Parents hope for improvement with new Edison Prep Principal

TULSA -- This coming Monday, a new principal starts at Tulsa's troubled Edison Prep school.

 

There have been sexual assault investigations, video of a teacher throwing a desk, and a student walk-out, all in the past few months at Edison. New Principal Clay Vinyard's main goal is to get the school back on track.

 

"The last month has been very divisive," said Principal Vinyard.

 

In an effort to make a change Edison hired Vinyard as the Interim Principal.

 

"From what I’ve heard the student concerns, they’re valid and I want them to make sure that they know that we’re hearing them and we’re going to respond to help improve their school and the culture," said Principal Vinyard.

 

He starts his new role at Edison on Monday. He tells 2 Works For You he wants to bring the school back to normalcy.

 

"Tell me how I can help you, tell me what issues you have, tell me how I can support you to do your job the best of your abilities," said Principal Vinyard.

 

But he says he can't do it alone.

 

"Adults have to come together, the community has to come together, parents, staff, and kids have to come together so we make sure that we give them the best possible product we can so they can have the best experience," said Principal Vinyard.

 

Parents hope the new leadership will communicate with the teachers to create a better environment for the students.

 

"As they try to find solutions to fix whatever issues that may be, discipline, anything, that he’s willing to work with them, and that they don’t have that fear, the management by fear," said David White, an Edison Prep parent.

 

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent sent out the letter earlier this week announcing the replacement of former Principal Speer.

 

Vinyard will hold the position for the next 18 months, during that time the district will search for a permanent leader.