Tulsa Schools Narrows Superintendent Search To Four

Tulsa Public Schools is conducting interviews for a successor to the school superintendent position with Dr. Keith Ballard retiring in June.

The candidate search has been narrowed to four people, all of whom are being interviewed in executive session at a Tulsa hotel. That means that unlike in some years past, the school is not releasing the names of the candidates.

Dr. Leigh Goodson of the Tulsa School Board said the interviews are confidential because the four people being considered for superintendent already have jobs at other school districts.

"The candidates are in good positions already, and they don't want to jeopardize their current role," she said.

"When we do feel like we've gotten to the name, and we're ready to work with a candidate to sign a contract, then we'll be able to publically announce that."

Goodson said they expect a high caliber of candidate because of the progress TPS has made in the last few years including being one of the top four recipients of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

"There's lots of really positive things we're doing," she said. "TPS is just right where it needs to be for somebody to take it to the next level."

She believes public education is at a critical crossroads.

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"A lot of people are saying the education movement we're seeing right now is this generation's version of the civil rights movement, and I'm in complete agreement with that," Dr. Goodson said.

"We are at a point where we have to do what's right for public education, and Tulsa Public Schools is doing things to be at the forefront of that."