TPS Superintendent Calls Settlement With OPCSA ‘Relentless Attack’ On Public Education

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist said she's considering legal action against the state's school board's multimillion-dollar settlement with the Oklahoma Public Charter Schools Association. She said she believes the decision was illegal and unethical.

“In the midst of navigating this international emergency, our school systems are under relentless attack by our own state leaders,” Dr. Gist said.

The state school board settled a four-year long lawsuit with Oklahoma Public Charter Schools Association that said public and charter schools should be funded the same way.

"Our public schools are under assault. If this decision stands, this will take precious resources from our children's classrooms to further bolster Epic's private interests," Gist said. "This is also another instance in which those of us on the ground serving kids are being pitted against each other because of these inappropriate and unsupportive actions."

In 2017, the Oklahoma Public Charter School Association sued the state Board of Education, claiming charter and public schools should get equal funds. 

The resolution, approved by board members 4-3 Thursday, now says both public and charter schools should receive funding in the same way. Trent Smith from Yukon, Estala Hernandez from Putnum City, Brian Bobek and Jennifer Monies both from Oklahoma City voted for the measure. 

Governor Kevin Stitt issued a statement applauding the decision, saying, 

“I commend the State Board of Education for its lawful decision to uphold current statute and affirm that charter schools are public schools.

“This decision is the right one for Oklahoma students. The COVID pandemic has shown us that students learn in a variety of different ways and there is no one-size-fits-all school for every student. Public school students should not be punished for succeeding in a charter school setting. Further, existing statute makes clear that charter schools are eligible for local revenues.

“The State Board’s decision is a lawful solution to a problem that has existed for years and predates my time as governor. But let me be clear: I was hired to bring a fresh set of eyes to all areas of government, including, and perhaps most importantly, the way we educate future generations. Oklahoma’s 40+ year stagnant approach is not working. Being ranked among the bottom five states in the nation for education is unacceptable to me and I know it’s unacceptable to Oklahomans, so I will do everything I can to ensure Oklahoma becomes a Top Ten state in education and that includes supporting all public school students in the same way.”

Gist said she is talking to other school districts about next steps. 

"My goal is to make sure the folks are paying attention and that we all need to act and we need to make our voices heard about how much we rely on our public schools and how much we love our public schools," Gist said. 

State superintendent Joy Hofmeister did not support this settlement, along with board members from both Tulsa and Claremore. News on 6 reached out Hofmeister as well as the board members who voted yes. News on 6 has not heard back.

For more information about the settlement, visit the state board of education website here.