Tulsa Public Schools unveils new logo, extends superintendent's contract
BY ANDREA EGER World Staff Writer
Monday, August 16, 2010
Tulsa Public Schools got a new logo and a one-year extension of its contract with Superintendent Keith Ballard on Monday.
The school board approved a contract extension that secures Ballard’s position through the 2010-11 academic year.
Board President Lana Turner-Addison said she hopes to be able to reach a three-year agreement soon that would keep Ballard at Tulsa Public Schools through June 30, 2013.
“There are many people who really do think you matter, and we are happy to extend this contract with you,” Turner-Addison said.
Board member Lois Jacobs said she would like to see Ballard’s contract include “meaningful, effective evaluations, 2010 forward.”
Turner-Addison has said previously that the board was working to raise private funds to offer Ballard a performance-based retention incentive.
Ballard joined the school district in September 2008 after the board reached an early contract termination agreement with then-Superintendent Michael Zolkoski.
The first order of business at Monday’s board meeting was the unveiling of the district’s new logo.
In the parking lot, a blue TPS activity bus with the old globe logo and slogan, “The District of Choice,” pulled away from the curb to reveal a second blue activity bus with a new logo in the shape of an open book.
The bus also carries the slogan “Excellence and high expectations,” an abbreviated version of the new vision statement the school board approved earlier this year — “Excellence and high expectations with a commitment to all.”
Ballard and Turner-Addison broke bottles of nonalcoholic sparkling wine over the bus’ front fender to mark the beginning of the district’s “voyage to excellence,” said Tami Marler, a TPS spokeswoman.
Ballard said he learned the hard way that the best way to break a bottle over the front of the bus was with a downward swing of the arm.
He apologized to Turner-Addison for having her follow through with his suggestion to break them using an upward swing, which caused them both to be splashed with the beverage.
“I think that’s kind of dangerous how we broke those Champagne bottles,” she said, laughing.
He responded, “Any kids out there watching, don’t try this at home.”
Kerry Walsh from Walsh Branding donated design services to create Tulsa Public Schools’ first new logo in 16 years.
As district supplies, such as business cards and letterhead, run out, they will be replaced with supplies featuring the new logo, Marler said.
Associated Images:
Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard and school board President Lana Turner-Addison christen an activities bus as the new TPS logo is unveiled Monday evening. ZACH GRAY/Tulsa World
The Tulsa school district's new logo incorporates an open book. ZACH GRAY/Tulsa World
|
