Leaders of top charter schools resign
The leaders of two highly regarded Oklahoma City charter schools have resigned their positions, The Oklahoman has learned. Harding Charter Preparatory High School Principal Mylo Miller is leaving to become a superintendent in another state while Dove Science Academy Superintendent Umit Alpaslan is stepping down after six years because of health concerns.
U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Harding Charter Prep and Dove Science Academy as the top two high schools in Oklahoma. Three other Oklahoma City district schools were ranked in the state’s Top 20.
Miller just completed his fourth year as principal at Harding Charter Prep and his seventh overall. His resignation is effective June 30.
He is moving to Kiowa, Kansas, to be closer to his wife’s family. The couple have two children.
“It is extremely tough to leave,” he said Thursday. “For me, I have two little girls and they have grandparents and greatgrandparents who live (there).
“I think at the end of the day, it’s probably the best move for us while they’re still little girls.”
Steven Stefanick is listed as interim head principal on the school’s website.
In a letter to school supporters and friends, Alpaslan said he has been “battling” with arthritis.
“Even with the assistance from excellent health care officials, in recent years, it has worsened, the letter states. “This issue has taken a toll, both professionally and personally.
“As such, my family and I have made a very difficult decision. It is with mixed emotions that I have informed our school board my intention not to return to Dove as superintendent next year. This will allow us to move to a warmer climate, which, according to my doctors, will help the pain.”
Charter schools receive government funding but operate independently of the established state school system in which they are located.
Dove Science Academy in Oklahoma City is a public charter school that serves 500 students in grades six through 12. Most are minorities who come from economically disadvantaged families.
In 2017, Dove was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Education Department.
Blue Ribbon Recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Dove was recognized for its academic performance.
Alpaslan’s last day has yet to be determined. He said he will help the school find a successor.
A National Blue Ribbon School in 2013, Harding Charter Prep ranked 150th nationally among high schools in the publication’s 2018 Best High School rankings. The school, which has a 95 percent graduation rate, offers Advanced Placement course work and exams to all students.
The senior class, which numbered 102 students, earned about $5 million in scholarship money, Miller said.