Edison Principal Moved To Different School

As discipline, leadership complaints continue regarding Edison Preparatory, Tulsa Public announced a leadership change is being made.

In a letter, TPS Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist announced that Principal Dixie Speer will be replaced.

"...based on all of the feedback we have receive, Principal Speed and I [Gist] have determined that a leadership change would be a healthy step at this. I am grateful to Principal Speer for modeling character, excellence, and team as we worked together to make this critical decision. She too wants what is best for Edison," the letter says.

The letter goes on to say that Tulsa Learning Academy principal, Clay Vinyard, will serve as Edison's interim principal for the next 18 months. It says Speer will serve as the school leader at Tulsa Learning Academy on an interim basis.

You can read the full letter below:

"Dear Edison community,

"During these last few weeks, I have heard from and met with Edison teachers, students, staff, and parents, as well as school leaders and the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA). I have heard a wide range of feedback and perspectives about the many positive things happening at Edison and about areas where there are clear needs for growth and improvement. Across all of these voices and viewpoints is one consistent theme: this is a community that is deeply committed to Edison's continued success.

"Principal Speer, the team, and I have been examining all of the feedback and making improvements that are already showing positive reactions including changes to discipline practices. We have also worked with Edison teacher leaders and TCTA to understand the Edison team needs and to determine a path forward to support our teachers and improve teacher morale. There are many specific areas of improvement that will be acted upon including improvements to communication and relationships.

"With that said, based on all of the feedback we have received, Principal Speer and I have determined that a leadership change would be a healthy step at this time. I am grateful to Principal Speer for modeling character, excellence, and team as we worked together to make this critical decision. She too wants what is best for Edison.

"I am pleased to share that Tulsa Learning Academy principal, Clay Vinyard, has agreed to serve as Edison's interim principal for the next 18 months. This extended interim period provides time for the community to come together and for Principal Vinyard to work urgently alongside Edison teacher leaders, team members, TCTA, students and parents to develop and implement the necessary tools and strategies to get Edison back on track. We will also use this time to undertake a comprehensive local and national search for a new permanent leader for Edison Prep.

"Principal Dixie Speer will serve, on an interim basis, as the school leader at Tulsa Learning Academy. I hope you will join me in thanking Principal Speer for her service to the Edison Prep family and wishing her the best as she takes on this new challenge. She can be reached at dixie.speer@tulsaschools.org. In this role, Principal Speer will support our efforts to continue expanding the reach of Tulsa Learning Academy to help Tulsa students who choose to complete their studies in a nontraditional environment.

"Over the next few days, Principal Speer and Principal Vinyard will work closely to ensure a smooth transition. Principal Vinyard's first day as interim principal at Edison will be Monday, February 26, 2018. Instructional Leadership Director Stacey Vinson will serve as administrator-in-charge at Edison Prep until then. If you have any questions, suggestions, or would just like to say "hello," please feel free to contact Principal Vinyard directly at clay.vinyard@tulsaschools.org.

"Thank you for your dedication to Tulsa Public Schools including our wonderful team of teachers, families, and students at Edison Preparatory.

"Deborah."