Tulsa Public Schools plans to eliminate adult education, including GED classes

TULSA - Tulsa Public Schools' GED program is on the chopping block.  More than 1,000 students and 15 teachers have benefitted from the program. But, at the end of the month it will be gone.

News of canceling GED education came as quite a blow to many students, because their future hangs in the balance

"They get a GED, and they go, they can go to a trade school, tech school, they can go to college, they can go do everything.  It opens the doors for them," said Robert Hinson, who's taught GED classes for nine years.

Alene Thomas is one of the many adult students who is looking for a second chance. She's raising three grandchildren and wants to set an example.

"Grandma went and got hers, you know, it took Grandma a little while though, you go and get yours, don't wait until you're my age," said Thomas

The program is funding primarily through grants.

TPS officials say they are cutting the program not because of the money it will save, but because it no longer fits in with the philosophical view of the district. They feel they should focus on diplomas not GEDs.

"We are going to eliminate our adult education program. That was seen as a nice program to have and it certainly met a need but those services are available other places," said TPS Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard.

Current students will have class until May 26th.

Next year, TPS has plans to offer a virtual high school for anyone of any age. Students can work to get their high school diploma online.

School Board members will make a final decision to end the adult education program at Monday's meeting. Most of the steps to end the program have already been put in place.