Parents Left With Unanswered Questions After TPS Decision To Return To Classroom

Some parents are concerned while others are excited after Tulsa Public Schools announces a plan to return to in-person learning.

Some teachers said they’re nervous to head back to the classroom, but Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist said they wouldn’t have recommended a return to in-person learning if they didn’t feel confident that they could keep students and teachers safe.

"I made a commitment to them that I would never ask them to do anything that I am not willing to do myself,” Dr. Gist said. “So, I will be in the classroom as well when we get going on November 9.”

Many parents said they're excited after the Tulsa Public Schools board announced a return for in-person learning for elementary students, but others believe there’s still a lot of questions up in the air.

"I just wanted to shake him and be like you get to go to school in November!” said TPS Parent Lorianna Parker.

Lorianna Parker said her son, Rayden, is excited to head back to school at Mayo. Parker works a full-time job and said distance learning has been a challenge.

"My son is a very hands-on learner, he likes to feel, he likes to touch, he likes to be right there, he likes the person being in front of him teaching him,” said Parker.

Other TPS Parents said they aren't sure if they're going to send their kids back to in person classes. Zarrow Parent Andy McMillan said he's concerned the plan isn't fully developed.

"To me, those uncertainties say let’s go back, get those answers and then present and vote on a more well-formed plan,” McMillan said. ‘That didn't happen last night.”

The Board voted to bring elementary students back in-person four days a week, with distance learning on Wednesdays.

·Pre-K and Kindergarten students start back on November 9th

·1st through 3rd graders on November 16th

·4th, 5th and some 6th graders on the 30th (This only pertains to 6th grade students at Elementary Schools)    

Dr. Gist said she understands teachers' concerns and wanted to give them Wednesdays as a day to regroup.

"It’s hard for people who aren't in the position to understand the magnitude of what our teachers have on their plates right now,” said Dr. Gist.

Parents said they understand this wasn't an easy decision for the board to make, but some still have unanswered questions.

"My suggestion would be don't give up now,” said McMillan. “You've put a lot of work into it, so let’s come up with plans that actually has a lot of those questions answered."

The board plans to meet next Monday night to discuss the plan for students in grades 6 through 12.