Parents Protest Board Decision

By Ashli Sims, News On 6

BROKEN ARROW, OK -- The Broken Arrow school board tried Monday night to move past its superintendent shakeup, but some parents wouldn't let them.

They didn't get to speak out last week, when the school board voted out its superintendent.

The Broken Arrow board voted three to two to not allow public comment. So some upset Broken Arrow parents grabbed their picket signs and took their message to the streets.

Same time, same place, slightly smaller crowd, but the same message.

"My school board representative, as well as Stephanie are doing what's right for the kids. The other three are wasting money, running their own personal agenda and being childish," said Tina Webster.

It's been a week since the Broken Arrow school board voted to suspend Superintendent Dr. Jim Sisney and begin termination proceedings against him. Some parents say they still don't know why.

"They haven't given us any answers as to why he was fired. And we just want a lot of answers. It doesn't look like he has the children's best interest at heart," said Kim Pribble.

"They need to tell me how much it's going to cost to fire a superintendent that's been nationally recognized for this work here. How much is that going to take out of my kid's education? For them to run their own agenda," said Webster.

In a split decision, the board voted last week to replace Sisney with Dr. Gary Gerber. In his first meeting as interim superintendent, Gerber tried to assure the board, the district is running smoothly despite the conflict. But the parents aren't giving up.

"I think he's the best superintendent this district has had. What are they going to argue with test scores, compliance? He's done everything that this district needs him to do and we want him back," said Pribble.

"This isn't over. And as far as those three school board members are concerned, this is just the beginning," said Webster.

Dr. Sisney can opt to have a hearing to fight to keep his job, but that hasn't happened yet. Sisney believes this all started over some questionable billing with a company that does business with the district.

The B.A. school board voted Monday night to expand an independent audit to include dealings with that company.