April 24, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY (April 22, 2026) – The Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals (OAESP) is pleased to announce Charla Matthews, Principal at Grove Upper Elementary School, Grove Public Schools, as the OAESP Oklahoma Principal of the Year and the NAESP National Distinguished Principal. OAESP also named Traci Newell, Principal at Elgin Lower Elementary School, Elgin Public Schools, as the OAESP Principal of Excellence. Camille Holt, Principal of Shattuck Elementary School, Shattuck Public Schools, is the James Burnett Principal of Distinction. The award winners will be recognized during the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) Summer Leadership Conference this May.
The OAESP Administrator of the Year Awards promote leadership in elementary education by recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their schools through programs that exemplify the highest standards and promote student achievement. Award winners serve as inspirational leaders to OAESP— they embody the core values of serving students and being committed to their school communities.
“Research reflects that effective principals excel in three critical domains: instruction, people, and organizational leadership,” said Dr. Pam Deering, CCOSA Executive Director. “On behalf of CCOSA, I congratulate these outstanding principal leaders who exemplify these essential skills and make a meaningful impact on student achievement. We are grateful for their dedication to the profession and their unwavering commitment to their students, staff, and communities.”
Grove Public Schools Superintendent Pat Dodson stated, “Mrs. Matthews has a gift for turning challenges into opportunities and keeping the focus on what matters most – student growth and well-being. Under her leadership, her school saw substantial improvements in staff morale, student engagement, and daily culture.”
Charla Matthews is recognized as a creative leader who consistently thinks outside the box. Her influence extends beyond her school walls, as she serves as a respected leader within both her school and the broader community. Through her vision and
dedication, she has transformed the culture of her school into one that is highly supported and deeply valued by the community it serves.
Under Mrs. Matthews leadership, a strong emphasis has been placed on professional growth and innovative practices. Several staff members have participated in professional development at the nationally recognized Ron Clark Academy. Inspired by this experience, the school successfully implemented a house system, which has proven to be a transformative initiative – significantly strengthening relationships, student engagement, and overall school culture.
“Mrs. Matthews exemplifies the very best of school leadership,” states OAESP Executive Director Dr. Glen Abshere. “Through her innovative thinking and unwavering commitment to excellence, she has transformed her school into a place where students are engaged, staff are empowered, and the community is deeply connected. We are honored to have Charla Matthews represent OAESP as the Oklahoma Principal of the Year and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal from Oklahoma.”
For more information about the OAESP Administrator of the Year Awards, please visit www.ccosa.org.
About OAESP
The Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals (OAESP) is a professional association organized for the purpose of improving elementary and middle-level education (PreK-8th grade) by providing information and leadership, encouraging research/service, and promoting high professional standards for Oklahoma administrators. OAESP is an affiliate of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and a constituent association of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA).
The OAESP Administrator of the Year Awards promote leadership in elementary education by recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their schools through programs that exemplify the highest standards and promote student achievement. Award winners serve as inspirational leaders to OAESP— they embody the core values of serving students and being committed to their school communities.
“Research reflects that effective principals excel in three critical domains: instruction, people, and organizational leadership,” said Dr. Pam Deering, CCOSA Executive Director. “On behalf of CCOSA, I congratulate these outstanding principal leaders who exemplify these essential skills and make a meaningful impact on student achievement. We are grateful for their dedication to the profession and their unwavering commitment to their students, staff, and communities.”
Grove Public Schools Superintendent Pat Dodson stated, “Mrs. Matthews has a gift for turning challenges into opportunities and keeping the focus on what matters most – student growth and well-being. