Voters should choose me because I have a proven record of asking hard questions, insisting on financial transparency, and standing up for both students and educators. I have repeatedly pushed for clear, accessible budget information and open public discussion so families understand how every dollar is spent. I am committed to protecting students’ safety and well‑being, supporting teachers and staff as professionals, and prioritizing academic results in every decision. I am not afraid to challenge the status quo when it is not serving children or taxpayers. My focus is on accountability, restoring trust, and making sure resources reach classrooms. Voters can count on me to be visible in the community, responsive to parents, and steadfast in demanding that Tulsa Public Schools deliver better outcomes for all students, not just a few.

1. Transparency: Clear, easy‑to‑understand reporting on finances, contracts, and academic results, with regular opportunities for public input.
2. Parental rights: Respecting parents as the primary decision‑makers for their children, making sure they have real choices and a strong voice in policies, curriculum concerns, and school climate.
3. Student academic achievement: Focusing on K‑5 literacy and numeracy, strong middle‑school preparation, and supporting educators and staff with the tools, training, and resources they need to help students succeed.

The best path is to aggressively strengthen early grades and middle school. We must prioritize foundational literacy and math in K‑5, with evidence‑based reading instruction, high‑quality curricula, and frequent progress monitoring. Targeted small‑group interventions and extended‑day or tutoring supports should be directed first to students who are furthest behind. In middle school, we need strong course offerings, consistent behavior expectations, and academic supports that keep students on track for high school success. We should partner closely with families so they understand their child’s data and know how to support learning at home. Every initiative should be judged by one question: does this improve student learning in the classroom?

Families should choose Tulsa Public Schools when they see safe, excellent neighborhood schools that respect their values and deliver strong academics. TPS offers diverse programs—magnet options, career pathways, early childhood opportunities—that can serve many different student needs when they are well‑run and well‑supported. Neighborhood schools should be the strongest choice, not the last resort. That means clean, well‑maintained buildings, stable and caring teachers, and high expectations for every child. Families also deserve clear information about school performance so they can make informed choices. When the district is transparent, responsive, and focused on academic results, public schools become a place parents can trust with their children’s future.

To retain teachers and support staff, TPS must treat them like the professionals they are. Fair, competitive pay and meaningful incentives are important, but they are only one piece. We also need manageable class sizes, safe and orderly classrooms, and consistent discipline policies that are actually enforced. Educators should have a real voice in decisions that affect their work, from curriculum to schedules. High‑quality, relevant professional development, strong mentoring for new teachers, and recognition for excellent performance all matter. When staff feel respected, supported, and safe, they are far more likely to stay and to give their best to our students.

I will insist that every budget decision is understandable to the public and tied directly to student outcomes. That means carefully reviewing financial reports, contracts, and audit findings, asking direct questions, and refusing to rubber‑stamp spending that does not clearly benefit students. I will advocate for line‑item transparency so taxpayers can see where money is going and for regular public presentations of financial data. I support independent and follow‑up audits where needed and will push to correct issues quickly when problems are identified. I will also prioritize getting more dollars into classrooms, reducing waste, and aligning spending with our most important academic goals.

Tulsa Public Schools was at its best when the district embraced accountability and welcomed deeper review of its own practices. When Dr. Johnson requested an additional audit investigation, it signaled a willingness to confront problems openly rather than hide them. That focus on transparency, policy compliance, and financial accountability is what our students and community deserve. When leadership invites scrutiny, listens to families and staff, and uses honest data to drive decisions, trust begins to grow. TPS is at its best when it puts students first, demands integrity from itself, and proves to taxpayers that it is a good steward of public resources.

Voters should choose to vote for me because I bring eight years of experience delivering results for this same community with a common sense data-driven approach. I will work to build coalitions and focus on improving student outcomes. I believe leadership is about strengthening the institution you are elected to serve, not diverting time and money away from students. Voters deserve a board member who will stay focused on improving student achievement, supporting educators and working collaboratively to move Tulsa Public Schools forward.

