More Fallout From Troubled Tulsa School

There has been more fallout from a scathing investigation into a troubled Tulsa alternative school. The head of Tulsa Public Schools is under fire for Tulsa Academic Center's failings. A newspaper editorial says the TAC debacle should cost the superintendent his job.

News On 6 education reporter Ashli Sims reports only the Tulsa school board can decide if Dr. Michael Zolkoski should stay or go, but others are letting their opinions be known in paper and online.

First it was a highly critical internal report blasting the Tulsa Academic Center, now a very public rebuke of the man who brought the alternative school to Tulsa Public Schools.

The editorial expressed their disapproval in pictures and words, calling for Superintendent Dr. Michael Zolkoski to be fired.

School board member Matt Livingood says he wasn't surprised and it wasn't the first time he's heard the sentiment.

"It's not isolated. There certainly a significant number of individuals who have shared this opinion. But I've gotten just as many comments from folks, who say that we should stay the course," said Livingood.

It was TAC that was way off course, according to an internal investigation released this week. The report says the school was marred by violence, overcrowding, poor record-keeping and hamstrung by unnamed district leaders, who failed to respond for months after issues were raised.

The editorial holds Zolkoski responsible, saying he knew or should have known about TAC's problems.

"It becomes a very difficult judgment call to suggest yes he's responsible, but if folks aren't telling him what he needs to know then how does he acquit that responsibility," said Livingood.

The Tulsa School Board will decide if the superintendent lived up to his responsibilities, during his yearly evaluation while some say TAC is reason enough to say goodbye.

Others cite an increase in the number of Tulsa schools meeting state and federal standards and successful alternative programs, like the Tulsa Learning Academy, as reason to not write Zolksoki off.

"If this is the only thing that we evaluate him on, I think that would be unfair. That doesn't say that it shouldn't be a significant part of the conversation, however," said Livingood.

Here's what the superintendent has to say about the matter. He won't discuss the report, citing an ongoing investigation and employees rights to confidential evaluation.

But he did say, through district spokesperson, Tami Marler that "he is fully aware of what led to the problems at TAC and he is willing to take full responsibility, correct deficiencies and move forward."

Related Stories:

06/17/2008 - Board Member Looks To Close TAC

06/14/2008 - TPS Looking To Shake Up Alternative Program