Tulsa Public School's Keith Ballard accepts 1-year extension, will not retire

TULSA - Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard is staying put.

Ballard, who had planned on retiring at the end of the school year, has accepted a 1-year extension, TPS announced Monday in a special meeting.

“A lot of work remains to be done, and I am not ready to go just yet,” Ballard said. “We have made significant changes over the last couple of years that have set the stage for transformation.

The move appears to be a stopgap, as TPS has interviewed "about 25" for the eventual opening, according to TPS board president Gary Percefull.

"It is critical that we identify a candidate who buys into the board’s vision for Tulsa Public Schools and who is the best fit given a strategic plan that is already well underway," Percefull said in a press release.

Ballard has worked in education for more than 40 years. His district recently came under fire after receiving eight failing grades from Oklahoma's new A through F grading system. Ten schools across the state received an F.

“Of all the jobs I’ve had, serving as superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools has been my favorite. I look forward to continuing to serve the terrific students and staff of TPS.”