Question 1

Press Release: ThrivePoint Oklahoma Welcomes New Board Co-Chair, Former State Senator Clark Jolley

Accepted Answer

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – January 24, 2025 ThrivePoint Academy of Oklahoma is pleased to announce the appointment of Clark Jolley to its Board of Directors. Jolley's expertise in financial accounting and charter school advocacy as a former state senator will be invaluable as the organization prepares to successfully serve students looking for innovative educational options in Oklahoma.Jolley, as the latest addition to ThrivePoint’s Board of Directors, bolsters an already strong, diverse group of individuals with a unified commitment to providing Oklahomans with school-choice options. Jeremy Johnson, Board Co-chair, is a local pastor with more than 25 years’ experience serving communities in Texas and Oklahoma. Board member Lindsey Thompson grew up in Midwest City and for the past ten years has worked as a realtor in Edmond. Rounding out the board is Dan Myers, who has lived in the metro area most of his life, works in construction management and has owned several small businesses.“We are thrilled to welcome Clark Jolley to our Board of Directors,” says Johnson. “His expertise in writing charter school legislation and advocating for high-quality charter schools will be invaluable as we work to provide this new choice for Oklahomans statewide.”Jolley, a certified financial planner and former Oklahoma Tax Commissioner, has been a strong advocate for public charter schools throughout his political career. He served as a member of the Oklahoma State Senate, representing District 41 from 2004 to 2016, where he was instrumental in passing legislation that expanded the availability of charter schools in Oklahoma. His efforts included Senate Bill 782, which allowed rural school districts to sponsor charter schools. Jolley’s strong advocacy for charter schools earned him the title, “Champion for Charter Schools” from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS).ThrivePoint Schools, operating under parent company Learning Matters Educational Group (LMEG), has a mission to enable Oklahoma students to achieve their full potential by providing personalized, rigorous, and supportive educational opportunities. LMEG’s vision is for all students—regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, or experiences—to be prepared to take their next big steps in life and become productive members of their communities after graduation. By partnering with community leaders, local schools, local government, businesses, and non-profits, LMEG’s community-based approach has been a cornerstone of success for charter schools in Arizona, California, Nevada, and its newest charter school, ThrivePoint Academy of Utah, set to open Fall 2025.ThrivePoint Academy of Oklahoma is a 6-12 virtual charter school designed to educate all students to achieve their full potential by providing personalized, rigorous, and supportive educational opportunities. It will be available to all 6-12 students statewide, opening Fall 2026.For more information, or to partner with ThrivePoint Academy of Oklahoma, please contact:Learning Matters Educational Group(602) 769-3036thrivepointoklahoma.com

Question 2

Why solving Oklahoma’s dropout crisis is the ultimate economic stimulus - By Mindy Direen

