Public education is one of the great challenges we face in our common life. Our state constitution provides a guarantee of a “free and appropriate” common education for every young person in Oklahoma. That is an enormous commitment we share. I believe that education is one of the three most important obligations of state and local government---along with public safety and the development and maintenance of our basic infrastructure.

I believe in the mission we have undertaken in Tulsa Public Schools to provide "a quality educational experience for every student, every day, without exception." Do we live up to this ideal? No . . . but that is the nature of a mission statement. It is something that you can strive for continuously and that guides you. Each day and each student and family we serve will always challenge us with more to do and each task we undertake will show ways we must improve. Is this ideal worthy, nonetheless? For me, absolutely.

Our world has changed dramatically from the one in which I grew up and went to school. Basic skills, core family values, and elements of character remain, but the pace of ideas and developments, and their application in today's world boggle my imagination. My son was born in the year I bought my first personal computer. He now makes his living by harnessing the power of computers for the benefit of his employers. Communication throughout the globe is instant. Information is available to each of us in ways and at a pace none of us imagined when we were growing up. All this highlights an enormous challenge for educators.

Parents and others who raise children have a responsibility which, while similar in character to preceding generations, is growing ever so much more challenging and complex each day. Parents are our children's first and most important teachers. Nothing schools can ever do will alter this basic truth. I believe those who abdicate this core truth do serious injury to their children and to our community into which those children inevitably move. However, there is no one best practice of parenting. Each parent must find that path which works best for them and for their child. Similarly, there is no one best practice of educating our students . . . not the way I was taught growing up or even the way that some other school is doing it "better" today. We must learn, adapt and deploy strategies for each of our students as best serves their individual needs. And we must expect and demand the active participation of parents and the public in framing and carrying out those strategies.

Tulsa Public Schools can and does provide more options and opportunities for its students than most school districts. We permit open transfer to almost any school in our District. Often the most sought after choices are unavailable to all that seek them. I believe in these choices nonetheless and I will work to create more throughout the District at every level. This then invests parents with the options they need to decide what is best for their child. It is the way I think our District can best live into its mission to provide quality educational experiences to every student every day . . . all 41,000+ of them.

I look forward to continuing to serve this community, sharing my thoughts about education and about TPS on this site from time to time, and to hearing from all stakeholders.

Regards, Matt Livingood