TPS Board To Discuss Whether Students Should Return To In-Person Learning

On Monday evening Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist is expected to give her recommendation to the board on whether students should return to in-person learning for the second quarter of the semester. There is also a parent-led rally happening at the same time with TPS parents who want their kids learning in the classroom and not at home.

The meeting will be virtual at 6:30 p.m. and open to anyone who would like to attend, but those who wish to speak must fill out a form online by noon Monday.

The board meeting is the first step in deciding if students will return to classes in-person or stay virtual for the next quarter of school. There will not be any sort of vote on the matter, instead rather a discussion and recommendation presented to the board by Dr. Gist. The exact date of the vote is unknown, but the board does have a virtual meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m.

A recent Tulsa County Teacher’s Association survey shows more than 60% of teachers want to stay virtual for the rest of the semester.

The TPS Parents for Choice Rally will be held at the TPS Education Service Center from 5p.m. to 7p.m. on Monday evening. The group that began on Facebook a few weeks ago has quickly gained more than 500 members that represent 42 schools in the district. These parents say they want their children to return to in person learning as soon as possible because that’s what is best for their education and well-being.