Street School was founded in 1972 by community volunteers from the Presbyterian Church of the Advent’s Free Store, originally located near 13th and Cincinnati. A group of young people frequented the store and spoke of the need for an alternative education program for those who were at-risk of dropping out of school.

Initial funding in the amount of $40,000 came from a three-year grant (1973-1976) through the Oklahoma Crime Commission’s Law Enforcement Assistance Act funds. Street School was incorporated by the State of Oklahoma as a non-profit organization in 1973, and became independent from the church in 1974. Two co-directors, Skip Woodfork and Martie LeBare, lead the school while two part-time teachers, David Nichols and Sylberta Striplin, provided instruction.

Street School’s first board of directors included individuals representing the Tulsa City Commission, the Urban League, the Psychiatric Foundation, the Tulsa Public School’s Education Service Center, neighboring commissions, and a bank. The Church of the Advent continued its affiliation with the school, which moved its location to third and Elgin.

Students came to Street School through referrals from friends, relatives, public schools, the welfare department, or the courts. This same process exists today. During the first year of operation, the school served approximately 130 students; most of who returned to their public school. However, on September 3, 1974, Street School’s board of directors voted to close the program in an effort to evaluate the need and the capacity to meet that need. The school reopened in March of 1975 at the former Longfellow Elementary School in Tulsa. 1975 brought a new location, new goals, and a new leader in A.C. Rawal. Street School grew to four teachers, twenty-seven volunteers, and an enrollment of 40 students per semester. Rawal was the director until 1977. Arlene Riggs filled the position until 1978. From 1978 to 1985 leadership for the school was under the direction of Janis Updike Walker. During her tenure, the overall program was rewritten; academic subjects were improved; a skills curriculum was developed; professionals who specialized in family and individual therapy staffed the counseling department; a career development component was added; and a stronger relationship with Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) was forged. In 1978, Street School became accredited by TPS. The school moved once again in 1979 to the Lowell Elementary School.

Street School’s funding came from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block grants, Tulsa County revenues, the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the Oklahoma Crime Commission, and private donations. In addition to providing a facility for Street School, Tulsa Public Schools paid two teacher’s salaries and provided some books and equipment.

Executive Director, Richard F. Palazzo, led Street School from 1985 to 1995. Assessment and referral services became the focal point of the program. Drug and alcohol treatment and prevention programs, a computer lab, media program, and a post-secondary scholarship program were added during his leadership. The program moved to its current location, 1135 South Yale Avenue in 1988. During his tenure, Palazzo was an alternative education consultant to the State Department of Education. He worked tirelessly to establish legislative relationships, pushed for statewide funding for the establishment of alternative education programs, and assisted with the creation of mandated criteria to be followed by each alternative education program to ensure success. In 1995, Palazzo also helped to develop “Street Party,” a successful fund raising event. This event continued for nine years organized by the Street School Board of Directors.

Mitch Dittus served as executive director from 1995-2003. Additional programs were added under his leadership to include HIV/AIDS prevention. Students were trained by the Red Cross to provide community outreach services across the state to their peers. Dittus supported the program director, Lorraine McReynolds, in her efforts to strengthen the educational portion of the program. Brain-based research strategies were begun in an effort to better reach the individual needs of each student. Street School also received numerous accolades during Dittus’s tenure. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer on February 20, 2003.

Recognition included:

Street School currently receives funding from the Tulsa Area United Way, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, foundations, companies, and private individuals. The Tulsa Public School system provides numerous essential in-kind services including four teachers, a part-time security guard, the building, and custodial, utility, and maintenance services.

Currently, Street School enrollment is ninety students per session. Due to the success of the program as well as the community need, the school has a waiting list. Staff include nine teachers, six counselors, an administrative assistant, a registrar, a development director, a program director, and an executive director. Dr. Lori McGinnis became the executive director in 2003. She recognizes that Street School is an important youth service agency, and will continue to build on its success. McGinnis looks forward to assisting her staff in creating a stronger model program for the State of Oklahoma as well as in creating a national model. The best is yet to come for a program that continues to grow, continues to redefine itself, and continues to develop the best practices for its students.

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