'Felt Like It Went Good': Tulsa Public Schools Accreditation Progress Discussed At OSBE Meeting

State and local education leaders think Tulsa Public Schools is heading in the right direction, but agree there is still a lot of room for improvement.

They discussed the district’s progress during Thursday’s state board of education meeting.

Demonstrators lined up on the steps outside of the state education building before things got underway.

“It’s hard to get here,” said Bailee Tyler, from Jenks. “It’s a long drive. It’s not at a good time for parents who have to work. I have to take PTO to be here.”

Supporters of state superintendent Ryan Walters held up signs. Once the meeting started, some had the chance to address the board.

“I believe you have good intentions and want to protect children,” a speaker said. “Perhaps some of you just do not understand the tremendous damage Mr. Walters and this board have done to TPS and public schools in less than one year.”

Other speakers spoke in support of Walters.

“I bring you thanks and appreciation from Cherokee County, Sequoyah County, Muskogee County, Osage County,” another speaker said. “The patriots and the prayer warriors in these counties lift you up daily.”

The big presentation came from Tulsa Public Schools superintendent Ebony Johnson. She and her team gave an update on the three areas the state wants to see improvement in.

“I felt like it went good,” said Johnson. “I felt like we shared the information we needed to share to address academic improvements, and then also where we are with our fiscal and financial internal controls.”

Walters praised Johnson’s energy and thinks there is a lot of buy-in to keep TPS on the right track. Johnson says the relationship between the district and the education department is getting better.

“I feel like on both sides, we have worked diligently to enhance our communication, clarity, understanding,” she said. “I feel like the tide is shifting in a great direction for where we’re headed and what we’re trying to do.”

In terms of TPS’ accreditation status, no action was taken. Johnson will return next month to give another update on the district’s progress.