Street School funding restored

The State Board of Education voted to restore $185,000 in funding to Tulsa's Street School in a special meeting on Tuesday.

For 25 years, state funding had been nearly 15 percent of Street School's overall revenue. The 2011-2012 school year was the first year these funds were eliminated.

Tulsa's philanthropic community made donations to restore the budget deficit last year.

"Those foundations, individuals and an anonymous donor that stepped up to last year's fiscal challenges were clear that their donation was one-time funding. They do not make up lost public dollars with private monies on an on-going basis," said Lise Blevins-Inman, president of the Street School board. "We are thankful the legislature made us a part of House Bill 1975."

"While $185,000 may not be a significant amount of money to many, it is crucial to us so that we may continue providing full wrap-around services for our students," Executive Director Lori McGinnis-Madland said. "Our success speaks volumes over our 38-year history serving the Tulsa community."

Street School is a non-profit alternative school of choice for students in grades 9 through 12. The program helps students earn their high school diploma. Students choose to attend Street School. Its combination of alternative education and therapeutic counseling is a national model for helping at-risk youths succeed.