How To! Living at Odds | 2. An Education in Opposition
Apr 15, 2025
Stacey Woolley, former PTA president and Tulsa School Board member, shares her journey from opposition to collaboration with Deborah Gist, Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools. They discuss their rocky start and how the challenges of COVID-19 transformed their relationship. Insights into the ideological tensions in education reveal the importance of communication and understanding. Together, they illustrate how perseverance and empathy can lead to effective collaboration, even in a politically charged environment.
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Stacey Becomes PTA President
- Stacey Woolley was recruited to become the PTA president after hosting an exchange teacher from Spain for her child.
- Despite initial hesitation, she accepted to stop complaining and start fixing issues.
Education as Conflict Ground Zero
- Education fights touch on deep values and fears, turning conflicts into holy wars.
- COVID-19 sparked intense conflicts at school board meetings nationwide over closures and mandates.
Deborah Gist Returns to Tulsa
- Deborah Gist, an experienced educator and former DC superintendent, returned to Tulsa optimistic about broad community trust.
- Early controversies, including a high school principal’s removal, set a difficult precedent.
