Monday, May 4, 2026 • Very warm and windy. Mid-to-upper 80s. 💨

🏀 Thunder playoff schedule for this week:
Game 1: Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., Los Angeles Lakers @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Game 2: Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Los Angeles Lakers @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Game 3: Saturday at 8:30 p.m., Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles Lakers

By Anna Colletto, Tulsa Flyer
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“Everyone’s got their job,” exclaimed Jamie Stika, a special education programs coordinator.

After an emotional 12-hour hearing Friday, the Tulsa Public Schools board unanimously rejected cuts to special education staffing at the district. As the district faces a multi-million dollar budget gap, its leaders now return to the drawing board for staff and cost reductions.

“There should not be reductions to funding for special education in Tulsa Public Schools,” said board member John Croisant. “But the board does request that the superintendent and her team bring a new recommendation for a restructuring of special education services — without cuts to funding.” 

The proposed reduction would have netted 12 fewer positions to save around $800,000 while 30 special education employees faced job loss, a lapse in insurance and reduction of responsibilities at TPS. 

Stika was one of six affected employees who pushed back in the marathon board meeting Friday. Together, they have more than a century of experience. Disbelief washed over her face when the final vote was called, whispering “we won.”

“The board acknowledging that the needs of special education students are more important than budgetary concerns is huge,” said Jennifer Diggs, a special education program coordinator who testified Friday. “We are just beyond elated — and exhausted.”

The district’s proposal would have removed nearly two dozen special education leaders from year-round management roles beginning July 1. They were guaranteed 10-month teacher contracts, a significant pay reduction. Six support staffers, one administrator and four vacant positions would have been cut entirely.  

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Here’s what’s happening in Oklahoma today:

• 🚨At least 10 people shot at Lake Arcadia (News 9)

• Bodies of 3 adults found inside OKC apartment, police say (KOCO)

• Man shot by Lawton police after refusing to drop weapons dies, OSBI says (KOCO)

• Oklahoma City man jailed on 28 felonies in yearlong home invasion terror targeting women (Fox 25)

• Activists, officials in OKC protest Supreme Court decision on voting rights (Oklahoma City Free Press)

• Oklahoma lawmakers push school cell phone ban, primary races heat up (News 9)

• Plea deal for Oklahoma sheriff prompts scrutiny after years of questions (The Oklahoman)*

• Session Watch: Week 13 (Oklahoma Watch)

• Crowded Republican primary largest ever for 1st Congressional District (Tulsa World)*

• PAC money backs Oklahoma minimum wage hike, led by Tulsa donors (The Oklahoman)*

• Oklahoma’s eviction process is being used as a form of rent collection, data shows (Oklahoma Watch)

• Google operations manager in Pryor touts data center benefits (Tulsa World)*

• Guthrie barn fire kills 17 or more horses (KFOR)

• Then vs. now: See how Tulsa’s stretch of Route 66 has changed over time (Tulsa Flyer)

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