By Margaret Hicks
Staff Writer
mhicks@theoklahomaeagle.net
Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) Board of Education is expected to vote on whether to approve as its new police chief, Mathias Wicks, who was selected by Superintendent Deborah Gist on July 6, 2017.
Wicks replaces Robert Swain who reportedly resigned under allegations of sexual harassment, which were not made public.
Allegations Against Wicks
An anonymous source delivered to The Oklahoma Eagle a document signed by 10 TPS campus police officers and seven TPS campus security officers, from two months prior to Gist’s appointment. The document, “A Vote of no Confidence,” states “We the undersigned of the TPS Campus Police have no confidence in the leadership of Deputy Chief Wicks!” Wicks at that time was Deputy Chief of Operations. Like his predecessor, Wicks has been accused of sexual harassment, which also was not made public, amid complaints of poor performance of his job duties.
According to Board Clerk Cindy Hutchings, the agenda is being prepared for the July 17, meeting and the board’s approval of the Wicks’ appointment may be on the agenda. However, for the official date and time of that agenda item, check the district’s web site www.tulsaschools.org,