Dr. Mike Simpson named OASA 2024 Superintendent of the Year

The Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA) announced Dr. Mike Simpson of Guthrie Public Schools as the 2024 OASA State Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Simpson was also named the OASA District #3 Superintendent of the Year. He will be recognized at the CCOSA Summer Leadership Conference, as well as at the AASA National Conference on Education in 2025.

The recipient of this award is selected by a committee of leading school administrators. In order to be selected as the OASA State Superintendent of the Year, the following criteria must be met: 

·       Must be a member in good standing of OASA and AASA

·       Demonstrate successful experience in top level educational administration 

·       Must have a sound, dynamic and realistic philosophy of education 

·       Must be a person who can inspire and motivate people and give support and recognition for the contributions of others

·       Must have a record which evidences continued professional and personal growth through appropriate training and experiences including skills in human relations and the stamina to cope with the pressures of the job

·       Must have the ability to speak for education on all levels with special emphasis on the district level

·       Must have made contributions to educational administration

“Leadership is about building community, cultivating and empowering other leaders and focusing on student success,” said Dr. Pam Deering, CCOSA/OASA Executive Director. “School leaders are leading through many challenges. They work tirelessly to provide opportunities for students to learn, grow and realize their full potential. Dr. Simpson represents the best of Oklahoma school administrators as the State Superintendent of the Year. We are excited and proud to recognize Dr. Simpson and the many other outstanding leaders at our upcoming CCOSA Conference. They are truly Champions for Kids!”

Dr. Simpson has been the Superintendent of Guthrie Public Schools since 2012, and before becoming a superintendent he held multiple roles such as Assistant Superintendent of Schools with Ponca City Public Schools, and Director of Athletics and Activities with Stillwater Public Schools.  Dr. Simpson received his master’s degree in kinesiology from Sam Houston State University. He then graduated from Oklahoma State University with his Doctorate in Education. Dr. Simpson is highly active in his community of Guthrie and writes monthly education-related columns for two local news sources, as well as an online news source and for his school website. Dr. Simpson has served on the OTRS board in the past, and most recently served on the board of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association.

“I’m beyond humbled to be named Superintendent of the Year for the State of Oklahoma. When I chose to become an educator, I never envisioned anything beyond the classroom and influencing the lives of my students.  Opportunities along the way presented themselves where I could influence more lives.  Serving as Superintendent of Guthrie Public Schools has been the most challenging and rewarding part of my professional career.  Providing a pathway for children to exceed beyond what they thought possible is the ultimate opportunity I’m afforded every day.  Sharing that task with colleagues from across the state provides us community to do great things as we form the values of the next generation.”