JENKS, Okla. –
Jenks students and parents are relieved after learning the Jenks Planetarium will stay open for student use.
The update comes weeks after families received a notice in March saying the planetarium would close because it was no longer fiscally responsible to operate under its current model. District leaders say outdated technology and high operating costs made the existing setup unsustainable.
The planetarium had been open to the public for about 15 years, requiring ongoing maintenance, specialized technology upgrades and a full-time director.
What changed?
After hearing concerns from students, parents and staff, Jenks Public Schools re-evaluated how the space could best serve students. Instead of closing entirely, the district decided to keep the planetarium open as an instructional tool aligned with the classroom curriculum.
How will the planetarium be used moving forward?
The planetarium will now be used exclusively for students. Teachers will take classes there for lessons across multiple math and science subjects, using planetarium-specific instructional content designed to be easier to access and operate.
Fourth-grader Emmett Funk says he’s excited his trips won’t be ending.
“We are excited. We visited as a family a few times, so it’s nice that the students still get to go,” Emmett said alongside his dad, Luke Funk.
Will the planetarium still be open to the public?
No. Public shows for the community will no longer be offered. District officials say closing the planetarium to public programming significantly reduces yearly operating costs and could save up to $1 million over time.
Does this mean the district is cutting back on science or STEM education?
District leaders say no. Executive Director of Communications Rob Loeber says the goal was never to abandon science education but to use resources more responsibly.
“We’ll continue to have the planetarium as a great instructional resource,” Loeber said, adding that the district has made ongoing investments in STEM programs.
What about concerns over communication?
School leaders acknowledge the initial message sent to parents caused confusion and could have been clearer.
Officials say the issue was not a lack of money, but determining the most responsible way to use existing dollars and facilities to benefit students.
How are students reacting now?
Students say they’re happy the planetarium will remain part of their learning experience.
“I’m just really happy they’re staying open,” fifth-grader Carson Pyle said.
Will the planetarium be used for eSports?
No. The district says the planetarium will not be used for the school’s eSports program. Officials also say the planetarium director will remain at the high school as a science teacher.
What did the letter to parents say?
In the last several weeks, a committee of JPS teachers, students, and administrators have collaborated to re-envision the future of the Jenks Planetarium and determine the best use of the space to benefit students.
JPS will continue to use the Planetarium and will subscribe to content specifically designed for planetarium use. Teachers will continue to take classes to the Planetarium to access lessons across multiple math and science subject areas. The aim is to make the Planetarium an easy-to-use space for teachers and students. This model aligns with the curriculum, enhances the student experience, and significantly reduces recurring operational costs.
Although the Planetarium will no longer be open to the public for community shows and will not necessitate a full-time position, the Planetarium will continue to be used as a valuable instructional tool for students. JPS remains absolutely committed to science education and creating STEM-based opportunities for students.
The Jenks eSports program is not moving into the Planetarium. After evaluating the best use of the space, a different location for eSports has been identified.
JPS is grateful for the input and vision of the members of the committee, and we look forward to continuing the use of the Planetarium for shared learning experiences that inspire innovation and promote engagement.