Superintendent: “Perfect storm” for our district from a financial standpoint
In January, in this column and through district email, I described the financial problems ahead for not only our district but also the state. On…
Mike Simpson
Superintendent: GPS is a safer school district than it was in 2012
Recently, we have experienced some threats to student safety. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon throughout the United States and I wanted to provide some understanding…
Superintendent: “Bad news” is programs and services will be cut
I don’t like to deliver bad news. Unfortunately, there are times where my job requires me to convey information that is less than encouraging. Following…
No student has the right to impede the education of another student
It is hard as a parent or educator to see the recent tragedies that have unfolded in France or even closer to home in Stillwater…
Superintendent: The triangle forms a successful educational environment
On the eve of parent-teacher conferences, I’m reminded of the complete triangle that forms a successful educational environment. The three members of the triangle are…
Superintendent: Oklahoma taxpayers fund education lower than all surrounding states
We’ve had a very smooth start to our school year at GPS. Our teachers and staff are hard at work every day working with our…
Superintendent: Conflict between parents and school officials may arise
In a few days, we will begin another school year. This will begin my 24th year in education and my 4th year as your Superintendent…
Superintendent: The Internet is no longer a novelty
Our family was fortunate to enjoy a quiet vacation this summer with our kids and one set of grandparents. It was in many ways a…
Superintendent: Bond election was no small hurdle for success
A funny thing happened on May 12th. The town that had become infamous statewide for the multiple bond issue failures said ‘ENOUGH’. Yes, the town…
Superintendent: Student growth and current buildings is a goal of this bond issue
I began comparing our community and school district to others long before my family even moved to Guthrie. In fact, I researched Guthrie and our…
Superintendent: The ignorance was overflowing and eye opening
I want to begin with a disclaimer for this column. Many of you know I am a Stillwater native and truly an OSU Aggie. Yes,…
Superintendent: We cannot spend money that we don’t have
“Don’t try this at home.” Those are the words of warning I remember when watching the Wide World of Sports as a youngster. The occasion…
Superintendent: Urgent issues addressed in upcoming school bond election
On Wednesday Guthrie Public Schools will start the first day of classes. I love this time of year because it signals new beginnings for many…
Superintendent: The time to act is now
Last Friday we celebrated the hard work of 213 very special people. The Guthrie High School Class of 2014 was front and center at “The…
Superintendent: The business side of our district
What was significant about March 31, 2014? The answer is nothing yet but let’s wait and see. Many school districts closed on that day so…
Searching for solutions in bus transportation for Guthrie schools
I am by nature a problem solver. I have always looked for ways to make things better regardless of what position I held in my…
Superintendent: Bluejays and Blueberries
How about those Bluejays??? Congratulations to our football team for closing out the season in grand fashion; undefeated and clearly the best team in class…
Superintendent: Educator reading about business strategy?
I recently read an article entitled, “10 Business Ideas that Immediately Crashed and Burned.” I know what you are thinking…Why is an educator reading about…
Examples of transparency at Guthrie schools
Well, the busses are running (mostly on time) and the viaduct is open once again. We have had a great start to the school year…
The State did not steal the pot of gold
Last week I wrote about my desire to help local school boards save money for infrastructure needs while avoiding debt and property tax increases. House…