TULSA, Okla. – Tulsa Public Schools officials say they’re already preparing for transition, even though the school board won’t decide the fate of 17 proposed school closures until October 19.
TPS Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson spoke to a standing-room-only crowd Tuesday night at the Bronson-Brookside Library.
She said the board could approve the closures, change the proposed plan, table the decision, or reject her recommendation to close the schools, saving the district about $11.1 million.
Johnson says the district is planning ahead so it can help families and staff navigate whatever decision is made.
TPS Chief Strategy Officer Sean Berkstresser addressed the results received so far from their public survey.
Berkstresser says 52 % of respondents so far favor having fewer schools with more resources, while 17 % remain unsure.
You can take the TPS survey here.
TPS says bond money cannot be used for salaries and must be spent on voter-approved projects, such as building repairs, technology, and buses.
The dates, locations, and times of the upcoming Community Information Sessions are:
- Thursday, October 8 — Parent Resource Center, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Monday, October 12 — Central Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 14 — Zarrow Regional Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Last month, Dr. Johnson suggested the consolidation or closure of 17 school sites, including 14 elementary schools, two middle schools, and one alternative program.
The proposed sites are:
- Anderson Elementary
- Bell Elementary
- Greenwood Leadership Academy
- Key Elementary
- Unity Learning Academy
- Marshall Elementary
- Springdale Elementary
- Dolores Huerta Elementary
- Sequoyah Elementary
- Hoover Elementary
- Mitchell Elementary
“These are very difficult decisions, and not something any of us take lightly. Many unfavorable options were on the table as we considered places where we could find savings,” said Dr. Johnson. “Our number one job as a district is to provide students with the resources and support necessary to achieve success and create the futures they envision for themselves.”
The Board of Education is set to vote on Dr. Johnson’s proposal on October 19.
