Photo: Tulsa Public School District
The Tulsa Public School District is moving forward with a permanent superintendent. The school board voted 4-2 with one abstention to name Interim Superintendent Ebony Johnson as permanent superintendent. Johnson's contract will run through June 30th, 2026.
Johnson was initially named the interim superintendent after the mutual separation between the district and Dr. Deborah Gist.
Board Member Dr. Jerry Griffin, the lone abstaining vote, announced shortly after the meeting ended that he resigned effective January 2.
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum had supported naming Johnson to the position. "A leader can’t recruit and retain a great team if that leader has no job stability. This vote was a big step forward for all who want to see a rapid improvement in outcomes for Tulsa Public Schools," said Bynum. "I am so grateful for the wisdom of the locally-elected board members who have now empowered Dr. Ebony Johnson to build the team she needs around her to achieve the excellence so many expect."
"Superintendent Johnson has my full support as she moves forward in this new role," said Bynum. "Tulsans have a long history of rallying around those with a great challenge before them. I am hopeful that everyone who wants to see Tulsa Public Schools be better in the future will give her that same support."