Tulsa Superintendent Plans Resignation to Prevent State Takeover Driven By Low Test Scores and "Cultural Issues"

Tulsa superintendent Deborah Gist plans to resign to prevent state takeover of the district led by Ryan Walters.
Walters has criticized Tulsa schools for low test scores, financial issues, and "cultural and religious" concerns.
A state takeover could lead to new leadership, revoked accreditation, and potential school closures in the predominantly Black and Hispanic district.
Takeovers often target disadvantaged districts but frequently fail to improve student outcomes.
Gist's resignation aims to prevent Walters from appointing a new superintendent and taking over the district.