Leaders paved way for future of OKCPS
Oklahoma City Public Schools experienced loss last week. Superintendent Sean McDaniel submitted his resignation after six years in his role as district leader, and Christina Rehkop, director of community relations for Devon Energy and a district supporter, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 46.
Superintendent McDaniel’s submitted
resignation was accepted by the Oklahoma City school board in a split 5-3 vote at a special meeting a few days later. He’ll stay in his role until June 30.
McDaniel’s accomplishments already have been lauded in the press. He led the district and community through a much needed but difficult right-sizing in the Pathway to Greatness program. He led the district and community through conversations and a plan for the successful passage of a transformational $955 million bond election. Those big things and the many day-to-day things McDaniel did to change the culture of the OKC district — showing consistent steadfast leadership and care for people and making decisions that were based on what he believed were best for kids — are proven by the outpouring of support he’s received from his staff and the community since his resignation. Rehkop was a pas
sionate supporter of public education and believed in equitable opportunities for all students. Through her leadership at Devon, she played a huge role in placing STEM Centers in all 33 OKC district elementary schools in 2019. She brought forward the partnership with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, which provided the STEM Centers and professional development for teachers. They had never done an entire district at one time and the project became a communitywide effort led by the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation. A few years later, Christina and Devon placed mobile STEM labs in every OKC district middle school. Devon’s commitment to Oklahoma City Public School’s Mark Twain Elementary spans 20 years, but Christina’s legacy at the school and the school district is indelible.
These two leaders worked with different styles, but had some things in common that all lifelong students of leadership can take away. The best leaders make people feel valued. The best leaders make people feel like they can do more than they ever thought possible. The best leaders are tenacious about what they believe in. Christina Rehkop did that. Sean McDaniel does that. Their actions helped pave the way for the future of Oklahoma City Public Schools.
They’ll be missed. But, as we grieve, we’ll keep doing the work for our kids. As Christina was known to say, “Go Team, Take State!”
Mary Mélon-Tully is president and CEO of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation.