained by location, the D2C preschool model democratizes learning to a further extent, and customized play-based learning kits and even age-appropriate assessments are directly in the hands of parents. It is to be noted that the D2C preschool model gained traction particularly after the COVID-19 era, and it is in its nascent stages in India, adopted mostly among urban and tech-smart parents, who have grown accustomed to homeschooling and digital learning. However, this model is expected to grow in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where parents have high aspirations but limited access to quality, future-focused education. The D2C preschool model works very much like it does in other industries. It involves reaching the consumers, who are parents and guardians in this context, directly. The Bachpan D2C expansion in India, for example, is aimed at ensuring that some of its most unique and relevant offerings reach every child, irrespective of whether or not they are studying in Bachpan Play School. One of these offerings includes learning kits with DIY activities which parents and children can do together, ensuring both home learning and parental involvement. While traditional pre-schooling still dominates, albeit with advanced learning tools and specialized learning environments, Bachpan Play School is a major traditional player that is set to redefine the preschool space with its D2C offerings. During the initial phase, Ajay Gupta, Founder and CEO of Bachpan Play School , stated it clearly, 'I never wanted to start just one school and change the lives of a limited number of students in a specific area. I always wanted to have multiple schools in multiple locations and change the lives of countless children.' He used the franchise model to achieve this vision, and the Bachpan D2C expansion is said to be a step forward in that vision. The D2C preschool model blurs the line between school and home, and it meets the parents at their doorstep. Bachpan's move signifies a radical shift happening in the preschool space and heralds a new chapter in early childhood education and development. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

The Rise of Contactless Delivery and What It Means for Logistics
The Rise of Contactless Delivery and What It Means for Logistics

Time Business News

timean hour ago

  • Time Business News

The Rise of Contactless Delivery and What It Means for Logistics

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped consumer behavior and logistics operations almost overnight. Social distancing, health concerns, and rapid e-commerce growth prompted a shift away from traditional delivery models. Contactless delivery quickly emerged as a safer, more efficient alternative. As consumers began prioritizing hygiene and convenience, delivery tracking evolved from a 'nice-to-have' to a critical component of logistics. Today, logistics providers are rethinking last-mile operations, driven by new customer expectations and digital capabilities. This article explores what contactless delivery is, why it's here to stay, and how it's transforming logistics—from local drop-offs to international shipping. Contactless delivery is a fulfillment method where couriers deliver items without requiring direct interaction with the recipient. Unlike traditional delivery that often involves signatures or hand-to-hand exchange, contactless delivery uses: GPS-verified drop-offs One-time PINs (OTP) Photo confirmation via mobile apps These changes were rapidly adopted during the pandemic but are now standard practice across package delivery services. E-commerce retailers, food delivery apps, and third-party logistics companies alike have embedded contactless delivery into their standard workflows. Example: Amazon's 'Photo on Delivery' feature and UPS's signature-waiver policies are now widely accepted across urban and suburban markets. What began as a temporary response to a global health crisis has become a long-term consumer preference. Customers now expect safety, speed, and convenience with every delivery. Key drivers: