TPS Board Members To Discuss Possible Litigation Against State Board Of Education

A controversial lawsuit will be the main topic of discussion at Monday night's Tulsa Public Schools board meeting. The Oklahoma State Board of Education recently settled a four-year-old lawsuit with the Oklahoma Public Charter School Association, which will give more funding to the state's charter schools.

TPS Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist has called the state board's decision "illegal and unethical." Nearly two weeks ago, Dr. Gist said she was looking at taking legal action against the state school board.

During Monday's 4 p.m. meeting, Tulsa school board members will vote to meet in executive session. During that time, the public will not be allowed to listen as they meet with their attorneys about possible litigation against the State School Board of Education. However, the vote on whether to take action will be public.

The Tulsa Public School board's discussion comes after the Oklahoma State Board of Education voted 4-3 on March 25 to give equal funding to charter schools. The settlement stemmed from a 2017 lawsuit brought by the Oklahoma Public Charter School Association.

Governor Kevin Stitt has applauded the decision, but public schools across the state have voiced their disapproval of it. Board members at Owasso and Jenks Public Schools will also discuss whether to take action against the State Board of Education at their Monday meetings.