1st Day Of School Kicks Off For TPS Students

The first day of school kicks off for students at Tulsa Public Schools on Thursday morning.

Summer break has come to an end and students from across the district will be filling up classrooms.

TPS is the largest school district in the state serving more than 33,000 students across the district's nearly 80 schools.

The big topic heading into this new school year is the staffing shortage at TPS. Currently, the district is around 30 teachers short and is also in need of substitute teachers.

TPS is also still hiring for every position in the district, from grounds to custodian, to teaching assistants, bus drivers and child nutrition. This means other staff members are picking up extra duties to fill the gaps.

Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist says she will be stepping back into the classroom and teaching a first-grade class.

She says district leaders will do whatever it takes to make sure students have a successful school year.

For more information on bus routes, bell times, or school supplies, visit the district's website by Clicking Here.