Principal out at embattled Tulsa school

TULSA — Tulsa Public Schools will replace Edison Preparatory School Principal Dixie Speer and transfer her to another school, the district said Tuesday afternoon.

“Based on all of the feedback we have received, Principal Speer and I have determined that a leadership change would be a healthy step at this time,” Superintendent Deborah Gist said in a letter to parents.

“I am grateful to Principal Speer for modeling character, excellence, and team as we worked together to make this critical decision. She too wants what is best for Edison.”

The move comes after weeks of tumult at the high-performing school. Hundreds of students walked out of class last week to protest teacher turnover and deteriorating conditions at the school. Parents, students and teachers delivered a broad critique of Speer and the district at a Tulsa School Board meeting two weeks ago.

Those public protests were the manifestation of low teacher morale, high turnover, unclear discipline policy, and what was described as a climate and culture of fear.

The district’s chief executive acknowledged that in her letter, writing, “There are many specific areas of improvement that will be acted upon including improvements to communication and relationships.”

Gist said Clay Vinyard, the current principal at Tulsa Learning Academy, will take over at Edison on an interim basis for the next 18 months. Speer will take Vinyard’s place on an interim basis.