My top three priorities are tackling chronic absenteeism by partnering with community organizations to remove barriers keeping students out of school, improving student outcomes by focusing on reading proficiency and college readiness while supporting our teachers with the resources they need and restoring fiscal transparency and accountability to ensure taxpayer dollars are going to classrooms.

Improving student outcomes requires a comprehensive approach that addresses attendance, support for teachers and faculty, and continued investment in proven strategies. The best pathway toward improving academic outcomes starts with addressing chronic absenteeism, because students cannot learn if they are not in the classroom. Also, if reading proficiency by third grade predicts future success, we must invest in early literacy interventions and use data-driven decisions to continue improving literacy scores across the district.

Families should choose TPS because the district is making progress while many Oklahoma districts are falling behind, despite state budget challenges and the political attacks on public education. Public schools serve all children regardless of family income and are investments in our entire community’s future. Strong public schools strengthen neighborhoods, attract businesses and create opportunities for every student to reach their full potential.

Tulsa Public Schools can improve retention and satisfaction by offering competitive compensation that reflects the importance of the profession. The district should also reduce any unnecessary administrative burdens so teachers can focus on teaching and learning. Supportive working conditions matter, including manageable class sizes and access to adequate resources. When educators feel valued and trusted, job satisfaction increases and student outcomes improve.

During my eight years on the city council, I was an advocate for strong fiscal discipline, and I will bring that same approach to the board. I will carefully review budget line items to ensure taxpayer dollars support improving student outcomes and that resources reach the classroom. Transparency will be a priority so families understand how funds are spent. I will also insist on strong internal controls and accountability to prevent misuse of funds. Fiscal responsibility means asking tough questions and managing current resources strategically, all while measuring every budget decision and its impact on students and teachers.

TPS is at its best when leadership, teachers, families and the community work together toward shared goals. Over the past few years, TPS has made improvements while the rest of Oklahoma is falling behind. This reflects the resilience and dedication of our educators. TPS thrives when the board, superintendent and community align around student success and invest resources to achieve that vision. Looking forward, TPS can be at its absolute best when we tackle chronic absenteeism, support our teachers fully and operate with transparency and accountability.

I currently serve as the board member for District 7 and board president, but I am first and foremost an involved parent and committed volunteer at our TPS schools. I am boots on the ground each day supporting ALL of our students, teachers, families, schools and district administration. I have worked alongside TPS through many distractions during the past four years and remain proud of the changes and new initiatives that have been put in place to move forward with confidence. I continue to stay focused on our student outcomes with transparency and accountability as I lead our board and as our students and teachers move the needle toward improved literacy and college and career readiness.

I will remain focused and continue to monitor and support the district toward its student outcomes and goals. Despite distractions, teachers and students are improving literacy scores, college and career readiness and cut the number of TPS sites with F grades. Our board listened to Tulsans and is advocating for their priorities as we develop the next strategic plan to improve student outcomes.

I am also dedicated to promoting family engagement and advocating for families across the district. (Superintendent) Dr. Ebony Johnson and I had the vision to expand PTA units, involving more families in their schools. We have increased from 30 PTAs in 2023 to 49 so far – almost 50! I believe parent involvement and communication with teachers and schools is crucial to student success. All families should have the opportunity to have a voice in their child’s education.

Lastly, I am committed to more occasions and various ways for board members to be visible and transparent in the community. As board president, I am encouraged that we provide listening opportunities. We hosted more than 40 Community Connections events, in addition to gathering feedback online where we had more than 1,000 participants total in fall 2025. It is important to me that we keep up this momentum and continue to gather ongoing feedback as we move into our next strategic plan and also share our progress and challenges for transparency to the Tulsa community.

