TPS: Combining 6th, 7th And 8th Graders Could Ease Overcrowding Elementary Schools

Moving west Tulsa sixth graders in with seventh and eighth graders could help ease overcrowded elementary schools.

Tulsa Public Schools is trying to convince parents it's a good move for their children's education, but most parents already seem on board.

Thursday night's community forum didn't last very long; in fact, most parents and teachers came to find out what the proposal entails and talk about the reasons they agree with it.

Clinton Middle School has empty classrooms, unused chairs, and abandoned lockers. It's the space Tulsa Public Schools hopes is the answer to overcrowding.

"There's no reason for us to have this wonderful building and not utilize its full potential," said teacher Melissa Reid.

TPS said west Tulsa Elementary schools are bursting at the seams, while Clinton Middle School - currently housing seventh and eighth graders - has room to grow.

"We have an open floor in our building, so they're talking about just moving those kids over here so we could have more room," Clinton principal, Dixie Speer said.

Parents at Thursday night's community forum said they agreed; not only because of the overcrowding issue, but because, currently, Kindergartners are sharing the halls with sixth graders.

"I don't think sixth graders need to be in with babies, with elementary," said parent, Brandi Griffith.

It's a concern that can go both ways.

"I look for that question from parents, like, ‘what's the safety for my sixth grader coming to Clinton,' we can address that really well," Speer said.

There were a few concerns brought up at the meeting, but it was mainly parents looking for an update and excited about the possible changes ahead.

"The elementaries are really crowded right now, so I like the idea to get them out," Griffith said.

That's a sentiment shared by parents and educators alike.

"We have tons of technology and opportunities for kids, they should come and learn here," said Reid.

The Board of Education will vote on the proposal in 2015.

If passed, sixth graders from Remington, Robertson, Park and Eugene Fields elementary schools would start going to Clinton fall of 2015.