TULSA, Okla. – For the past eight years, Dr. Jennettie Marshall has represented District 3 on the Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education. But instead of amplifying the voices of her constituents, she has repeatedly ignored them. When families, educators, and residents packed school board meetings in support of a public-charter partnership school, Marshall stood in opposition.
She aligned herself with E’lena Ashley, a known MAGA supporter, and together they launched frequent, unfair attacks against the former TPS superintendent, but especially the unfair targeting of Dr. Ebony Johnson, Tulsa’s first Black superintendent.
Meanwhile, the Ashley and Marshall alliance extended to Oklahoma’s far-right State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters – an affiliation that shocked many in a district that is predominantly Black and overwhelmingly supportive of Democratic and progressive leaders.
When Dr. Marshall was first elected, the community believed in her promise to listen and serve. Instead, she became an adversary to the very people she pledged to represent.
As a Black publication guided by the legacy of truth-tellers like Ida B. Wells and Nikole Hannah-Jones—writers whose convictions are deeply rooted in the holistic advancement of Black people—we cannot afford to be careless about who we elect to serve our children, the future leaders of Tulsa.
We cannot have another Jennettie Marshall — who seemingly believed she knew better than the people of District 3.
A Vote for the Future: The Black Wall Street Times Endorses Kyra Carby for District 3
Elections are not just about familiar names or campaign promises. They’re about choosing leaders with a consistent record of showing up, especially when no one is watching.
At The Black Wall Street Times, our endorsements are informed by conversations with engaged voters, analysis of candidates’ platforms, and participation in community forums. After careful consideration, our editorial board is proud to endorse Kyra Carby for the Tulsa Public Schools Board, District 3.
From the Classroom to the Community: Carby’s Lifelong Commitment to North Tulsa
A native of North Tulsa, Carby has built her life and career on service to students and families. She spent five years teaching first through third grade at John Hope Franklin Elementary School, a District 3 and Tulsa Public School. At Franklin, she was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2020 and named a district semi-finalist for the same distinction. Her impact didn’t stop there—she helped launch Oklahoma’s first public Montessori program at Emerson Elementary, another Tulsa Public School.
Beyond the classroom, Carby has worked to combat diabetes through food education programs in the hospitality industry and created an after-school culinary program for young aspiring chefs. Her comprehensive vision for District 3 includes access to healthy food, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality education for all children in North Tulsa.
As a school board member, Carby pledges to lead with Accountability, Community, and Transformative Leadership.
A Closer Look at the Candidates’ Preparedness and Participation
Her opponent, Dorie Simmons, does live in the district, but she is not originally from North Tulsa. Her kids attended TPS but have graduated. While she no longer has children in the district, we believe she would bring care and good intentions to the role. Simmons has focused her campaign on student outcomes, transparency, and support for families and teachers.
Nevertheless, when asked during an education town hall panel on February 4, 2025, at McLain High School whether she had attended a Tulsa Public Schools board meeting in the past year, Simmons replied, “No.” In contrast, Carby responded with a clear “Yes.”
That evening, Simmons acknowledged her unfamiliarity with the 2025 proposed state legislation that could negatively impact the district. Carby voiced that she was concerned about legislation that would harm undocumented students who have a constitutional right to an education.
“I can’t tell you a house bill; I can’t tell you a senate bill,” Simmons said at the town hall. Education advocates and attendees gasped in the crowd.
At a time when public education faces relentless attacks—from the Trump-era efforts to weaken the U.S. Department of Education to Ryan Walters’ ongoing political assault on Tulsa Public Schools — District 3 needs a politically informed representative who brings both classroom experience and deep roots in the community – someone who will fight not just for policies, but for the people those policies impact most.
That person is Kyra Carby!
Polls are open from 7 am – 7 pm on Tuesday, April 1st. Visit the Oklahoma Voter Portal to find your polling location, sample ballot, and other information.