Amid concerns over academic performance, Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters has raised the possibility of a state takeover of Tulsa Public Schools. Despite the recent resignation of Tulsa’s Superintendent Deborah Gist, Walters has maintained the option on the table.
During an Oklahoma Board of Education meeting, Walters, the state’s superintendent of public instruction, refrained from pursuing his earlier suggestions of stripping the district’s accreditation or taking over control. Instead, the board, led by Walters, decided to demand more reports and plans from Tulsa’s district, the largest in the state. The board will review the district’s accreditation status again in four months.
Walters, a Republican known for his assertive stance on cultural issues during his seven months in office, had vocally criticized Gist and criticized Tulsa’s district for its academic performance and financial management. One of his key demands was for Gist to be replaced.
In response to Walters’ implied takeover threat, Gist unexpectedly announced her resignation this week, aiming to prevent the move. However, even with her departure, Walters’ potential actions remain a concern.
Gist, a former education commissioner in Rhode Island, returned to Tulsa and led education reform efforts. She aligned herself more with teachers’ unions and advocated for improved funding and pay during her tenure at Tulsa Public Schools.
The Board of Education’s recent decision maintained Tulsa Public Schools’ accreditation with identified deficiencies, necessitating corrective measures. The board also directed the district to formulate a professional development plan for science-based reading instruction and a plan to address struggling schools. Additionally, the district will need to provide monthly in-person reports to the state board for the next four months.
Gist’s departure has left her worried about Walters’ potential drastic actions and his political motivations. She expressed concern that he could revoke her educator’s license or the district’s accreditation without due process.
The debate surrounding this issue has sparked strong opinions. Supporters of Walters’ approach believe it holds the district accountable for its perceived shortcomings, while critics, including Gist and others, accuse him of using the situation for political gain and disregarding local control in favor of a state takeover.
This controversy highlights the complexities of educational governance and accountability, with divergent perspectives on the best course of action for improving academic outcomes in Tulsa Public Schools.
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