Accepted Answer

I have had the privilege of teaching and counseling students who have struggled academically, helping them navigate obstacles and ultimately reach graduation. Every student’s success matters, but the significance extends far beyond a diploma. Each graduate has the potential to strengthen Oklahoma’s economy, build healthier communities, and change the trajectory of their family for generations.
At ThrivePoint Academy of Oklahoma, we specialize in serving “at-promise” students–young people who are under-credited, over-aged, or facing circumstances that disrupt their education. Through a “whole child” approach, tending to student well being as a cornerstone to their education, we provide individualized support, flexible scheduling, accelerated coursework, and career-focused planning, students rediscover a path toward success. While our work directly benefits students, the positive impact extends throughout their communities.
The research is clear: the difference in outcomes between those who graduate from high school and those who do not is profound. Graduates are less likely to become involved with the criminal justice system, tend to experience better health outcomes, and often enjoy longer life expectancy. The economic implications are equally significant. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workforce participation among graduates is 26 percent higher than those without a diploma. That gap represents thousands of Oklahomans whose talents may never be fully realized without the right support.
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That reality is why alternative pathways to graduation matter. Traditional schools serve many students well, but they are not the right fit for everyone. Too often, students who fall behind find themselves with few options for catching up. As a result, many disengage from school entirely.
Innovative models like ThrivePoint Academy offer another path. Students not only recover credits and work toward graduation but also explore their interests and begin preparing for careers. Through our Next Big Step program, students can pursue concurrent enrollment opportunities, industry certifications, and career training while completing high school. Whether they choose college, Career Tech, military service, or direct workforce entry, they leave with a stronger foundation for success.
Our students come from a wide range of circumstances. Some are returning after dropping out. Some are balancing school with parenthood. Others are working jobs to support themselves or their families. Many have faced challenges that made traditional school settings difficult. Yet each one possesses potential. They are not problems to be solved; they are assets waiting to be developed.
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Oklahoma’s economic future depends on a workforce that is prepared, adaptable, and engaged. Those qualities are cultivated through education. Every time a struggling student earns a diploma, the benefits extend far beyond. We strengthen families, expand our workforce, reduce strain on public systems, and create opportunities for future generations.
If Oklahoma is serious about addressing workforce shortages, we cannot afford to overlook students who are at risk of leaving school. Investing in their success may be one of the most effective strategies. Business leaders, policymakers, and educators all have a role to play in ensuring that every student has a pathway toward graduation and a productive future.
The return on that investment is not measured only in diplomas. It is measured in stronger families, thriving communities, and a more prosperous Oklahoma.
Mindy Direen is head of schools at ThrivePoint Academy of Oklahoma Charter School. Originally published in The Journal Record.

Question 3

June 2026 Board Meeting Agenda

Accepted Answer

ThrivePoint Academy of Oklahoma Governing Board MeetingDate: Monday, June 22th, 2026Time: 5:30 pmLocation: The Verge, 600 N. Robinson Ave. #500 Oklahoma City, OK 73102Virtual Meeting Participation: TBDAgenda1. Call to Order (Clark Jolley)2. Consent docket (Clark Jolley)a. Consideration and approval of the board meeting minutes from May 2026.3. Consideration of possible action, 26-27 school calendar4. Approval of FY2027 encumbrances for board approval (TPA encumbrance register and TPA encumbrance register Detail) - (David)5. Approval of the SylogistED software service agreement for FY2027 (Sylogist ED agreement - TPA of OK).6. Discussion and possible action to rescind BancFirst as the depository bank for ThrivePoint Academy (no attachment).7. Discussion and possible action to approve Chase Bank as the depository bank for TPA of OK (no attachment).8. Consideration and possible action to approve slate of officers: Chair, Vice-chair, Secretary and Finance Director.9. Consideration and possible action to approve board member ____________ to seat A for a three-year term.10. Consideration and possible action to approve board member ____________ to seat B for a two-year term.11. Consideration and possible action to approve board member ____________ to seat C for a two-year term.12. Consideration and possible action to approve board member ____________ to seat D for a one-year term.13. Consideration and possible action to approve board member ____________ to seat E for a one-year term.14. Consideration and possible action to approve the following positionsa. Board Clerk,b. Executive Directorc. Minutes Clerk15. Discussion and possible action to approve Education Management Organization Evaluation tools.16. Discussion and approval of Board Meeting calendar for CY26.17. Adjourn

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Empowering Oklahoma Students to Cross the Finish Line

Empowering Oklahoma Students to Cross the Finish Line

Why choose us?

Our Board Members

James Davenport

Clark Jolley

Lindsay Thompson

Jo Elle Peterson

About our Vision

50:1 Student Success Coaches

What's Your Next Big Step

Learning Matters Educational Group
Portfolio of Charter Schools

Our Mission

Explore latest educational resources and articles

Join the ThriveHive!

Enrollment Now Open - Start Your Path to Graduation Today!

Empowering Oklahoma Students to Cross the Finish Line

Empowering Oklahoma Students to Cross the Finish Line

Why choose us?

Our Board Members

James Davenport

Clark Jolley

Lindsay Thompson

Jo Elle Peterson

About our Vision

50:1 Student Success Coaches

What's Your Next Big Step

Learning Matters Educational Group Portfolio of Charter Schools

Our Mission

Explore latest educational resources and articles

Join the ThriveHive!

Learning Matters Educational Group
Portfolio of Charter Schools