I strongly believe in and support the Student Outcomes Based Governance framework that our district utilizes. Our strategic plan, Pathways to Opportunity, is committed to goals around literacy and college and career readiness.  The board determined these goals based on community feedback, tasked our superintendent and Team Tulsa to work on the goals, and we publicly review the progress (or challenges) every month at our board meetings. Our board strives to spend at least half of our meeting time learning about the goals and how district leadership reacts to the data and trends, resulting in a better understanding of expenditures, curriculum, partnerships, staffing and expectations of teachers. This structure keeps the board laser-focused on student outcomes, academic progress and what our students truly know and do. It also allows the board to recognize the unique needs of our diverse student population and what interventions may be needed in order for all of our students to succeed. Transparency and communication are key factors in making a difference for all of Tulsa Public Schools as it continues to improve academic outcomes.

Tulsa Public Schools offers opportunities for all students at each and every one of its 77 sites.  Being a district of choice, families may explore the best match for their child, whether it be career training, dual language programs, magnet programs, Montessori and many more opportunities. TPS proudly represents an urban district with its diverse student population and staff and continuously is adapting to support everyone involved. TPS makes student outcomes a priority and continues to find innovative ways to welcome and support all students of all backgrounds as well as teachers and staff. Public schools have been under fire in recent years, but Tulsa Public Schools is an example of a district that has remained committed to student outcomes and offers unique experiences and targeted services to meet the needs of its students.

It is critical that our experienced teachers and staff receive the appreciation and respect they deserve. As a parent and volunteer, I recognize the people that are with my children each and every day must be satisfied with their job and want to continue in their role. The teacher shortages and underfunded education system have not been encouraging for our teachers and support staff, and I advocate for showing that we believe in them and they contribute to everything our district achieves. It is challenging for school districts to find ways to duly compensate staff and, most importantly, to retain them in the profession, in general. Tulsa Public Schools is balancing between supporting new and alternative teachers and staff as they ease into their roles with increasing autonomy for career teachers and support staff. I am grateful for grant programs and opportunities that recognize the skills and experiences of veteran teachers and utilize them as mentors. In order to ensure employee satisfaction, I believe that TPS needs to recognize the contributions that staff make to our students’ experiences, make every effort to listen to their concerns on a regular basis and show that we care by addressing issues or responding in a timely manner.

I have served for more than three years as part of the Tulsa Public School Board Finance Committee and as chair from 2023 to 2025. Our board and district navigated audit findings with professionalism and transparency. Having overseen the transition in superintendents, cabinet positions and checks and balances systems, I am reassured that TPS is prepared to manage taxpayer funds responsibly. District leadership continues to streamline and right-size spending to be sure district funds are budgeted and encumbered to support our strategic plan — the priorities of our community and board. Our board receives quarterly updates to the budget and projected finances at our public meetings and has the opportunity to ask questions and address concerns. As a school board member, I will continue to do my best to understand the district budget and expenditures and ensure alignment with student outcomes while also expecting Team Tulsa to be accountable for how they plan and utilize district funds.

Tulsa Public Schools is at its best when it has the support of its community and its board. TPS has had a lot of ups and downs during my time on the board and throughout my lifetime of being connected to our schools. But I believe Tulsa Public Schools is at its best NOW! The district has overcome a pandemic and obstacles along the way and is now moving our students in the right direction. Our board has worked together with district leadership to identify and continuously address all of our priorities. There is still much work to do to promote equitable opportunities for success across all of our schools and for all of our students, but TPS literacy scores are increasing across all grades, more students are participating in college coursework, technical trade programs and hands-on experiences to be prepared for the future. Our new strategic plan on the horizon for 2027 continues our focus on academic outcomes and our students being ready for whatever their futures may hold, and I look forward to being part of expanding opportunities for our Tulsa community.

Voters should choose me because I offer a unique fusion of deep-rooted community investment and professional financial expertise. While many candidates approach the board from a purely political or singular perspective, I bring a “people over politics” mindset shaped by over a decade of service in our schools and in our athletic arenas.

