Governor Kevin Stitt today called for a special audit of Tulsa Public Schools.
Watch the Governor's video announcement here.
Letter to State Auditor Cindy Byrd here.
Tulsa School Board members E’Lena Ashley and Dr. Jennettie letter to Governor Stitt here.
Transcript:
Hey Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt here.
I wanted to update you directly with some news.
At the request of two Tulsa School Board members, today I am calling for a special audit of Tulsa Public Schools and the potential mishandling of public funds.
As one of the largest districts in the state, TPS received over $200 million in COVID federal relief funds.
TPS also stayed closed the longest, over 300 days.
Board members, parents, students, and teachers deserve to know how that money was spent.
I am also concerned that TPS may have violated state law, specifically HB 1775, which bans public schools from teaching critical race theory.
Specifically, the bill prohibits teaching that “one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex.”
I firmly believe that not one cent of taxpayer money should be used to define and divide young Oklahomans by their race or sex.
Let’s teach students – not indoctrinate them.
I have every confidence in State Auditor Cindy Byrd, who is also conducting a financial audit of the State Department of Education which I called for last year.
To be Top Ten in education, parents need to know exactly what’s going on in their child’s school and in their child’s classrooms.
As governor, I will always – ALWAYS – stand with parents.
We will get to the bottom of what’s going on in Tulsa Public Schools.
Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless the great state of Oklahoma.
