Tulsa Public Schools Offers Incentives To Avoid Layoffs

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The economy in crisis has Oklahoma educators using words like devastating and bleak. Superintendents from across the state spoke out at Thursday's Board of Education meeting, saying a 10 percent budget cut will mean fewer teachers in the classroom.

A local school district is redoubling its efforts to shrink staff without laying anyone off.

"Next year 10 percent reduction, that's heinous. It's nefarious," said Robert Burton, Chief of Staff for Tulsa Public Schools.

Harsh words from those on the front lines. But if they were looking for reassurance from the state's top educator, they didn't get it.

"It's very bleak right now at the legislature," said Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent.

School districts across Oklahoma are facing a possible 10 percent budget cut.  For Tulsa Public Schools that means $13 to $15 million - and more than 300 jobs.

Tulsa Public Schools has already frozen hiring and made workers take days off without pay. They've cut out paid substitutes, dozens of administrative positions and any extra spending.

Now they say they're looking at the only place left: classroom teachers.

"They need to work within their budget, and I was considering retirement anyhow so I'm open to hear what they have to say today," said Lynelle Lancaster, veteran teacher.

This meeting is to encourage teachers to leave voluntarily. Dozens already took the district up on a $5,000 incentive to retire early. Now they're offering to pay for 18 months of health insurance for career teachers who want to resign.

"I think there's a lot who are on the fence, not sure," said Lonnis Goswick, a 36-year teacher. "I think insurance plays a big part, because it's quite expensive. So I think this way it might push em one way or the other."

If enough don't leave, Tulsa Public Schools will have to lay off first year teachers. However it happens, there'll be 225 fewer folks at the head of the class.

"When you lose that many teachers, you have an adverse effect on the class size, and that's what's going on in Tulsa right now," said TPS Chief of Staff Robert Burton.

"I think we'll lose workforce; I think we'll lose economic development," said State Superintendent Sandy Garrett. "And the reason education is so important is that is the future of our state."

Garrett said Thursday that lawmakers should look at ways to raise revenue to save education and other agencies. She says that doesn't mean tax hikes, but she didn't specify how they should boost revenue.