Tag Archives: Education Tulsa

Two Systems. One State. Opposite Results.

By Ken Malloy

Oklahoma has something almost no one talks about. We run two completely different education systems—side by side, funded by the same taxpayers, serving many of the same students.

One is widely respected across the country. Employers praise it. Students line up for it. Other states try to copy it. The other struggles year after year. Parents are frustrated. Outcomes lag. Confidence erodes.

Most Oklahomans know both systems exist. Almost no one stops to ask the obvious question: How can the same state produce both a national model and a systemically failing system at the same time?

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TPS Bonds: Children Deserve More

By Gerald McGarvin

With student proficiency at a horrific 14.7%, down 21% since 2018, it is clear that a radically different approach is needed to turn TPS around. A massive 73% increase in non-instructional costs and 21% drop in student proficiency at TPS since 2018 can lead to only one conclusion. Vote NO on this bond package. Demand accountability and a new bold vision.

First, stop the bleeding and save the patient. Then follow the best student-focused science available to rehab TPS into a world-class educational system. It will be a long difficult process, but our children believe their future is worth the effort. Do we?

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Podcast Promotes Childhood Literacy

By David Arnett

Monday, March 30, Second Lady Usha Vance announced the launch of her podcast: “Storytime with the Second Lady.” The first episode featured the Second Lady reading The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. Later podcast episodes will feature special guest readers including celebrities, children’s authors, athletes, veterans, musicians, and more. The first show is embedded in this story.

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School Board Stipend Increase: No Joke!

By David Arnett

Is it an Oklahoma thing to give more money to criminals, shelter them from responsibility, then re-elect them?

Opinion: Questions came to mind yesterday with the arrival of notice that the Oklahoma Senate approved a bill by Tulsa’s Sen. Regina Goodwin to update the stipend school districts may provide to board members for attending board meetings.

Only the largest school districts pay stipends as most school board members in Oklahoma serve for the benefit of their community’s children. The state’s two largest districts, Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) and Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) do pay and such payment don’t much improve local education. Together both districts draw our national education rankings down the drain and both have failed audits by the Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector office. They fail to teach or account.

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Parents Praise School-Choice Program

By Ray Carter, Center for Independent Journalism, OCPA

March 16, marked the beginning of the enrollment period for the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program, which allows families to obtain refundable tax credits to pay for private-school tuition in the coming 2026-2027 school year. Enrollment will remain open until June 15, 2026.

“In Oklahoma, we trust parents to make the best decisions for their children’s education, and this program helps eligible families choose private school for their kids,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “We’re proud to expand educational freedom and give all Oklahoma families more options.”

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