Having spent 20 years in the banking industry, I possess the technical skill set required to navigate complex budgets and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. This professional background allows me to provide the principled leadership necessary to ensure taxpayer dollars are maximized for the classroom.

Furthermore, my commitment to Liberty is deeply personal. Since 2012, I have been in the halls mentoring and eight years leading the Liberty Youth Football League. I haven’t just watched this district from afar; I’ve been on the sidelines helping our kids grow. I understand the “Culture of Excellence” that defines Liberty because my wife grew up here and our three children have thrived here. I am not just a candidate; I am an invested parent and neighbor who knows that a strong school district is the heartbeat of a strong community.

Financial stability and responsibility: Using my 20-plus years of banking experience to ensure fiscal discipline, I will prioritize a transparent budget process where every dollar is audited through the lens of student impact.

Empowered educators: We cannot have student success without teacher support. My priority is ensuring our educators have the resources and professional autonomy they need to foster success for every student.

Comprehensive student growth: I will focus on a well-rounded education. Academic achievement is vital, but we must also equip students with the practical life skills — critical thinking, financial literacy and resilience — necessary to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

The best path forward is to return the focus to the individual student and the classroom environment. We improve outcomes by empowering our teachers to do what they do best: teach. This means reducing administrative burdens and providing educators with high-quality, data-driven tools that allow for personalized instruction.

Additionally, we must emphasize foundational excellence. By ensuring students are proficient in core subjects like reading and math at an early age, we set the stage for later success. However, academic outcomes aren’t just about test scores; they are about engagement. By expanding “real-world” learning opportunities and vocational pathways, we ensure every student sees the value in their education, leading to higher graduation rates and better post-secondary readiness.

Families should choose Liberty because we offer a unique environment where students can become the best versions of themselves while enjoying the very best aspects of small-town Oklahoma. In an era where education can feel increasingly polarized, Liberty remains a dedicated space where we put students first. By enrolling your child here, you are embedding them in a tight-knit environment where they are treated as unique individuals — never just a number or lost in the crowd. Our commitment to maintaining manageable class sizes ensures that every student has the personal attention and opportunity to explore every avenue of their potential. Liberty is a place where students don’t just learn; they thrive. From rigorous academics to character development, we provide a comprehensive environment for growth. My own three children have flourished here because this district recognizes and nurtures individual potential. Choosing Liberty means choosing a district committed to both academic achievement and the practical life skills necessary for long-term success.

Retention starts with respect and resources. To keep the best talent in Liberty, we must ensure our compensation packages are competitive within the region, but pay is only part of the equation. Satisfaction comes from feeling heard and supported.

I advocate for a leadership style that prioritizes open communication between administration and the classroom. We must involve teachers in the decision-making processes that affect their daily work. Furthermore, we need to protect our teachers’ time, allowing them to focus on instruction rather than excessive red tape. When we empower our educators and provide a stable, fiscally responsible environment, we create a district where professionals want to build their entire careers.

As a career banker, I believe fiscal discipline is the foundation of sustainability. My approach to the budget will be rooted in transparency and ROI (return on investment) for the student.

I will work to ensure that Liberty Public Schools maintains a healthy reserve fund while directing the maximum amount of resources toward the “front lines” of education — the teachers and students. Responsible stewardship means being proactive rather than reactive; it involves long-term planning for facility maintenance and being a watchdog for any wasteful spending. I will use my professional expertise to ensure that we are being the best possible stewards of the community’s tax dollars.

I have deep ties to numerous Liberty alumni. And when asked, they would each say that their tenure was when Liberty was “at its best.” Liberty’s focus on student success and a true sense of belonging created the perfect atmosphere for each student to have the best experience possible. Liberty Public Schools is at its best when the partnership between school and the community is seamless. Historically, this district has shined brightest when we have focused on our shared goal: the success of our children.

