Former Tulsa Public School Principal Arrested

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- A former Tulsa Public School principal was arrested Tuesday morning after being charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.     

Vicki Smith, 50, was booked into the Tulsa County jail on Tuesday and released after posting a $1,000 bond. 

According to court documents, Smith, who was a principal at Sam Houston Elementary School at the time, encouraged two minors, ages 10 and 11, to engage in the offense of assault and battery in April of this year.  

According to a police affidavit, Smith set up a fight between the two students, got them out of class to fight and then failed to stop it until she realized the fight was being watched.

In a news release, Tulsa Public Schools says it continues to aid in the investigation of the former principal.

TPS says their campus police department conducted an investigation into allegations made by adult witnesses who said the principal failed to intervene in a fight that took place on school property in April 2009.

The Tulsa County District Attorney's office determined the investigation provided reasonable cause to believe the principal did not take appropriate action to protect the students in her charge.

"When we as a district vow to provide quality learning experiences for every child, every day, it is incumbent upon us to ensure every student is safe," said Dr. Keith Ballard, superintendent of schools. "The students are, and always will be, our first priority. We will vigorously investigate claims of abuse or neglect in our schools, and we will take decisive action in the best interest of our students."

Smith was no longer assigned to Sam Houston Elementary pending the outcome of the investigation. She is currently suspended with pay.

Smith's employment with Tulsa Public Schools began in 1981.   The charge was filed last week in Tulsa County District Court.