Tulsa Public Schools Discuss The Possibility Of Big Changes At McLain High

The rush is on to improve of the worst performing schools in Oklahoma.   Tulsa's McLain High School and Junior High is in the lowest 5-percent of schools for student performance. But a new partnership hopes to change that.

Tulsa Public Schools and the State Department of Education are teaming up to improve McLain and leaders say they need the community's help to do that.

03/29/2012 Related Story: Tulsa School Avoids Takeover But Gets Help From State

TPS avoided a takeover of McLain High School by the State Department of Education and partnered with the board instead to help the school.

An advisory committee has been formed and they will brainstorm a plan for McLain. But TPS also wants community input as well.

Parents and community members did not like what they heard at the end of an informational meeting Wednesday evening.

"We're somewhat disheartened," Tulsa resident Byron Watson said.

TPS unveiled some possible steps that could take place at McLain High School to boost student performance, like replacing the principal and half the teachers.

If the school district could commit to an overhaul plan by April 20, 2012, it could apply for up to a $5 million educational grant to help with the transition.

Several people at the meeting felt the district had already made up its mind without community input.

"Being presented a plan that perhaps is already somewhat in place," Watson said. "Just the idea of removing staff."

TPS Associate Superintend Kevin Burr says nothing will be decided without the public.

"I really do want them to understand that we do intend to include their input," Burr said. "The advisory group is very willing to listen and very much want the input of this community."

TPS and the State Department of Education say the culture at McLain must change.

Better student teacher relationships must be formed and a rigorous, relevant curriculum must be implemented to get the school off the bottom of the list in graduation rates and student performance.

Staff changes and other painful steps are a very real possibility.

"I think that many of those things that you see are probably the school improvement kinds of endeavors that people expect us to make," Burr remarked.

The district will decide very soon whether to apply for that educational grant, but say big changes are coming with or without the money. There is no timeline for when the plan for McLain will be announced.

TPS Superintendent Keith Ballard was at the meeting but had to leave because of a prior engagement.

Parents can direct their inquires to: Mclain-partnership@tulsaschools.org