Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Says He'll Retire Next Year

Tulsa's Superintendent had confirmed he will retire in June of next year. This is not unexpected because Dr. Keith Ballard's contract runs out then, and he's said before that he wouldn't stay any longer

But Ballard's announcement, affirming that decision, comes as the school board starts the process of finding a new superintendent. They'll meet Thursday for the first time to discuss it.

Ballard said he wanted to make it clear that he will not be open to staying with the district but will instead retire from TPS - and do some lecturing at the University of Oklahoma.

"The school district is bigger than any one individual and we have great people in place here, great people," Ballard said. "The system is what should go forward and I am confident the board will handle that transition."

At the same time, Jenks superintendent Kirby Lehman has announced he'll retire next June as well - ending a long career with that district.