Special education program faces challenges with transitioning to TPS

Tulsa Public Schools Considers Moving Special Education Program to Former Campus

Tulsa Public Schools officials are contemplating relocating a growing special education program to a northeast Tulsa campus that has been vacant since the Ronald Reagan administration. The former Ross Elementary School, located at 8934 E. Latimer St., is being considered as the new home for the Tulsa Transition Academy, starting in the 2024-25 school year.

The Tulsa Transition Academy was established in response to House Bill 1041, which was approved by the Legislature in April 2023 to provide an alternative diploma path for special education students with significant cognitive disabilities. The program serves as a continuation school for students who have received special education services in high school, obtained an alternative diploma, and require additional support in developing life skills.

Currently operating out of Hale High School and serving 13 students in its inaugural year, the Tulsa Transition Academy is expected to expand to accommodate 20 to 25 current high school seniors next year and eventually grow to 100 students within four years. This growth has prompted the need for more space, according to TPS Executive Director of Special Education Debbie Renz.

However, concerns have been raised about the proposed move to the Ross building, as the Oklahoma Sex Offender Registry indicates that eight registered sex offenders live within a mile of the property. Some TPS board members and parents have expressed apprehension about the location due to safety concerns.

In other news, the TPS board approved the district’s 2024-25 calendar, which includes a start date of Aug. 20 and a tentative last day of school on May 21, 2025. The calendar also features changes to traditional breaks and professional development days to better accommodate district employees and students.