Briana Flatley: Western Heights Board of Education, Seat 1

DISTRICT CHAMPS! 🏀🩵❤️✈️

I am SO proud of this team. The fight, the energy, the consistency all season… they earned this. 👏🏼

But let’s talk about this team’s character 💪🏼
Saturday morning they were pouring into our elementary students, running their games… then turned around and headed to Chickasha to take care of business.

These student-athletes are something special.

Amazing!! 📣🩵❤️👏🏼

Bolts Up!⚡️⬆️

Last night our Bridgestone cheerleaders were invited to perform their halftime routine at the SNU basketball game. We are SO PROUD of our squad and their coaches!

Anoche, nuestras animadoras de Bridgestone fueron invitadas a realizar su rutina de medio tiempo en el partido de baloncesto de la SNU. ¡Estamos MUY ORGULLOSAS de nuestro equipo y sus entrenadores!

Still smiling from the sweetest morning with our Greenvale Gliders. 🥹💚💛✈️

Being recognized–alongside Teresa–for School Board Appreciation Month was truly special; but let’s be honest, the real stars were the students, the hugs, the smiles, the big handmade sign, and the JOY filling that room.

This is why we serve. And this is why we show up. This work is always about OUR KIDS.

Thank you, Greenvale Gliders, for loving on us so big today. I love this community with my whole heart. 💚

I loved getting to spend the morning with our Greenvale Gliders! 💚

The Power of COMMUNITY! 💪🏼

Statement on the Proposed ICE Facility Near Western Heights

First, I want to be clear: the views expressed here are my own and do not represent the official position of Western Heights Public Schools or its administration, nor do they indicate current or future action by the Board of Education. For the district’s official response, I encourage the public to refer to the statement released by Superintendent Savage.

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Western Heights is no stranger to challenge.
Over the years, we have weathered a tumultuous school board, multiple superintendent transitions, a state takeover, a citizen-led petition, a state audit that revealed deep financial turmoil, national controversy regarding our staff/educators, and a broken and often silenced community—along with the heartbreaking loss of educators who helped shape this district. Again and again, our community has been thrust into the public eye; not by choice, but by circumstance. And yet, through every season of instability and grief, our schools have continued to open their doors each morning, grounded in one unwavering purpose: our students.

With the announcement of a proposed ICE “1500 people processing facility” planned for 2800 S. Council—within close proximity to multiple Western Heights school sites—we find ourselves facing another moment that demands clarity, courage, and unity.

Regardless of political belief, it is undeniable that placing an ICE facility within approximately 1 mile of four of our schools does nothing to promote a safe, secure, and free learning environment. Fear does not stop at a property line. It follows families home, it sits with students in classrooms, and it weighs on their ability to learn, grow, and feel they belong.

As an educator and the school board vice president (and as a proud Latina) I carry a deep responsibility that extends beyond my title. My responsibility is to every student and every family in this district. Representing Seat 1, where this facility is proposed, only deepens that responsibility to advocate for the students and families most immediately impacted.

Students and families come to me because they feel safe doing so. They have shared deep fear, uncertainty, and concern about what increased ICE presence in our community means for their children. When families trust you with that fear, you do not stay silent. Schools must be places of stability, especially when the world outside feels uncertain. Our students deserve classrooms defined by opportunity, not anxiety; by belonging, not fear.

This is not about politics. It is about humanity and responsibility. It is about protecting the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of children. Schools cannot thrive when families are living in survival mode. When families feel targeted or unsafe, the impact is felt across our entire school community. An environment of fear is incompatible with education.

Western Heights has faced many battles, and we are still here. I have seen this community rise through moments that could have broken it, and one truth has remained constant through it all:
When it comes to our children, we are strongest when we stand together.

Now is the time to do exactly that…to listen, to protect, to ensure families know their rights, and to speak clearly about what our students need in order to thrive. I remain committed to standing with this community and fighting for schools where every child feels safe, supported, and free to learn.

Briana Flatley
Vice President, Board of Education
Western Heights Public Schools
Ward 1 | Seat 1

Honored to be part of this workshop empowering the next generation of leaders in Oklahoma! 💙🗳️🇺🇸

Honrada de ser parte de este taller que empodera a la próxima generación de líderes en Oklahoma! 💙🗳️🇺🇸

📍 The Oklahoma Youth Leadership Summit is happening this Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Oklahoma State Capitol!

In the “Intro to Public Service” workshop, Briana Flatley, Vice President of the Board of Education for Western Heights School District, will bring her leadership insight from education governance and community service.

She exemplifies how public service comes in many forms, making policies, working with local schools, and collaborating across institutions to build stronger communities. This session will give students a fresh look at how service isn’t only about office, it’s about impact.

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📍 ¡El Oklahoma Youth Leadership Summit se llevará a cabo este sábado 8 de noviembre de 2025 en el Capitolio del Estado de Oklahoma!

En el taller “Introducción al Servicio Público,” Briana Flatley, Vice Presidenta de la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Western Heights, compartirá su visión de liderazgo desde la gobernanza educativa y el servicio comunitario.

Ella representa cómo el servicio público adopta muchas formas, formular políticas, trabajar con las escuelas locales y colaborar entre instituciones para fortalecer las comunidades. Esta sesión brindará a los estudiantes una nueva mirada sobre cómo el servicio no es sólo un cargo, es impacto.

📣 Exciting News This Giving Tuesday!📣

The Interact Club at Western Heights High School is teaming up with Representative Emily Gise this Giving Tuesday to spread holiday magic to our elementary students! 🎄✨ Many of our kids face tough times, and we want to make sure they feel the joy and warmth of the season with a special gift this Christmas. 🎁

Help us make this happen by donating new toys and gift-wrapping supplies! Want to join the fun? Check out the details below on how you can be part of the holiday cheer.

Let’s come together and make this holiday season unforgettable for our students! 🎅🎉

I’m beyond honored to be recognized with the All-State School Board Award by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA)! 🎉 Serving as a board member has been one of the most challenging and humbling experiences of my life, especially over the last four years here at Western Heights. We’ve faced some tough times, but with every challenge, I’ve seen the heart and resilience of this community shine through.

I’m incredibly grateful for my fellow board members, our dedicated administration, principals, teachers, staff, and the support of our amazing community. But most of all, I’m thankful for our students who remind us every day why we do this. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and so much perseverance, and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this team.

This recognition isn’t just mine—it’s ours, and I’m excited for all that’s to come as we continue to soar together! 🚀

🌟 Dear JETS Families & Alumni:

I am excited to share that our very own River Michael-Bread is in the running for the Daily Oklahoman’s Student of the Week! Let’s show our support by voting for him!

Cast your vote here: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2024/10/07/the-oklahoman-student-of-the-week-vote-poll/75510404007/

Vote for River Michael-Bread!!!

Thank you for your support!

Dear JET Families,

Please vote for one of our own, River Michael-Bread, who is in the running for the Daily Oklahoman's Student of the Week!

Here is the link to vote: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2024/10/07/the-oklahoman-student-of-the-week-vote-poll/75510404007/

Thank you!