Atlas Employer Spotlight: How Tulsa Public Schools Leverages Data and Technology to Drive Student Success and Workforce Opportunities

In our January Fireside Chat, Tulsa Public Schools (TPS)—the largest public school district in Oklahoma, serving over 33,000 students—shared insights on the role of software development and technology in public education, as well as advice for entering the workforce. The discussion was moderated by Aaron Smith, Atlas School’s Corporate Engagement Lead, and featured Matt Lugibill, TPS Senior Data Strategist and Jason Gilley, TPS District Recruiter. Here’s what we learned:

When it comes to software development for a large school district, utilizing data is key. Whether aiding leadership with analytical projects that evaluate large investment decisions or teachers with making day-to-day decisions about the effectiveness of curriculum, being able to bring data into the conversation is valuable and dramatically affects decision-making.

According to Lugibill, “Upstream, data allows us to determine where to spend money and how efficiently money is being spent. Downstream, we’re able to use it at an individual student level.”

Understanding how data impacts student outcomes is key. Data informs decision-making, helps identify at-risk students, evaluates the effectiveness of curriculum and ensures sensitive student information remains secure.

TPS is an industry leader in effectively using data to maintain data dashboards and pipelines, and the website, which are crucial to the district’s overall function. Lugibill explained that his team centralizes data analysis across the district to export specialized knowledge gained from their insights.

When it comes to hiring at TPS, Lugibill says candidates need to be “hungry, humble, and smart.” The district seeks individuals who are not only motivated to solve problems but also bring skills that strengthen the team. In a mission-driven organization like TPS, they’re especially excited when candidates show genuine enthusiasm for building, innovating and contributing new ideas—one of the best ways to stand out in the interview process. He advised students that being able to clearly demonstrate your problem-solving mindset and curiosity can make a lasting impression.

Gilley added that, “It’s easy to find people with an interest in math, science and technology, but we also need people interested in helping kids.” As a large public school district, TPS serves a diverse community, and  it’s important that students can relate to its faculty.

Anyone interested in a career with Tulsa Public Schools should visit their career page www.tulsaschools.org/careers.

Want to be featured in an Employer Spotlight?

Reach out to Atlas School Career Services Department to visit campus for a Fireside Chat or Information Session, and be featured as an employer partner! For more information, reach out via careerservices@atlasschool.com or visit hireatlasgrads.com .

Career Services Support

Atlas School does not guarantee employment for students, but our team works diligently with community partners to connect students with potential employers, strengthening their network.