Representative Ronny Johns

R

District 25

Hi, I’m Ronny Johns and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 25th District.


representative

News & Announcements

Oct 24, 2025

Fugate, Johns, Mann, Stanley study reintegration of violent students in classrooms

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, conducted a bipartisan, bicameral interim study in front of the Education Oversight Committee on how to reintegrate students who have been removed from the classroom for violence without putting teachers and other students in harm's way. “Every child in Oklahoma deserves access to a meaningful education, including those whose trauma has led to violent behavior,” said Fugate. “This study is about finding real solutions for violent students who’ve been removed from the classroom and are returning. We must protect teachers and students while ensuring no child is left behind.” The study looked into solutions on how to best accommodate all students and teachers. “The bipartisan, bicameral study provided important insights into how we can protect both students and teachers in the classroom while also supporting those rejoining their peers,” said Johns. “These findings will help guide future policy discussions to ensure our schools remain safe and welcoming places for learning. Protecting educators while giving every student the tools to thrive must remain at the heart of our efforts.” The Oklahoma Constitution mandates that every child receive an education, making it the responsibility of the Oklahoma legislature to collaborate with experts and develop solutions that ensure every child is educated while in a safe classroom environment. “Today’s study brought together educators, experts, and lawmakers to confront one of the toughest challenges in public education,” said Fugate. “We’re committed to supporting these students, safeguarding our schools, and upholding the promise of education for all.” The study heard from presenters that varied from alternative education teachers and two mental health providers. They suggested an embedded model of school-based mental health to provide support for kids. This would include a structured, school-based therapy and other comprehensive, wraparound services. It would require collaboration with the legislature, education professionals, and mental health providers. “We simply can’t give up on any child in our state,” said Mann. “It’s important that we look at proven methods to give these kids the help and tools they need to succeed.” While Oklahoma does provide alternative education opportunities, study experts noted it does not meet the needs of violent students. Additional services are needed to promote the reintegration of students and provide equal access to public education. “As a 43-year veteran educator, I understand the serious challenges schools are facing, particularly when it comes to violence directed toward school personnel,” said Stanley. “I am committed to being part of the solution and doing my part to help identify and implement effective ways to address this growing concern.” -END-

Jul 30, 2025
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House Speaker Kyle Hilbert Launches “Capitol to Community” Statewide Series

Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert has launched a new initiative titled "Capitol to Community", a series of events held across the state over the interim with the goal of strengthening connections between legislators and the Oklahomans they serve.   The format of Capitol to Community will vary depending on the community, but the goal remains consistent: a full day on the ground, engaging directly with local leaders, businesses, educators and residents.   The first stop took place this week in Ada, Oklahoma, with Representative Ronny Johns, R-Ada, hosting members of the House Majority Caucus for a day-long visit focused on community engagement, listening and learning.   “This series is about stepping outside the Capitol walls and meeting people where they are," said Speaker Hilbert. "It’s about listening to local challenges, celebrating community successes and ensuring that our legislative goals align with the everyday needs of Oklahomans.”   The first stop of the day began with a meeting at the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce, where Governor Bill Anoatubby, among others, briefed attendees on major infrastructure projects and tribal-state partnerships. The group then visited East Central University for a “Lunch & Learn” focused on mental health challenges facing the region. A robust panel featured professionals from Project Aware, The Clinic, Brandon Whitten Institute, and more, offering perspectives on addiction recovery, school mental health programs, and behavioral health services.   In the afternoon, participants toured the ECU campus to examine deferred maintenance needs, followed by visits to the AMRIZE Cement Plant and the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET), which featured hands-on simulations used to train Oklahoma’s peace officers.   “As a lifelong Ada resident, I couldn’t be more proud to host this first event in House District 25,” said Rep. Ronny Johns. “This visit was a chance to showcase our community, but was a reminder of how impactful it can be when state leaders take the time to engage directly with local voices, including those from communities outside their home districts."   Speaker Hilbert emphasized that the series is just beginning. Additional stops in communities across Oklahoma are planned throughout the interim, with Broken Arrow and Woodward next on the list in August and September.

Mar 6, 2025

House Oversight Committee Passes Bill Removing Chronic Absenteeism from State School Report Cards; Adds Incentive for More Instructional Time

The  House Education Oversight Committee today passed legislation that would remove chronic absenteeism from  the  state school accountability system and add an incentive for schools that are going above  the  state minimum in instructional time with students. House Bill 1412, by Rep. Ronny Johns, removes chronic absenteeism from being a measure on state school report cards. In its place, it puts a measure  of  instructional time for schools. Currently, schools are required by law to go at least 165 days and 1080 hours per year.  The  new instructional time measure would give schools additional points on  the ir report card if  the y go beyond that, up to 180 days and 1200 hours. "We can all agree that chronic absenteeism has not been a good measure for accountability  of  schools," said Johns, R-Ada. "We have worked to find a new measurement that is something within  the  district's control and can provide an incentive for schools to get students in front  of  our state's amazing teachers even more." The  bill requires  The  State Board  of  Education to amend  the  state plan in accordance with  the  requirements  of   the  Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to replace  the  measure  of  chronic absenteeism with a measure  of  instructional time.  The  State Board  of  Education must submit  the  proposed amendment to  the  United States Department  of  Education no later than August 1, 2025. If  the  amended state plan is approved by  the  USDE, beginning with  the  2025-2026 school year,  the  grade for an elementary, middle, and high school site would include a measure  of  instructional time in lieu  of  chronic absenteeism. This measure will account for a total  of  10 possible points out  of  90 points available on a school's report card. "All  the  data shows that academic achievement improves when students have more time with high quality teachers," said House  Speaker  Kyle Hilbert. "This legislation would reward  the  many districts who are already going above  the  state minimum on instructional time and incentivize additional schools to stay in school longer, which is a win for students." The  bill also adds scoring Silver Level or above on American College Testing (ACT) WorkKeys and military readiness as evidenced by being accepted for enlistment into any branch  of   the  military within  the  first year after high school graduation or earning a military readiness score on  the  Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to  the  postsecondary measure on state school report cards. The  bill also clarifies that students who transfer in and out  of   the  school, emigrate to another country, and deceased students will not be included in  the  adjusted cohort graduation rate for school accountability. The  bill passed  the  House Education Oversight Committee with a vote  of  9-0 and will next be considered by  the  full House on  the  floor. -END-