TULSA, Okla. — The school board voted Dr. Ebony Johnson superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools after a 4-2-1 board vote late Monday night.
The vote happened after a five-hour meeting.
The vote solidifies Johnson as the district's superintendent, removing the interim title and allowing her to appoint vacant cabinet positions.
Johnson won the vote 4-2 with one abstaining. Board Member Dr. Jerry Griffin, the lone abstaining vote, announced shortly after the meeting ended that he resigned effective Jan. 2 at noon.
Previous story>>> Who is TPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson?
Johnson is the first Black woman to lead TPS in a permanent role. The vote also solidified a three-year contract for Johnson to run through June 30, 2026.
Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum said he is giving his full support to Johnson:
A leader can’t recruit and retain a great team if that leader has no job stability. This vote was a big step forward for all who want to see a rapid improvement in outcomes for Tulsa Public Schools. I am so grateful for the wisdom of the locally-elected board members who have now empowered Dr. Ebony Johnson to build the team she needs around her to achieve the excellence so many expect."
"Superintendent Johnson has my full support as she moves forward in this new role. Tulsans have a long history of rallying around those with a great challenge before them. I am hopeful that everyone who wants to see Tulsa Public Schools be better in the future will give her that same support.
Dr. Jennettie Marshall, who voted no, said before the final vote she believes her fellow board members violated the Open Meetings Act by discussing items not on the agenda during the 90+ minutes of the board's executive session. She told media after the meeting she plans to file a police report on the allegation.
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters shared his reaction to the appointment of Johnson.
Walters previously requested the TPS board do a national search to include people outside of Oklahoma in hopes of finding a new candidate.
However, the board voted to dismiss a national search with members throwing full support toward Johnson.
On Dec. 12, Walters shared his thoughts about the board's decision to void a national search and voting in Johnson.
“Despite months of assurances from TPS that it would take seriously the profoundly troubling issues in the district, the TPS board showed the exact opposite last night,” said Walters. “While I welcome a close partnership with Dr. Johnson moving forward, TPS is barreling toward drastic action being taken because the district has been unable to make the tough decisions necessary to turn the district around. The State Board of Education and I expect TPS to make decisions that prioritize student outcomes and not simply be a continued rubber stamp for the unions.”
Johnson became interim superintendent after the mutual separation between the district and Dr. Deborah Gistafter continued attacks from Walters.
TPS school board member Dr. Jerry Griffin announced his resignation with a letter after the meeting Monday night.
Today, I am formally announcing my resignation as a member of the Tulsa, Oklahoma School Board, representing District 6, effective noon, January 2, 2024. This decision comes as I prepare to embark on a new journey, one that is focused on addressing the pressing challenges of the American education system.
Griffin said, “Serving on the Tulsa School Board and representing the citizens of District 6 has been a fulfilling experience. My future endeavors will involve outlining my vision for meaningful and lasting educational reform, as detailed in my book, ‘From Flawed to Flourishing: A Reading-Centric Blueprint for Immediate U.S. Education Reform.’ I am currently in the initial phases of organizing a national tour to promote and share this vision with Americans across the country.”
Dr. Gerald R. Griffin added, “Effective learning cannot coexist with ineffective administrative systems. To address this, I will be establishing a consulting firm dedicated to collaborating with school districts across the nation. We will focus on enhancing their administrative operations, strengthening financial controls, and implementing artificial intelligence as a cost-effective tool for operational efficiency and the learning-teaching environment. This initiative is in line with my commitment to fostering educational excellence and operational effectiveness in our schools.”
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all for the unforgettable and enriching experiences during my tenure on the board.
END
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