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Tulsa Schools Invest $12.8 Million in Early Childhood Education

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02 .. t-12-8-million-in-early-childhood-education.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 12:55 GMT by Tulsa World
      Locales: Oklahoma, UNITED STATES

Tulsa, Oklahoma - February 12th, 2026 - The Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) board yesterday approved a landmark $12.8 million investment designed to dramatically expand and improve early childhood education within the district. The decision, made during a special board meeting, signals a long-term commitment to laying a stronger academic and social-emotional foundation for Tulsa's youngest learners.

This substantial investment will be strategically allocated to three key areas: expanding access to preschool, bolstering teacher training and compensation, and enriching the existing curriculum. The move is anticipated to benefit hundreds of four-year-olds and reshape the early learning landscape in Tulsa, building upon previous initiatives and voter-approved funding.

Superintendent Dr. Gena Gorrell hailed the decision as "transformative," emphasizing the critical role early childhood education plays in a child's development. "These are the most formative years," Dr. Gorrell stated. "This isn't simply about preparing children for kindergarten; it's about setting them on a trajectory for lifelong learning and success. By investing now, we are investing in the future of our community."

Expanding Access: Reaching More Young Learners

The largest portion of the funding - $6.7 million - will be directly allocated to expanding access to preschool programs. TPS currently faces a challenge in meeting the demand for high-quality early childhood education, leaving many four-year-olds without the benefits of a structured learning environment. This expansion is projected to provide access to an additional 200 to 300 students, a significant leap towards universal preschool access within the district. District officials are currently evaluating options for expanding capacity, including adding classrooms to existing elementary schools and exploring partnerships with community-based childcare providers. There is also discussion around offering full-day versus half-day options, and tailoring programs to better serve the needs of diverse learners, including those with special needs and English Language Learners.

Investing in Educators: Elevating the Profession

Recognizing that the quality of instruction is paramount, $4.4 million has been earmarked for teacher training and compensation. Preschool teachers often face unique challenges and require specialized skills to effectively nurture young minds. This funding will support professional development opportunities focused on areas like play-based learning, social-emotional learning, and early literacy. Perhaps even more importantly, the investment will include salary increases designed to attract and retain highly qualified preschool educators. Historically, early childhood educators have been underpaid compared to their counterparts teaching older grades, leading to high turnover rates and a shortage of qualified professionals. This move aims to address that disparity and create a more stable and experienced workforce.

Curriculum Enhancement: Fostering Holistic Development

The remaining $1.7 million will be dedicated to enhancing the early childhood curriculum. The focus will be on integrating evidence-based practices that promote holistic development - encompassing cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and creative growth. This includes investing in high-quality learning materials, incorporating technology to enhance learning experiences, and providing ongoing support for teachers in implementing the new curriculum. There's an increasing emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities even at the preschool level, preparing children for the demands of a 21st-century workforce.

Sustained Funding: A Voter-Approved Commitment

This $12.8 million investment isn't a one-time expenditure. It's being funded by a sales tax approved by Tulsa voters in 2022, designed to provide a consistent stream of revenue for early childhood education initiatives. Board President Shalisa Sewell emphasized the importance of this ongoing funding stream. "The voters of Tulsa clearly demonstrated their commitment to our youngest learners," Sewell stated. "This investment is a direct result of their support, and it signals a long-term dedication to ensuring that all of our students have the opportunity to reach their full potential."

The success of this initiative will be closely monitored, with TPS planning to track key indicators such as kindergarten readiness scores, student attendance rates, and long-term academic outcomes. District officials are also exploring ways to expand partnerships with families and community organizations to create a comprehensive early learning ecosystem that supports children from birth to age five.