New Site Needed For Burbank Academy

Tulsa Public Schools is searching for a new home for its newest alternative school.  Bell Annex is no longer under consideration for the Burbank Academy.  The News On 6's education reporter Ashli Sims reports the change comes after several parents demanded an alternate location for the new alternative school.

The search is now on for a new site and that could slow up the start of the program.

The district looked at Bell Annex and saw an empty school and a new alternative program in need of a home.  The neighborhood saw problem kids within a stone's throw of an elementary school.

"Now you're telling me that you're taking what I thought was a safe school and putting people with drug, alcohol, and anger management problems with my six year old and my seven year old," said Shauna Richardson, a Bell Elementary parent.

"They're going to be in our neighborhood, before school, after school, going in and out, going to therapy sessions, no," said Joyce Buckner of White City.

Tulsa Public Schools was considering the Bell Annex as a home for the Burbank Academy.  It's a new therapy-intensive alternative school aimed at helping students with substance abuse or mental health issues.         

But, the outcry from the neighborhood has the school district looking for a new location.

"So, now they're in the process of trying to find a location that will serve the community and the children who need to be served with this kind of program," said Tulsa Public Schools' Tami Marler.

More than 200 students were suspended for drug and alcohol issues last year.  And, Marler says they come from all over the district, something that may come as a surprise to some parents.

"This is not my child. My child wouldn't have to go to Burbank. Therefore, I don't want those types of children in my neighborhood. But, the fact is, it could be our children," said Tulsa Public Schools' Tami Marler.

Marler says the board and the superintendent are committed to the program, but the search for a new site could mean the program is not ready this fall.

"We're going to do the best we can to get the program up and running, as effectively as possible, as soon as possible, in the best location possible," said Tulsa Public Schools' Tami Marler.

The district has canceled the community meeting scheduled for Thursday night at Bell Annex.  And, they're looking for a new site.  The old Pershing location is vacant.  But, Marler says it would take a lot more money to get that site ready for students.

Related Story:

07/22/2008  School Board Considering Burbank Proposal