Tulsa superintendent disappointed by contract decision

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Efforts are under way to keep Tulsa's public school superintendent on the job following a school board committee's decision not to retain him. The Contract Committee, after

Friday, February 11th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Efforts are under way to keep Tulsa's public school superintendent on the job following a school board committee's decision not to retain him. The Contract Committee, after failing to come to terms on a new contract for Superintendent John Thompson, notified school board members of the decision late Wednesday.

Board member Michael Pierce said Thursday that has started the process that will put Thompson's contract to a vote of the entire board. Most of the board has supported that move, and the vote could come as early as the Feb. 22 meeting. "I heard Michael say that he wanted the board to explain publicly," said board member Mark Barcus. "I would say that would be my feeling, too. I respect Dr. Thompson a lot."

Thompson, whose contract expires June 30, said last week that he wanted to stay in Tulsa. He was one of two finalists last month for the job of chief executive of Detroit's public schools. But the governor's appointee to that school board had veto power and used it, despite the board's unanimous approval of Thompson. Thompson also has acknowledged visiting other districts.

Ruth Ann Fate, president of Tulsa's school board, said Thompson's recent actions were "divisive." The school board committee decided against renewing the contract after negotiations, officials said. "I am deeply disappointed that I am precluded from the privilege of continuing to serve as the superintendent of the Tulsa Public Schools," Thompson said in a statement Thursday.

Thompson, who came to Oklahoma from a Kentucky Education Department post, thanked Tulsa citizens, patrons, administrators, teachers and personnel "for their dedication in striving to build a world-class school district." He also thanked civic and business leaders for their support. "Most of all I appreciate the young men and women who come to school each day eager to learn and make life better for themselves," he said. "Throughout my career they have been my inspiration and the reason I serve."

Community activist Byron Watson called a protest meeting Thursday at Washington High School, where Pierce told an audience of church leaders and NAACP members that he wants to see 1,000 people supporting Thompson when the school board votes. The group made signs and planned to lead a picket today outside the Education Service Center. "We believe that if the public outcry is loud enough, the school board will have to listen," Watson said.