Oklahoma House Report
Like so many across our state, I spent the past week with a heavy heart after learning about the frightening events at Pauls Valley High School. What should have been a normal school day for students and teachers quickly turned into a moment of danger and uncertainty.
In the middle of that moment, we saw something that deserves to be recognized. We saw extraordinary leadership. We saw courage.
Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore and two other administrators acted with remarkable bravery and selflessness. When faced with a threat, they did what great educators and leaders do. They put their students first.
When an armed individual approached the school, Principal Moore did not run from the danger. He ran toward it. He confronted the suspect, took him to the ground and held him there until law enforcement arrived, all while suffering from a gunshot wound.
Our prayers remain with Principal Moore as he continues to recover both physically and mentally.
I am deeply thankful for the swift response from local law enforcement, first responders and the entire team at the Garvin County Sheriff’s Office, who acted quickly to secure the situation.
I also want to extend my sincere thanks to the Oklahoma State Department of Education for the assistance and support they are providing to the Pauls Valley school district during this time.
Their partnership is helping ensure students, staff and families have the resources they need in the days ahead.
Because of the courage shown in those critical moments, children went home to their families.
The people of Pauls Valley are strong. This community has shown compassion and faith in the face of fear, and I could not be more proud to represent them. Though there may be some nerves as students return to school, please know that student safety remains a top priority for our schools across the district and for the Legislature. Moments like this are a sobering reminder of why the work we are doing at the Capitol matters. The Oklahoma Legislature has made it clear that protecting our students is one of our highest responsibilities.
That is why we have committed $50 million in permanent, recurring funding each year dedicated specifically to school safety across our state.
These are long-term investments to ensure our schools have the tools, training and resources needed to keep students and teachers safe.
This situation could have ended very differently. Instead, because of the courage of one leader and the swift response of many others, we are grateful that no students were harmed.
I also want to remind our students that if you see something, say something.
Speaking up is often the first and most important step in preventing a serious or even tragic situation.
I kindly ask that you join me in prayer for Principal Moore’s recovery and for everyone affected.
Please know that I remain committed to doing everything in my power to keep Oklahoma schools safe.
If you need to speak with me, I am only a phone call or email away. My email address is cynthia.roe@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7365.
Thank you for letting me be our voice at the Capitol!
Rep. Cynthia Roe, a Republican, represents House District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Her district includes portions of Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties.
