Parents Speak Out On Plan To Fire Superintendent

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

BROKEN ARROW, OK -- The effort continues to fire Broken Arrow's superintendent of public schools.   Broken Arrow School Board members and parents alike are sounding off about the news the superintendent could be on his way out.

The board will meet on Monday to decide if Dr. Jim Sisney should be fired.

It is a case of the school board versus the superintendent.  And, it is a matchup that's gone on for months in Broken Arrow.  There have been very public spats in meetings, protests and even a defamation lawsuit.

"I think it's getting a little bit ridiculous. And, I think we need to focus on our kids," said parent Marsha Floyd.

Some parents at a PTA council meeting were stunned that two board members have called a meeting to discuss firing Dr. Sisney on Monday.  One board member says she didn't even know it was happening, until it was done.

"It seems like the majority of our board members have a covert operation going on and they're not letting anyone know what the problem is. If there's a problem, by all means, we need to address it because these are our kids we're talking about," said parent Trish Henley.

Board member, Stephanie Updike, spoke to the PTA council and tried to answer questions.  But, couldn't tell a parent why the board was considering firing Sisney.

"I know of no grounds to fire Dr. Sisney," said Stephanie Updike.

Several parents were hard-pressed to say anything negative about the man who's led the district for five years.

"From what I know about him, I think he's done a good job," said Trish Henley.  "What I do know, and I've spoken with him on numerous occasions, is he has children's best interests at heart."

"I haven't had any complaints. As far as he's been at the helm.  It's, I feel, like the district is progressing," said parent Lori Dale.

Another mother wants to turn the tables on the board.

"I think he's done a great job. And, I'm in favor of him staying for years to come. And, I think we should have the option to fire the board members," said Sheila Boyer.

Some parents are also upset because the preliminary agenda calls for a vote to exclude comments from the public.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sisney has amended his defamation lawsuit to name three school board members: Maryanne Flippo, Shari Wilkins, and Sharon Whelpley and the board's attorney Doug Mann.

Wilkins and Whelpley called the meeting to fire Sisney.  Wilkins declined a request to comment from The News On 6.  Calls to Whelpley have not been returned.