Short Profile of Dr. La Verne Wimberly, TPS Assistant Superintendent

Dr. La Verne Wimberly's name kept popping up at Monday night's Tulsa school board meeting. Wimberly is Tulsa's assistant superintendent. Many community members say they want to see her appointed

Tuesday, February 29th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Dr. La Verne Wimberly's name kept popping up at Monday night's Tulsa school board meeting. Wimberly is Tulsa's assistant superintendent. Many community members say they want to see her appointed as the interim, but they don't believe the board will do it.

Dorothy Gray worked in the Tulsa Public Schools system in years past. She wants assistant superintendent, Dr. La Verne Wimberly appointed as the interim. But she says she has good reason to believe that won't happen. "We did hear something to the effect that an assistant superintendent heading a department is not likely a person for consideration," Gray said. "We believe that to ignore the leadership and capabilities of Dr. Wimberly would be a mistake."

In a taped interview with the News on Six a few days ago, school board president Ruth Ann Fate said it would be hard to incorporate someone already within the system as interim chief. "I think the positions of people in the district now are so large, that to take someone out of those positions and bring someone in to take care of that position while the interim is going on is usually not done anymore," she explained.

However, Fate also says, along with other school board members, that Wimberly and anyone else in the school system will not be ignored as candidates. "Anybody who is interested and qualified to be an interim should apply," said T-P-S board member Doug Dodd. "In fact, I hope we seek out some people to apply and see what happens."

Wimberly has worked for the district for more than 30 years. Her supporters say she is more than qualified. They say she's worked on every level. "From special education teacher, to counselor, to principal, to middle school director, and to all in between to her present position as assistant superintendent to curriculum and instruction," Gray said.

Wimberly didn't want to talk on camera with the News on Six. Neither did most of her supporters, because they say they shouldn't have to speak on her behalf. Her experience should speak for itself.

Wimberly has also been an adjunct professor at two different colleges and a manager of Tulsa's alternative schools.