Guthrie Board of Education approves three-year contract for Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson

The Guthrie Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a new three-year contract for Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson, extending his tenure through the 2027-28 school year.

The vote took place during the board’s October meeting.

The Guthrie Public Schools Board of Education is pleased to announce that the contract for Dr Michael Simpson has been extended through 2028.

“As our district continues to grow, we greatly value Dr Simpson’s leadership and commitment to Guthrie Public Schools,” Board President Tina Smedley said in a statement to Guthrie News Page.

“We have confidence in his vision and look forward to further growth and achievements together, ensuring a bright future for our students,” Smedley added.

The new agreement includes an increase in compensation, with Dr. Simpson’s salary set at $150,000 for the 2025-26 school year, $157,500 for 2026-27, and $165,375 for 2027-28.

The contract also continues to cover premiums for family medical, health, and dental plans, as well as contributions to the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System. Additional benefits include a $250 monthly vehicle allowance, mileage reimbursement, 15 days of paid vacation, and 12 sick days.

Dr. Simpson has served as Guthrie’s superintendent since 2012 and is the fourth-longest-tenured superintendent in the district’s history, which dates back to 1911.

During his tenure, he has guided the district through three successful school bond initiatives that helped, in part, the construction of Charter Oak Elementary, Cotteral Elementary, and a future elementary school scheduled for 2029.

Prior to 2015, the school district experienced multiple bond failures, including eight of 10 bonds.

Before joining Guthrie, Simpson was the assistant superintendent for Ponca City schools and previously worked as an athletic director at Stillwater High School. He began his education career as a teacher and boys basketball coach at Apache High School and Blackwell High School. Simpson holds a Doctor of Education degree from Oklahoma State University, a Master’s in Kinesiology from Sam Houston State University, and a degree in Secondary Education from OSU.