In a statement sent out to Edmond Public Schools employees on Friday, Superintendent Angela Grunewald addressed the recent controversy over a practice against flying flags and responded to the new guidelines issued by state Superintendent Ryan Walters.Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.Stating that the district is “proudly patriotic” and flies the American flag in front of each school every school day, Grunewald said the district takes pride in the Edmond community and that the controversy came from a misunderstanding of the district’s practices.Read the full statement below:"I am writing today to address the topic of flags that has placed our district in the news for the past week. As we have shared many times, our top priority is to provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff members. That includes working to limit any potential distractions from the learning that is occurring in thousands of Edmond classrooms all across the district. While our district and school administration have been working around the clock to keep a safe and focused learning environment for our students, I thought it would be helpful to provide some information to all of our families."It is important for you to understand how we got here. Our current practice was developed in 2017 as a result of several incidents, including fights and other aggressive behavior, at our Edmond high schools where the American flag was being displayed improperly and grossly disrespected. In response to those incidents, the district gathered administrators and students from each high school to find a constructive way forward. Those conversations led to the practice of not allowing any flags in our school parking lots and stadiums thus reducing the disruptive and sometimes violent behavior and eliminating the possibility of the US flag being disrespected or used inappropriately. >> Download the KOCO 5 App"We have seen guidance from the State Department of Education that was released yesterday regarding requirements for Oklahoma districts when it comes to the flag and Pledge. These new guidelines include a requirement for districts 'to establish a clear policy ensuring the U.S. flag can be flown and displayed on all school campuses without infringement. The policy should also promote the respectful presentation of the flag, ensuring it is treated with the honor it deserves.' The guidelines further require the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited in each school 'at least once a week.'"While the district does not currently have a policy regarding flags, it is important to note that our current practice is largely in line with these new guidelines. We will begin working on a policy that can accomplish both safety and respect for the flag. That policy development process will include advice from organizations with a long, existing history of honoring the flag."I want to be clear, Edmond Public Schools is proudly patriotic. We fly the American flag in front of each of our schools properly during each school day. There are American flags in each of our classrooms. Our students and staff members recite the Pledge every day. One of our strongest and proudest traditions is our JROTC program at Edmond North High School and we take great pride when our cadets present the colors at many of our events."We also take pride in the tradition of our strong Edmond community coming together and supporting each other. This situation has arisen from a misunderstanding about the reason for our practice, but we believe it is also an opportunity for unity and constructive conversations. Those constructive conversations with the parties involved and community leaders have been under way and we look forward to continuing them in the days and weeks to come."Thank you so much for your continued support of our Edmond students and staff members. In closing, I would like to take the liberty here to talk about hate and how we move toward treating each other with dignity. Hate is not healthy for our community and we have to commit to disagree better. I would ask that we seek to find good in others and move towards finding common ground. We are much stronger when we work together, treat each other with respect and dignity, and make a genuine effort to get along."I hope everyone has a safe and restful Labor Day weekend."Top HeadlinesLifeguards at South Carolina beach clear water after shark sighting as Labor Day weekend beginsFans celebrate late country music icon Toby Keith during Sooners opening gameOHP: Two dead after separate drownings in Oklahoma lakesOklahoma City park stripped of copper, leaving residents without a place to cool off for Labor Day weekendSchool districts respond to Ryan Walters' new guidelines over American flag, Pledge of Allegiance