Former TPS athletic director pleads guilty to stealing from the district

Stephanie Spring, former athletic director for Tulsa Public Schools, has entered a guilty plea to federal charges of stealing money from the school district.

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard released a statement following Spring's guilty plea:

"We are pleased that Ms. Spring has chosen to plead guilty in federal court today.  These are dollars that should have gone into the District's general fund, and were instead diverted and used by Ms. Spring to enrich herself.  Her actions clearly caused harm to TPS students and damaged the reputation of our district.  When taking on the responsibility of leadership, particularly in athletics, we hold ourselves out as an example to our youth.  It is disappointing when that sacred responsibility is treated so casually and with such disregard.  At least today we get some acknowledgement from Ms. Spring that she violated the public trust.

"Our thanks to the U.S. Attorney's office for their diligence and hard work.  We are appreciative of the many hours that have gone into the investigation of this case, as well as the fine work of the TPS Police Department."