Oklahoma School Board Addresses Executive Sessions, Tulsa Public Schools Charter

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Department of Education’s monthly meeting addressed issues that have drawn a lot of attention from Tulsa parents and the attorney general.

2 News anchor Erin Christy attended the meeting in Oklahoma City.

Can legislators attend executive sessions at State Board of Education meetings?

It came up several times with the school board meeting and now there is an opinion from state attorney general Gentner Drummond. He wrote that lawmakers should be able to legally attend these sessions.

The board chose not to address it because there was no executive session scheduled on the agenda.

“I think the board wants more time to be able to talk to the board. They want to talk to others to figure it out,” Superintendent Ryan Walters said.

Later, when he voted to revoke or suspend several teaching certifications without any discussion, one board member said the information was too private to discuss openly.

“When there are personnel issues, we think these people give them privacy,” Walters said.

The board did not explain that they did not go into executive session for that discussion.

A reporter asked why it’s a problem for lawmakers to participate when other agencies aren’t opposed. Walters said he is not opposed but wants legal clarity.

Following the meeting, Drummond issued this statement:

Turning to district business, Tulsa Public Schools gave its monthly status report on the improvement goals set for the district.

The reports began last year citing poor performance in TPS. Now, those reports show improvement.

Some board members praised the district, saying it “exceeded expectations and became an example for the rest of the state.”

The board does not release pressure on the district.

Board member Zac Archer is so impressed with the leadership and performance, “I would like to make a motion that next month be the last official meeting for Tulsa. I think they’re doing a great job.”

Walters said there are still financial concerns, but he would be open to the reports being presented instead of being presented in person.

The board voted to work with the district to determine the best way to proceed with upgrades going forward.

One board member said the monthly presentations are a good thing for the district. Don Burdick said the updates are “not a burden” and suggested other districts want the chance to come and showcase their accomplishments.

Stay connected with us anytime, anywhere —