Press - Tulsa World Guest Editorial on Drop-out Prevention

MKT

There is no doubt that Tulsa Public Schools are facing very serious challenges. Tulsa has many students who are at risk, both in and out of the classroom. News stories over the past few months illustrate a situation at TPS that must be addressed immediately. I have confidence that the school board will take appropriate action. Unfortunately these recent problems are symptomatic of a much larger problem: the unacceptable number of Tulsa high school students who are dropping out. 

Even by the districts own reports, almost 1,000 students dropped out of high school last year, translating to a rate well above the state average. Dropping out of high school has huge implications for these students for the rest of their lives and for Tulsa’s workforce. Students who drop out of school have little chance of success in their lives.  They are at much greater risk to be in trouble with the law and they face challenges finding jobs that provide livable wages.

For the past two years, I have placed students and drop-out prevention at the forefront of our education efforts in the Mayor’s office. We have partnered with Tulsa’s education community by hosting two “Call to Action” summits. We have partnered with Tulsa's business community to recruit more than 300 new mentors through the “Mayor’s Mentoring to the Max” program. We have partnered with Tulsa Community College to spread the word about the Tulsa Achieves scholarship program that can provide students a tuition-free college education if they stay in school. In August, I am hosting community summit sponsored by General Colin Powell’s “America’s Promise”, specifically designed to address drop-out prevention.

The education and future success of our children is a shared community responsibility. As your Mayor, I have the responsibility and the opportunity to bring together people and resources to address the vital issues that impact this city, including dropout prevention.

I have talked to State Superintendent Sandy Garrett, Governor Brad Henry and Tulsa’s business and community leaders regarding the situation at TPS.

They stand ready to aid the Tulsa Board of Education in finding solutions.

I strongly encourage the board to take immediate and positive action to address the systemic failures that jeopardize our children’s future.

Throughout Tulsa’s history, we have created bold and innovative solutions and forged partnerships for results. It is time to summon Tulsa’s “can-do” spirit, embrace change and reach out to find actionable solutions to reverse the tide of drop-outs and once again restore excellence to Tulsa Public Schools.

Great things are happening in Tulsa! Our downtown is being revitalized, new jobs are coming online and unprecedented opportunities exist for those who graduate from high school. All students, regardless of income have the opportunity for a college education.
Now we must make sure all our children can take full advantage of opportunities for success available to them in our city.  Let’s work to eliminate real and perceived barriers and partner with our schools to find lasting solutions.

It is time for Tulsa to come together to implement the vision for education excellence for our children.

The article was published in the Tulsa World on June 22, 2008.