Tulsa Public Schools Board Approves Contract For Next Superintendent

The Tulsa Public Schools board unanimously voted to approve a contract with the next superintendent.

TPS elected Dr. Deborah Gist as the next superintendent, replacing Dr. Keith Ballard.

3/15/2015 Related Story: Dr. Deborah Gist Excited About Tulsa Schools Superintendent Job

Wednesday, the board vote 6-0 to approve a three-year contract starting July 1, 2015 with a base pay of $235,00 plus benefits.

TPS Board President, Dr. Lana Turner-Addison said in a statement, “We are pleased to have finalized the superintendent employment contract with Dr. Deborah Gist. We feel very confident that we have identified the best person for the job and one who will be a strong follow-up to Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard.”

In a release, TPS said:

• Superintendent salaries in large school districts are normally calculated taking into consideration different compensation factors including: candidate's experience, education, scope of responsibility, fiscal accountability, number of direct reports, stakeholder contact and communications, etc.
• The Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools serves 40,000 students, oversees 7,000 employees, (the largest employer in the metro area), and a $550 million budget.
• It is typical for compensation packages to include a base salary, some type of retirement package, and expenses that include car, cell phone and insurance allowances. In addition, performance and retention bonuses are standard.
• Market level compensation packages help ensure that the District remains competitive in the job market and allow us recruit and retain top talent to better serve our students.
• Nationally, the landscape for superintendent compensation has become more aligned to district priorities, market salaries and performance. As such districts are moving to more strategic compensation packages to attract qualified candidates.
• TPS has a strong national reputation coupled with solid reform strategies. Attracting a qualified leader requires a benefits and compensation package that is reflective of our vision and commitment to moving the district forward.

In a statement, Gist said:

“It is wonderful news that the board approved the contract tonight. I am enthusiastic to get started as the superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools on July 1. I have enjoyed getting to know the TPS board and talking about our hopes, dreams and aspirations for the students and teachers of Tulsa Public Schools. Dr. Ballard and the board have put this district on a successful path. A lot of work remains, but it is joyful and important work we will do together.

Also decided at Wednesday night's meeting, the old Whittier Elementary site will soon house an apartment complex for seniors.

The Tulsa Public Schools board voted to sell the land at Admiral and Lewis to the developer.

QuikTrip also bid on the land but withdrew, leaving just one interested party.

Most neighbors at a community meeting Tuesday night said they wanted the land sold to the senior apartment developer.