Tulsa Public Schools wants to close 17 buildings that are underused and would cost tens of millions to repair. The district released campus-level data showing repair estimates that dwarf recent bond investments, with an estimated 4,726 students facing reassignment.

The data, compiled by the Oklahoma Eagle from district records, covers enrollment, building condition, 2021 bond spending and proposed reassignment destinations for each campus. The TPS board directed Superintendent Ebony Johnson to find $12 million in savings after the district lost $20 million in federal revenue with the end of pandemic relief funding, the Oklahoma Eagle reported. The board is scheduled to vote on the plan Monday, Oct. 19.

Bond dollars vs. repair costs

The gap between what the district recently invested and what buildings still need stands out across the list.

Thoreau Demonstration Academy received $6.8 million in 2021 bond funds, including $4.7 million in interior renovations. Its estimated repair bill by 2030: $13.08 million, the highest among the 17 campuses. The building is rated "very poor."

Bell Elementary received $6.4 million in bond funds, with more than $5.3 million going to interior work. It still faces $9.02 million in estimated repairs and a "poor" rating. Central Middle and High School got $5.2 million in bond money yet needs $12.84 million in repairs.

At the other end, several campuses received under $1 million in bond funds. Marshall Elementary got $396,587. Key Elementary got $442,968. Robertson Elementary got $423,423.

Enrollment and capacity

Of the campuses with capacity data, none is more than 62% full. Greenwood Leadership Academy, at 41%, has the lowest capacity utilization. Marshall Elementary sits at 43%, and Hoover Elementary at 45%.

All 17 campuses serve predominantly economically disadvantaged students. Robertson Elementary has the highest disability rate among the targeted schools at 23.46%.

As we reported Sept. 24, the closure plan has raised particular concerns about special education services in east Tulsa.

Where students would go

Under the plan, each campus has one to three designated receiving schools. Robertson Elementary students would go to Clinton West Elementary. Thoreau students, who attend the magnet program from across the district, would return to their home schools or apply to another magnet. The Thoreau building would become a teacher development center.

Haley Morris, president of the Robertson Elementary PTA, told KTUL on Sept. 22 that West Tulsa has only three schools. "Why are we considering closing down one of the only schools over here?" Morris said. "I do not think that is in the best interest of these children."

The closures would save $2.6 million initially and $11.1 million over time, with about $8.5 million coming from staffing changes, according to the Oklahoma Eagle. The district plans to reassign existing teachers rather than hire new ones in summer 2027.

What's next

Community information sessions run from Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at Martin Regional Library (2601 S. Garnett Rd.) through Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Zarrow Regional Library. A virtual session in Spanish is set for Wednesday, Oct. 7. A community survey closes Friday, Oct. 16. The board votes Oct. 19, and if approved, closures would take effect in the 2027-28 school year.