Tulsa Mayor-Elect Looking To Help Schools On Local Level

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin says the solution to the current school budget problems isn't just more money.

She thinks the schools need to look at their expenses, and Mayor-Elect G.T. Bynum is looking at what can be done locally to help our schools.

He says one way Tulsans can help is by volunteering at schools, but, he also said the state needs to make some changes as well.

There is a buzz and excitement about Reading Partners - a program that pairs adults with a student for one hour a week to improve reading levels.

Tulsa Public Schools superintendent, Dr. Deborah Gist said, "It's a great reminder of how much support we have for teachers and children in Tulsa"

But it doesn't solve state budget issues. And with the failure of the education sales tax, Gist has a question.

"We need to go back to our state leaders and say 'what is the plan B going to be,'" she asked.

Fallin says education will be a top priority in the legislature's next session - but she also puts the pressure on schools.

"Schools need to step up and look at their expenses and look at their operations and help us go, certainly, to five day school weeks," she said.

Tulsa’s mayor-elect wants more local control, saying right now the state doesn't allow communities to pass funding initiatives on their own, without a penalty.

"I think that's ridiculous. Both Arkansas and Texas allow local communities to do it without being penalized. I'd like the State of Oklahoma to allow local communities to help on this funding issue instead of the state trying to do it all by themselves," Bynum said.

No matter what happens next, leaders with Reading Partners, the City and the Tulsa Public School District say there is a hands-on approach to help students right now.

Bynum said, "I think there's so many Tulsans who would love to help kids in this community, but they don't know how - Reading Partners provides an answer."

Both Bynum and gist plan on becoming Reading Partner volunteers.

If you would like to help Reading Partners, you can find more information here.