Dr. Jerry Gri n resigns from TPS school board

Dr. Jerry Gri-n, who represents District 6 on the Tulsa Board of Education, has announced his resignation from the board, effective January 2, 2024. Gri-n had previously announced he would not seek reelection next year, and two candidates – Maria Seidler and Sarah Smith – Jled for the seat and will face one another in the April 2nd regular school board election.

District 6 includes Hale High School and the surrounding area.

Because Gri-n’s resignation leaves a vacancy, the district has up to 60 days to appoint someone to Jll the remainder of the term. Assuming the board does not appoint one of the two existing candidates, there will be a temporary board member until the newly elected individual assumes the o-ce.

During his one term on the school board, Gri-n has been widely regarded as one of its most divisive members, and was accused in 2022 by then board member Judith Barba-perez of making anti-immigrant comments. Gri-n also reportedly questioned Barba-perez’s citizenship.

Gri-n also drew Jre last year when he and two other board members, E'lena Ashley, and Dr. Jennettie Marshall, walked out of a school board meeting in order to deny a quorum and prevent the board from taking action on a number of key agenda items. The move, described as a politically motivated stunt by critics, led to a petition on change.org calling for the resignation of Gri-n and his colleagues.

In a letter issued Monday night, Gri-n said he was resigning to explore other educational opportunities.

“Today, I am formally announcing my resignation as a member of the Tulsa, Oklahoma School Board, representing District 6, effective noon, January 2, 2024,” Gri-n said in the press release. “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.” (La Semana)