Tulsa Street School Dodges Funding Bullet Thanks To Donations

Tulsa's Street School has dodged one funding bullet with help from several philanthropic foundations. But the alternative high school that provides counseling for at risk students is now working to fund the next school year.

Representatives of the school announced Monday that budget needs for the current school year have been met with $185,000 in donations.

Donations came from the Tulsa United Way, the Tulsa Community Foundation, the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation, an anonymous donor and individual supporters.

"We are so very thankful that the Tulsa community, including philanthropists from all walks of life, rallied and were able to replace essential funding for this school year," said Street School executive director Lori McGinnis-Madland.

Street School is still working on next year.

"Those foundations that stepped up to this fiscal challenge have been clear that their donation was one-time funding. They do not make up lost public dollars with private monies on an on-going basis," said Lise Blevins-Inman, president of the Street School board.

"Street School will have raised 59 percent of its own funding to keep the doors open this year. We will be unable to do that in 2013 without strong community support."

Street School has been an alternative school for 9th through 12th graders for 38 years. Tulsa Public Schools meets some of their expenses including utilities, supplies and some staff funding.