Education leaders from across Logan County gathered Tuesday to provide updates on their schools, discuss growth, and highlight new programs and facilities during the Greater Guthrie Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the Schools luncheon.
The event was held at Meridian Technology Center’s South Campus in Guthrie and featured presentations from leaders representing Langston University, Meridian Technology Center, Guthrie Public Schools, Crescent Public Schools and Coyle Public Schools.
Langston University President Dr. Ruth Jackson, who became the university’s 17th president in 2024, discussed several developments taking place at the university.
Jackson highlighted new leadership across the university, along with a science experiment involving NASA and a new physical therapy building. She also discussed the approximately 70 student services available at Langston and the university band’s participation in a national band competition in Jackson, Mississippi.
Meridian Technology Center Superintendent/CEO Dr. Doug Major, who has led the technology center since 2008, told those attending that Meridian is serving more than 1,000 students.
Several of Meridian’s career training programs are at capacity, including HVAC, electrical, and welding. Major also discussed enhanced film training opportunities and a dirt project connected to a future training facility. Related article: City of Guthrie partners with Meridian Technology Center on new police, fire training facility
Guthrie Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson, now in his 15th year leading the district, focused much of his presentation on Guthrie’s continued growth.
Simpson said plans for a new elementary school are moving ahead of schedule, with the facility targeted for possibly 2028.
He also pointed to a significant change in the district’s free and reduced-price lunch numbers. When Simpson began leading the district, approximately 70% of students qualified. That number has declined to about 57%, which Simpson connected to families making progress out of poverty.
Simpson also highlighted the Bluejay Nest, a nursery at Guthrie Upper Elementary School designed to assist district teachers and staff, along with the district’s new $3.2 million wrestling facility.
Crescent Public Schools Superintendent Mike Franz, who has spent 23 years in education and is beginning his third year at Crescent, reported continued enrollment growth.
Crescent has 636 students along with 74 faculty and staff members. Students have opportunities to compete in nine sports.
Franz also discussed the district’s plans for school facilities, including a proposed bond project involving the construction of a new high school in its first phase, followed by renovations to the current high school and elementary school facilities.
Coyle Public Schools Superintendent Colby Cagle, now in his fourth year leading the district, discussed efforts to improve the culture within the school system while expanding opportunities for students.
Cagle said Coyle lost only six students from last year’s enrollment count and has transitioned from a four-day school week back to five days.
Teachers in the district average approximately 10 years of experience.
Coyle has also added esports and cross country while continuing work on a new agriculture building expected to be completed in December.
The annual State of the Schools luncheon gives Chamber members and community leaders an opportunity to hear directly from education leaders about enrollment, facilities, workforce development, and the challenges and opportunities facing schools throughout the area.
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