New name and new goals for Tulsa's McLain High School

Tuesday, January 23rd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Public School Superintendent Dr. David Sawyer unveiled a new name, new goals and a significant amount of new money for McLain high school. Sawyer said it himself at Monday nightâ€™s school board meeting sometimes he's accused of moving too fast. He just hit light speed.

In one of his first major reforms since taking over the school district, Sawyer announced wide-sweeping changes for McLain High school. First, is a name change to the Tulsa High School for Science and Technology. McLain's namesake will be honored by having the schoolâ€™s gymnasium named in his honor. Also, there will be a new curriculum at the school that will focus on science, math and technology, just as the new name suggests.

Students residing in McLain's district have the first shot at attending the new school. The rest of the spots will be filled through open enrollment. That news left a few in the audience with reservations. "Lets not consider another magnet school that selects who comes north to get the education we should have been guaranteed in the beginning," said Denise Wilson. "We have no time to waste,â€ Sawyer said. â€œI think we must strike, and we must strike quickly to make the difference for this year's graduating class as well as every following graduation class."

To that end, Sawyer announced a gift of a $500,000 from the Williams Company to begin the transformation. Beginning next year, an entire class of high school freshman, 400 in all, will usher in the new school.