Alva Review-Courier -

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — While Oklahoma City schools have significantly reduced the number of students it suspends each year, the disproportionate suspension rate of black students remains high.

However, district officials hope a boost in mental health support services next school year will address the disproportionate rates.

Oklahoma City Public Schools issued 40 percent fewer suspensions during the 2016-17 school year, compared to four years earlier. District leaders expect that overall number to be down again when statistics from the most recent school year are released later this summer, the O...