State Superintendent Update: Tulsa Public Schools’ Accreditation Status Focus

Last Updated on August 9, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Financial Mismanagement and Poor Student Outcomes Threaten Tulsa Public Schools’ Accreditation

Word Count: 398

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has sounded the alarm over the potential loss of accreditation for Tulsa Public Schools due to financial mismanagement and poor student outcomes. The district, which caters to approximately 34,000 students from low-income and diverse communities, has been given an ultimatum: develop an action plan to improve proficiency within a year or face dire consequences.

One of the key recommendations made by Walters is the removal of Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Deborah Gist from her leadership position. Walters believes that new leadership is necessary to steer the district towards its objectives of enhancing academic performance and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Under the Oklahoma Academic Standards, students are expected to acquire knowledge and skills across various domains, including academic, personal/social, and career/vocational areas. Unfortunately, Tulsa Public Schools have fallen short in meeting these standards, putting their accreditation at risk.

The implications of losing accreditation are significant. Currently, Oklahoma has 376 school districts accredited without deficiencies, 143 with one deficiency, and 65 with multiple deficiencies. Furthermore, several schools, including Hulbert, Western Heights, Straight, Kipp Tulsa, Deborah Brown Charter, and Sanfoka Charter, have been recommended for probation due to their own shortcomings.

Notably, the Western Heights school district faced probation and intervention from the Board of Education earlier this year. Additionally, Sovereign Community School and Infinity Generations Preparatory School in Oklahoma City have been suggested for potential loss of accreditation status.

Losing accreditation can have severe consequences for students and their academic future. College recognition of diplomas and credits may be affected, making it more challenging for Tulsa Public Schools graduates to pursue higher education opportunities.

Interestingly, Tulsa Public Schools’ accreditation was already downgraded to a warning earlier this year due to alleged violations of the state’s anti-critical race theory law, marking a turbulent period for the district.

The fate of Tulsa Public Schools’ accreditation status will be decided at the State Board of Education’s August 24 meeting, while the academic year for students is set to commence on August 17. It remains to be seen whether the district can swiftly implement an action plan and address the concerns raised to salvage their accreditation status, ensuring a brighter future for the students they serve.