TPS To Discuss New Names For Lee Elementary On Monday

Tulsa Public Schools are close to deciding on Lee School’s new name.

In early May, TPS announced the school would be dropping "Robert E." and just become Lee Elementary. Some people want the name to remain the same, but others think it's time for a change.

"I want to keep the word Lee as a component of the school's name," says school supporter Mark Sanders. "The Lee School community is very tight-knit, and it has been so historically."

A petition to keep the name "Lee" School has more than 600 signatures but the petition to change the name has reached more than 4,000 signatures. TPS School supporter Nehemiah Frank says the people have spoken.

“I would like people to understand the name Robert E. Lee, the name “Lee” is too controversial to be on a TPS school,” said Nehemiah Frank of the Black Wall Street Times.

"Let 's put something that all Tulsan's can be proud of which is Council Oaks. I think Council Oaks is a universal name for this school and for a school that's moving forward in the 21st century."

7/25/2018 Related Story: 'Council Oak' Recommended As New Name For Tulsa's Lee Elementary

Tim Forsman has a son at the school. He says even if it is the same building, teachers, and students, a new name means a different school.

"We love Lee and we're the least racist people in Tulsa. Just let us be Lee. It's the most beautiful school in Tulsa," said Forsman.

The final candidates for the name change are Maple Ridge, Council Oak, Woody Guthrie, Abraham Lincoln, and Clara Luper.

The Tulsa School Board meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at the Tulsa Education Service Center at 3027 South New Haven Avenue.