Gov. Stitt Mentions TPS, Mother’s School Concerns In State Of The State Address

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt was not holding back his frustrations with Tulsa Public Schools on Monday.

"Just a few blocks away, the rest of the Tulsa metro has been safely in session most of this year," said Stitt.

In his State of the State address, the governor highlighted the district's 325-day absence from in-person learning. He also told the story of Tulsa parent Abby Cavness.

"Stories like Abby's are why students and parents need the choice to transfer to schools that best fit their needs," said Stitt.

Cavness and her husband Jeremy said their 4th grader and kindergartener are unengaged and don't look forward to school right now. Several of their friends have pulled their kids from the district.

Related Story: TPS Board To Discuss Plan To Return To Class By End Of February

Cavness said she was excited to hear the Governor talk about it Monday.

"I feel like we're doing everything we can right now to fight for our kids and in a way, it feels like no one is fighting for us,” said Cavness. “So, it's nice to feel like someone has our back."

About an hour before the Governor's speech, TPS announced they will now reconsider in-person learning and could be back in the classroom by the end of the month.

"They've said that several times and our hopes are up, and our kids hopes are up and they just are crushed every time,” said Cavness. “So, we want to be hopeful."

The family has been able to hire a tutor, but they know not everybody can do that. They just hope distance learning won't hurt them in the future.

"We're trying to do everything we can so that isn't the case, but I think it's going to affect our kids and a lot of kids," said Cavness.

Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist issued a statement on Facebook, you can find the full statement here.