Tulsa Mayor Urges Collaboration and Rejects State Takeover in Education Crisis

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum opposes the state takeover of Tulsa Public Schools, calling it an extreme action and an affront to democratic principles. State Superintendent Ryan Walters has delayed a decision on the district's accreditation renewal and has suggested options including a state takeover or nonaccreditation. Mayor Bynum urges collaboration with the State Department of Education instead, emphasizing that the district is not guilty of criminality or an unwillingness to improve outcomes for students. The Tulsa Regional Chamber also supports the reaccreditation of Tulsa Public Schools and opposes a state takeover.