I believe we see the “best” of Liberty every time a graduate walks across the stage equipped not just with a diploma but with the character and skills to contribute to society. We are at our best when we value people over politics and maintain our focus on producing successful individuals well equipped to face any challenge and exceed all expectations. My goal on the school board is to ensure that our “best days” aren’t a thing of the past but a standard we meet every single day for every generation of Liberty families. 

Because I am a Christ follower with a heart for children of all ages, having raised three successful adults, and I want to be in their corner to ensure their children are safe and given every opportunity to succeed in school and become good citizens.

Strengthen and encourage transparency between parents, teachers and administrators.

Explore schools with overall high academic scores and use these examples where applicable.

Seek and pursue all possible grant monies, federal funding and local business.

Ensure parents are made aware of all programs available to students whether it be for remedial help, advanced curriculums for high achievers, tutoring programs, extracurricular activities, evaluation of every student and ensuring that their needs are met.

Analyze the protocols of successful schools and appropriate these protocols where applicable.

Parent involvement with community support.

At present, the high school has above average post-secondary opportunity, graduation rate and absenteeism. If Liberty school implements an atmosphere of greater transparency with parental and community involvement.

With more parental involvement the parent/teacher relationship grows and offers greater support to teachers. Increase wages once grant monies and other sources are obtained.

Accountability and transparency to the local community is vital. Follow the regulations and guidelines that are established by our laws.

Though my children did not attend Liberty because they aged out of the school system by the time we moved to Liberty, I desire to hear from parent’s experiences to glean and learn from them.

I’m a proven leader for the future of work with extensive education and experience in career and technical education. I have a BSBA degree in business administration, master’s in education and an earned doctorate in occupational and adult education. I believe in conservative, responsible leadership and am a recognized leader at the state and national level. I was selected by my peers as Teacher of the Year at Jenks Public Schools, selected as the Oklahoma Vocational Teacher of the Year, selected as Region IV Teacher of the Year, Vision of Excellence Award-Jenks Schools, Tulsa Tech Hall of Fame and Christian Ministries Alliance “Saving Our Kids” award. I have a background of community service, safety and emergency preparedness. I served more than 40 years in law enforcement as a reserve officer, and I have advanced disaster training. I believe the future belongs to those who can build, fix, install, protect and provide services.

1. To make sure taxpayers money is utilized effectively and efficiently.
2. Tulsa Tech has a waiting list for many of our programs. I will address this issue with looking at expansion of day and evening classes.
3. In order to address growth in south Tulsa County, we must have on the radar a future campus south of 151st Street. I have a plan, which I have discussed with administration and other board members. This is not a short-term fix. We first must finish the Memorial campus. To build a new campus takes time and extensive planning.

With my support at Tulsa Tech, we are improving opportunities for students. Many students’ class schedules do not allow for a three-hour class on our main campuses. We are offering programs at the local high schools. This allows students the opportunity to study the foundations of many courses. Courses that include biomedical science, foundations of construction, engineering, apparel design, manufacturing and web design. Last year, more than 1,300 students took advantage of these programs. These programs are staffed by Tulsa Tech instructors and equipped by Tulsa Tech.

Even with these course offerings some students still are unable to take classes at Tulsa Tech. Upon high school graduation, students can take classes at Tulsa Tech for no charge for two years. As we improve opportunities for our students’ we must be proactive in providing up to date technology for our students. Technology changes rapidly and we must be forward thinking to keep up to date with changes.

Currently, tech advisers are assigned to high schools to promote our programs. Educating local school counselors about technical programs is essential. High school counselors are invited to special functions to learn more about programs. Opening our campuses for student visits is vital! Visitations educate students and parents about the specifics of each program. Counselors  also work with minority students and those students with special learning needs.

Tulsa Tech already has a state wide reputation for financial responsibility. A big part of a board members’ responsibility is to oversee finances. I am aggressive in fiduciary responsibility. I would see that we adhere to all state and local auditing and that board members are kept up to date with reviews of our operational expenses.

