By FOX23.com News Staff
TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Public Schools has announced that it plans to close or consolidate 17 school sites for the 2027-28 school year.
In a letter shared with parents, Dr. Ebony Johnson, Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, said that due to several buildings in the district operating below capacity. This has resulted in money being used elsewhere instead of being able to directly support classrooms.
“Our students need reading specialists, full-time art, music, and PE teachers, and teacher pay that honors their work,” said Dr. Johnson. “Our current structure does not allow for that.”
The TPS Board of Education passed a resolution this summer asking Dr. Johnson to find $12 million in savings. In response, Dr. Johnson said she presented a proposal for the future of TPS on Monday, September 21.
“This proposal represents more than a year of listening, learning, analysis, data review, and community engagement,” said Dr. Johnson. “While we have been working on developing this plan for many months, Monday night] is the first time the full proposal has been presented. I wanted you to hear the details from me.”
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
- Peary Elementary
- Kerr Elementary
- Robertson Elementary
- Central Middle School
- Thoreau Demonstration Academy
- Tulsa MET Middle and High School
“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.”
Dr. Johnson said that she believes that Monday’s “recommendation presents the right path forward for students.”
“This proposal is intended to create a stronger, more financially sustainable school district — one that puts more of our people and resources where they will serve the greatest number of students,” said Dr. Johnson. “The recommendations are also reflective of what we’ve heard our community values most through the more than 50 community engagement sessions and more than 1,000 survey responses.”
Dr. Johnson said that between September 29 and October 14, the district will hold meetings, including five Community Information Sessions to address questions and to give more information on what the proposed changes mean for each school and its community.
“Iencourage you to submit your input about what matters most to you in your student’s educational journey through our survey,” Dr. Johnson said. “Everyone is invited to complete the survey one time, and it will close on October 16.”
To complete the survey, click here.
The dates, locations, and times of the upcoming meeting and Community Information Sessions are as follows:
- Tuesday, September 29 — Martin Regional Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 6 — Bronson Brookside Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 7 — Virtual Session in Spanish, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- 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.
The Board of Education is set to vote on Dr. Johnson’s proposal on October 19.
