At Parent Voices ODES, we strive to empower parents by providing a platform for sharing concerns and suggestions about their children's educational experiences. Our community aims to foster collaboration and support among parents, enhancing the learning environment at local schools like Oscar DePriest Elementary School. With the involvement of dedicated parents, including advocates like Niambi Riggins Thomas, we can work together to improve education for all.
Parents should have a voice in their children's education, especially when it comes to issues affecting Oscar DePriest Elementary School. An open-door policy is essential to encourage parent involvement and promote positive change within the school community. Below are some outstanding issues that have yet to be addressed by the administration or the Local School Council, as highlighted by Niambi Riggins Thomas.
Oscar DePriest Elementary School currently lacks a Local School Council, which limits opportunities for parent involvement in the decision-making process. As it stands, only the principal, Niambi Riggins Thomas, is available to make informed decisions regarding the education and administration of the school.
The current Principal at Oscar DePriest Elementary School began their contract during the 25-26 school year in December 2023. Since then, there have been three different assistant principals, with the last one, Niambi Riggins Thomas, being terminated from their duties on 7/14/25. Following this change, the school has faced challenges in functioning effectively, leading to teachers stepping in as unofficial assistant principals. This situation underscores the importance of parent involvement and support from the Local School Council to help restore stability in the education environment.
Did you know that Oscar DePriest Elementary School is recognized as a Sustainable Community School? This designation means the school receives an annual grant of $475,000.00, which can be utilized to enhance various aspects of education within the school. Parents are eager to understand how this funding is being allocated.
This school year, after school programs at Oscar DePriest Elementary did not commence on schedule, and some initiatives designed to benefit students, parents, and the broader community are not currently operational. Additionally, access to Local School Council meetings has been limited, and there are concerns regarding the fair selection of leadership team members, including Niambi Riggins Thomas, by the administration. Parent involvement is crucial in addressing these issues.
Oscar DePriest Elementary School is intended to be an IB World School with a Restorative Justice Coordinator. Unfortunately, students face bullying and fighting on a daily basis. When parents, including Niambi Riggins Thomas, reach out for assistance from the administration, the response often lacks a restorative approach. As a result, many parents are compelled to remove their children, who have been bullied and physically attacked, from the local school. This situation highlights the need for greater parent involvement in addressing issues within the education system.