RIGHT NOW!! The full board and administration have worked hard to provide the very best programs for high school students and business and industry. At Tulsa Tech we are doing “Great Things!”

• We have an enrollment of more than 30,000 high school, adult and business and industry clients.
• We have 95% positive placement upon completion of programs.
• More than 5,000 students are involved in career-student organizations.
• In recent years we served 1,196 companies and organizations in corporate training with an enrollment of 12,000 people.
• More than 5,385 students and completed District and Industry certification
• Workforce and economic development
  • Number of organizations served: 1,196
  • Local manufacturers utilizing consulting assistance: 369
  • Number of classes: 3,469
  • Companies utilizing customized training: 701

The Tulsa Tech School Board needs a fresh perspective as the economy and workforce needs are rapidly changing. My opponent has been in office for 38 years and is running for another seven-year term. While there are other experienced board members serving at Tulsa Tech, there is a deep need for someone who will ask questions of the way things have always been done as well as share new ideas that have never been considered. Adding diversity of thought to the Tulsa Tech School Board will be imperative if the institution wants to continue being successful and innovative.

With the opportunities provided to all students by Tulsa Tech, the first priority of any candidate should be solving the issue of lengthy waitlists. Many students have interest in Tulsa Tech’s programs, but they cannot get a seat in these programs because they fill up quickly and are extremely competitive. In order to best serve students, more spots need to be available. 

I would also prioritize evaluating current programs and seeking opportunities to create new programs. In an economy that is heavily dependent on rapidly-changing technology, it is important to offer students relevant education in these areas. 

Finally, one priority that will never change, regardless of how long I hold the office, is the success of Tulsa Tech students. This entails maintaining a certain level of flexibility and understanding of younger generations as well as future workforce trends. I will prioritize student success over my own goals and benchmarks for Tulsa Tech.

Ending the waitlist. Tulsa Tech does an excellent job preparing students for life after their training, but more students need to be able to take advantage of those opportunities. Many qualified students remain on waitlists and are unable to reap the benefits of Tulsa Tech. This would require expanding programs and adding relevant programs that address the needs of the future economy.

One of the best parts about Tulsa Tech is the way in which it serves all of our students from public school, private school or home school. Ensuring that all Tulsa students and their parents understand the benefits of a Tulsa Tech education is critical, but in order to make sure Tulsa Tech reaches a wide variety of learners, recruitment efforts and enrollment need to consider the specific needs and concerns of each of these groups.

In order to steward financially responsible decisions, I will ask questions of each budget item and I will prioritize budget measures that give more students more opportunities within the Tech system.

Tulsa Tech is at its best when a student learns a new set of skills and is able to support their future with the education Tech has provided them.

I have worked to maintain an open door policy with my constituents. I don’t pretend to be the smartest guy in the room, but I will be the one who listens the most. You can’t solve problems, bring people together, and form regional relationships without listening and working together with citizens and other elected officials.

1. Local and regional infrastructure
2. Working with surrounding municipalities on infrastructure, economic development, and quality of life issues
3. Lastly, encouraging the nearly 24,000 registered voters in Bixby to increase turnouts for state, county, local, and national elections.

Second bridge over the Arkansas River, repair and improvement of arterial roads, water resources.

Promoting an environment that is friendly to small business, and working on regional infrastructure concerns to allow for more efficient and safe transport of people and consumer goods. We have a dynamic Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce that works tirelessly to improve the business atmosphere in Bixby, as well as attract quality new business to our community.

Bixby is at a point where we are posed for significant commercial and retail development, with some of the best public schools in Oklahoma. We are great now, and I feel the trajectory is only upward. Our citizens repeatedly support our public schools and city government with bond approvals that only make us better. In short, a citizenry that values public education and quality of life is by far why Bixby will always be at its best.