Safety and hygiene: Customers want minimal physical contact. Customers want minimal physical contact. Digital convenience: Mobile apps and push notifications make contactless delivery seamless. Mobile apps and push notifications make contactless delivery seamless. Efficiency: Couriers save time by avoiding waiting or collecting signatures. Benefits for logistics operations: Reduced handling and faster delivery cycles Fewer failed deliveries Better customer reviews and loyalty These changes support the rising demand for fast delivery, especially in urban centers where time windows are tight. Example: Instacart and DoorDash both saw a permanent shift to contactless options even after lockdowns eased, proving the model's staying power. The shift toward contactless fulfillment has forced delivery companies to retool operations and adopt smarter systems. Operational adjustments include: No-signature drop-offs using GPS and photo proof using GPS and photo proof OTP delivery codes to ensure secure receipt to ensure secure receipt Mobile confirmation systems integrated with customer apps Fleet management has also evolved. Route optimization software now accounts for unattended deliveries, minimizing delays and improving drop efficiency. Companies like Serene Transports have embraced these changes by integrating app-based confirmations and contactless proof of delivery, ensuring both customer safety and operational efficiency. Example: FedEx's Delivery Manager system enables recipients to leave specific instructions, skip signatures, and receive real-time notifications. Modern consumers expect deliveries to be: Seamless Transparent Real-time What customers value: Accurate ETAs Instant delivery confirmation Easy-to-access tracking through mobile apps A delivery company that cannot meet these expectations risks losing loyalty. Real-time notifications and location tracking are no longer differentiators—they're expected features. Example: Shopify's Shop app provides real-time updates from multiple retailers, showing how delivery experience is becoming a key part of customer retention. While contactless delivery is common in domestic logistics, implementing it globally presents unique challenges. Key issues: Customs and regulatory compliance Language barriers and localization of delivery instructions and localization of delivery instructions Infrastructure readiness for real-time updates across borders Adapting contactless systems in cross border trucking requires smart compliance with customs protocols and seamless digital communication. Logistics tech providers must invest in globally interoperable systems to support cross-border efficiency. Example: Flexport and DHL use mobile and cloud-based tools to manage international proof of delivery and customs paperwork with minimal manual intervention. Looking forward, the contactless model is expected to evolve further with emerging technologies. Key future trends: Drone and autonomous vehicle delivery for low-contact, high-speed shipping for low-contact, high-speed shipping AI-powered route planning to reduce delays and fuel use to reduce delays and fuel use Integration with smart home systems—like smart door locks, parcel drop boxes, and IoT-connected garages The model also offers long-term sustainability benefits by lowering failed deliveries, cutting paper waste, and enabling leaner logistics. Example: Walmart is testing smart garage deliveries in partnership with Level Lock, showing how contactless delivery can integrate directly into homes. Contactless delivery has transformed from a pandemic-era workaround into a core logistics capability. It offers speed, convenience, and transparency—all of which are underpinned by robust delivery tracking systems. As logistics becomes more customer-centric and digitally driven, businesses that invest in contactless models will lead the way in speed, satisfaction, and scalability. Those who delay digital transformation risk being left behind in a logistics environment that demands agility, visibility, and trust. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

