Administrators of the Year

OASA Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Mike Simpson has a master’s degree in kinesiology from Sam Houston State University and received his Doctorate in Education from Oklahoma State University. He has held multiple roles such as Assistant Superintendent of Schools with Ponca City Public Schools and Director of Athletics and Activities with Stillwater Public Schools before becoming the Superintendent of Guthrie Public Schools in 2012. He is very active in the community of Guthrie and writes monthly education-related columns for two local news sources. He has served on the OTRS board and the board of Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association.

OASA Assistant Superintendent/Central Office Administrator of the Year

Dr. LaShonda Broiles is wrapping up her 25th year in education. Beginning as a Special Education teacher in Oklahoma City Public Schools, she has worked in several administrative roles over the years. She is an active member of OASA and contributes her time and expertise to serving her school district and speaking to future educational leaders about the most effective ways to advocate for education and best serve students.  She is currently the Deputy Superintendent with Midwest City- Del City Public Schools.

OASA Assistant Superintendent/Central Office Administrator of the Year

Lynn Cordes is celebrating her 16th year in education. She is currently the Executive Director of Communications with Lawton Public Schools. She is an active member in OASA and contributes her time by actively serving her district and presenting information throughout the state on topics such as school communication, emergency preparedness, stakeholder engagement, and safety.

OASSP High School Principal of the Year

Joe Ballard has been the  principal for the past nine years at Poteau High School, Mr. Ballard has committed to shaping a positive school culture centered on prioritizing students' and staff's emotional and physical well-being. At the heart of his leadership philosophy lies a responsibility for inclusivity and empowerment manifested through a purposeful reorganization of the school day. This restructuring, which incorporates independent study time for students and collaboration periods for teachers, prioritizes academic success and leadership development.

OASSP Assistant Principal of the Year

Ashley Mackey has been the assistant principal for the past two years at Deer Creek High School. Mackey has played an instrumental role in the research and development of the Deer Creek Transition Center (DCTC). The program serves students with severe learning disabilities as they transition from the classroom into adulthood equipped with social skills, life skills, and work-related abilities. As the supervising administrator responsible for students in the transition center, Ashley is tasked with providing individualized community experiences as well as meaningful internships while assisting families during this important developmental period. The uniqueness and resourcefulness of the transition facility have attracted numerous guests to the Deer Creek campus for tours and additional inquiries.

OMLEA Middle Level Principal of the Year

Arlis Henegar has been the principal at Jay Middle School for the past eight years. Henegar has worked diligently to create a school culture where all stakeholders' emotional and physical well-being is valued and protected. Monthly meetings are held to review student records and provide support directly affecting social and emotional learning. In addition, due to the diligence of his school safety committee, several measures including a fence between the playground and pick-up lanes, keyless access points, and security doors have added supplementary layers of security further inciting peace of mind for patrons.

ODSS Special Services Director of the Year

Melisa Kifer is the Executive Director of Special Services with Stillwater Public Schools. She began her career as a special education teacher, then served as compliance coordinator before moving into the Executive Director of Special Services for Stillwater Public Schools. She has been instrumental in creating the Stillwater Pioneer Pathfinders, a transition program for students with special needs ages 18 to 22. She has also implemented a Medicaid billing system for speech/language therapy for the 2023-2024 school year.