Stillwater Public Schools

Congratulations to Sangre Ridge Elementary on being named an OPSRC “Breakthrough School!”



Full Release Below:
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(Stillwater, Oklahoma, June 18, 2026) On June 4, Stillwater Public Schools was one of just 24 school districts statewide honored by the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center (OPSRC) as having a “Breakthrough School.”

The distinction specifically recognizes Sangre Ridge Elementary, which took home the honor in the “Platinum 70” category. This division highlights top-performing schools across key measures serving communities where less than 70% of students are economically disadvantaged.

The awards were presented during the inaugural ceremony at the Oklahoma School Innovation Summit, held June 3–4, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Norman.

According to the OPSRC, the awardees were chosen based on a rigorous set of multiple measures, including:

Demonstrated academic growth

Strong, effective instructional leadership

Measurable, sustained progress in student achievement

Oklahoma Secretary of Education Dr. Dan Hamlin and Dr. Romel Muex-Pullen, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, were both in attendance to personally recognize the winning districts.

“We appreciate the work you do,” said Secretary Hamlin during the ceremony. “Schools are knocking it out of the park for kids, advancing prosperity and helping our state realize its full potential.”

In addition to the state-level recognition, Sangre Ridge received a $1,000 cash prize to support continued instructional excellence at the school.

Accepting the award on behalf of the district were Sangre Ridge Elementary Principal Cami Patzkowski and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Angela Rhoades.

"We are incredibly proud of Principal Patzkowski and the entire Sangre Ridge team for their leadership and commitment to excellence," said Dr. Rhoades.

For more information about Stillwater Public Schools and its programs, please visit stillwaterschools.com

The Stillwater Board of Education is seeking applications to fill a vacancy in Seat Number Five (5).

Following acceptance of Dr. Baker’s resignation from the Stillwater Board of Education as he moves on to serve on a state level board, the board officially opened the application process to fill the vacancy.

Applications are available at stillwaterschools.com/board and will be accepted until 4pm on June 25. The board plans to swear in their appointee at the regular July 14 meeting. To be eligible, applicants must reside within Ward 5 (the green section of the attached map). An online map and detailed boundary description of the district wards can be found on the board’s webpage.

Because the position was vacated during the first half of its current term, the chosen appointee will serve until a special election is held in 2027.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Board Clerk Tawni Hooten at 405.533.6300.

Applicants must:
..have resided in Ward 5 of the Stillwater Independent School District for at least six (6) months preceding the first day of the filing period.

..have been a registered voter, registered with the Payne County Election Board at an address located within the geographical boundaries of the district, for six (6) months preceding the first day of the filing period.

..have been awarded a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency.

..agree to and be willing to pledge in writing that within fifteen (15) months of appointment as a member of the Stillwater Board of Education, I will complete at least twelve (12) hours of instruction on education issues, including school finance, Oklahoma education laws, and ethics, duties and responsibilities of district board of education members. Three (3) of these twelve (12) credits must be earned as follows: one (1) credit in ethics, one (1) credit in open meeting act and open records act, and one (1) credit in
school finance.

..not be currently employed by the Stillwater Independent School District or related within the second degree by affinity or consanguinity to any other member of the Board
of Education or to any employee of the Stillwater Independent School District. The following are relatives within the second degree: A candidate’s spouse, child, parent, grandchild, grandparent, brother, sister, spouse’s child, spouse’s grandchild, spouse’s brother, spouse’s sister, spouse’s grandparent, grandchild’s spouse, parent’s spouse, and child’s spouse.

..have not been convicted of a misdemeanor involving embezzlement or a felony under the laws of the State of Oklahoma or of the United States nor have I entered a plea of guilty
or nolo contendere to such misdemeanor involving embezzlement or felony nor have I been convicted of a crime in another state which would have been a misdemeanor involving embezzlement or a felony under the laws of this state or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to such crime for a period of fifteen (15) years following completion of a sentence or during the pendency of an appeal of such conviction or plea.

How about a few more spotlights of our newest educator hires to start the day? Welcome to Maddie Lyons, Gabby Olson, Joey Keel, and Kelly Sweany!

Want to join this crew? Find openings and apply at StillwaterSchools.com/jobs

Come join our team! From certified teachers, to instructional support and behind the scenes staff, we have something that might be just right for you. Learn more and apply at StillwaterSchools.com/jobs

CERTIFIED EDUCATORS
Family & Consumer Science Teacher(SHS)
Special Education - Alternative Diploma Teacher (SHS)
Science Teacher (SMS)
K-5th Grade STEM Teacher (Richmond/Skyline)
Elementary Counselor (Highland Park)
Upper Elementary Teachers
Lower Elementary Teachers
Early Childhood Teachers

SUPPORT
TA - Academic & Behavior Assistant (SJHS)
TAs - Academic & Behavior Support (Will Rogers & Richmond)
Special Education Paraprofessionals
Assistant Cafeteria Manager
Kitchen Assistants & Substitute Kitchen Assistants
Bus Drivers
Substitute Bus Drivers
Summer Grounds Maintenance
Custodians

Congratulations to Aiden Kim (Class of 26) on being named to the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation's highest honors for graduating seniors!

Congratulations to Oklahoma's outstanding students who have been recognized through the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program!

This year, 12 Oklahoma students were named U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for graduating seniors. Their achievement reflects exceptional academic success, leadership, and dedication both inside and outside the classroom.

Gianni Enriquez-Romero, Mallory Sepulveda, and Elizabeth Yue were named semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, while Simardeep Singh was recognized as a semifinalist for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.

These students showcase the many ways Oklahoma learners excel, whether through academics, the arts, or career and technical education. Their accomplishments are a testament to their hard work, the support of their educators and families, and the opportunities available in schools across our state.

Join us in celebrating these remarkable students and their outstanding achievements!

Today we're spotlighting our next group of news educators. Welcome to Carla Brown, Keely Tolin, Rachel Struiksma, and Katherine Kirksey!

Construction crews and our Technology staff are still hard at work, but plants, equipment, signage, and furniture are arriving. There's still loads to do before we're ready to open the doors, but SHS at 410 W. Franklin Lane is really starting to look like a school!

This summer, we’re excited to introduce our incoming educators and staff as they join us for their onboarding sessions. Help us kick things off with a big Pioneer welcome to four of the newest additions to the Stillwater Public Schools family!

Welcome to Jessica Hofferber, Karson Vick, Carson Mann, and Keely Kirkpatrick! We are so glad to have you on the team.

Our fan gear store is open! Get your gear before it closes June 25th!
Link in Bio!

https://stillwatervolleyball2026.itemorder.com/shop/category/150457/

We're exciting to be onboarding 37 new certified staff members today! Looking forward to introducing them to our community and district culture in the coming weeks.

Want to join them or our support staff? Visit Stillwaterschools.com/jobs for the latest openings.