Thompson Responds with Written Statement

Thursday, February 10th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools thanked the community Thursday for its support after he learned that his career with the school district is all but over. Dr. John Thompson released a written statement Thursday afternoon responding to a school board committee decision Wednesday night not to renew his contract.

The school board's attorney told us the News on Six Thursday that Thompson's fate still rests with the full school board. But in a statement Thompson acknowledges his days are numbered. In the release, Thompson said he is "deeply disappointed" at being precluded from the privilege of continuing to serve as superintendent. He thanked citizens, students and staff for their support and asked them to continue their work without interruption.

School board member Mark Barkus disagrees with the decision, and says although it's technically non-binding, it pretty much seals Thompson's future. "The fact is that it was the three members of the school board that really held the decision in their hands," Barcus said. â€œMichael Pierce and I are the only two who support the contract. So it's not binding, but it tells everyone what the math really is."

Thompson's statement made no clear indication of his immediate plans. Spokesman John Hamil said the superintendent plans to serve the remainder of his contract which expires June 30th.

Jack Henderson, former president of Tulsa's N-A-A-C-P, condemned the committee's decision and said members may seek action to overturn it. "I've heard some conversations going all around town from different groups that there will be some action taken to make sure that this decision can be overturned or rethought," he said.

Tulsa mayor Susan Savage also expressed surprise at the committeeâ€™s decision, saying the action should not diminish Thompson's achievements in the district. "I think all of us in public positions get undue blame and insufficient credit,â€ Savage said. â€œIt's typically the person who is in charge of providing the service who has to stand up and take responsibility for it, and whether that is the responsibility you have earned or that's been assigned to you, it still has to be addressed."