The Caribbean islands that give you a passport if you buy a home
The Caribbean islands that give you a passport if you buy a home

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

The Caribbean islands that give you a passport if you buy a home

Scroll through homes for sale in the Eastern Caribbean and it is no longer just bewitching beaches and a laid-back lifestyle being touted to woo buyers. More and more property listings are offering a passport too – and political and social volatility in the US is said to be fuelling an upsurge in interest. Five of the region's island nations – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia – offer such citizenship by investment (CBI) from as little as $200,000 (£145,000). Buy a home, and you also get a passport that grants the holder visa-free access to up to 150 countries including the UK and Europe's Schengen area. For the wealthy, the islands' absence of taxes such as capital gains and inheritance, and in some cases on income too, is another major draw. And all five of the region's schemes allow buyers to retain their existing citizenship. In Antigua, estate agents are struggling to keep up with demand, says Nadia Dyson, owner of Luxury Locations. "Up to 70% of all buyers right now are wanting citizenship, and the vast majority are from the US," she tells the BBC. "We don't talk politics with them, but the unstable political landscape [in the US] is definitely a factor. "This time last year, it was all lifestyle buyers and a few CBI. Now they're all saying 'I want a house with citizenship'. We've never sold so many before." Despite Antigua's programme having no residency requirement, some purchasers are looking to relocate full-time, Ms Dyson says, adding: "A few have relocated already." US citizens account for the bulk of CBI applications in the Caribbean over the past year, according to investment migration experts Henley & Partners. Ukraine, Turkey, Nigeria and China are among the other most frequent countries of origin of applicants, says the UK firm which has offices around the world. It adds that overall applications for Caribbean CBI programmes have increased by 12% since the fourth quarter of 2024. Everything from gun violence to antisemitism is putting Americans on tenterhooks, according to the consultancy's Dominic Volek. "Around 10-15% actually relocate. For most it's an insurance policy against whatever they're concerned about. Having a second citizenship is a good back-up plan," he explains. Mr Volek says the ease-of-travel advantages the Caribbean passports provide appeals to businesspeople, and may also present a security benefit. "Some US clients prefer to travel on a more politically-benign passport." Prior to the Covid pandemic, the US was not even on Henley's "radar", Mr Volek continues. Movement restrictions proved "quite a shock" for affluent people used to travelling freely on private jets, prompting the first surge in stateside CBI applications. Interest ratcheted up again after the 2020 and 2024 US elections. "There are Democrats that don't like Trump but also Republicans that don't like Democrats," Mr Volek says. "In the last two years we've gone from having zero offices in the US to eight across all major cities, with another two to three opening in the coming months." Was China the reason Guyana faced higher Trump tariff? Raisins or not? Pudding debate splits island nation Letting off steam: How Dominica's volcanoes will boost its green energy Robert Taylor, from Halifax in Canada, bought a property in Antigua where he plans to retire later this year. He invested $200,000 just before the real estate threshold was raised to $300,000 last summer. Not only does being a citizen avoid restrictions on length of stay, it also gives him the freedom to take advantage of business opportunities, he explains. "I chose Antigua because it has beautiful water, I find the people very, very friendly and it also means great weather for the later part of my life." Still, such programmes are not without controversy. When passport sales were first mooted in 2012 by the then Antiguan government as a way of propping up the ailing economy, some considered the ethics a little iffy. Protesters took to the streets in condemnation, recalls former Speaker of the House Gisele Isaac. "There was a sense of nationalism; people felt we were selling our identity, so to speak, to people who knew nothing about us," she says. Leaders of some other Caribbean nations that do not offer CBIs have also been quick to criticise, including St Vincent and the Grenadines' Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. He has previously said citizenship should not be "a commodity for sale". Among the international community, there are fears that lax oversight may help criminals get through their borders. The European Union has threatened to withdraw its coveted visa-free access for Caribbean CBI countries, while the US has previously raised concerns over the potential for such schemes to be used as a vehicle for tax evasion and financial crime. A European Commission spokesperson tells the BBC that it is "monitoring" the five Caribbean schemes, and has been in talks with their respective authorities since 2022. She says an ongoing assessment is seeking to substantiate if citizenship by investment constitutes "an abuse of the visa-free regime those countries enjoy vis-à-vis the EU and whether it is likely to lead to security risks for the EU". The Commission has acknowledged reforms carried out by the islands, which it says will have an impact on its evaluation. For their part, the five Caribbean nations have reacted angrily to claims that they are not doing enough to scrutinise applicants. Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has described his country's CBI programme as "sound and transparent", adding authorities had worked hard to ensure its integrity. The government says passport sales have raised more than $1bn since the initiative's inception in 1993, paying for vital infrastructure including a state-of-the-art hospital. In St Lucia, Prime Minister Philip J Pierre says the island adheres to the highest standards of security to ensure its CBI does not inadvertently aid illicit activities. The need to appease the world's superpowers with raising revenue is a delicate balancing act for small Caribbean nations with meagre resources, dependent on the whims of tourism. CBI programmes were labelled a lifeline at a regional industry summit in April, with funds used for everything from cleaning up after natural disasters to shoring up national pension schemes. Antigua's Prime Minister Gaston Browne said money raised had brought his country back from the brink of bankruptcy over the past decade. Aside from buying property, other routes to Caribbean citizenship through investment typically include a one-off donation to a national development fund or similar. They range from $200,000 in Dominica for a single applicant, to $250,000 for a main applicant and up to three qualifying dependents in Dominica and St Kitts. In Antigua, investors also have the option of donating $260,000 to the University of the West Indies. In the face of international pressure, the islands have committed to new measures to bolster oversight, including establishing a regional regulator to set standards, monitor operations and ensure compliance. Additionally, six principles agreed with the US include enhanced due diligence, regular audits, mandatory interviews with all applicants, and the removal of a loophole that previously enabled an applicant denied by one country to apply in another. These days, passport sales account for 10-30% of the islands' GDP. Andre Huie, a journalist in St Kitts, says his country's CBI scheme is "generally well supported" as a result. "The public understand the value of it to the economy, and appreciate what the government has been able to do with the money."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store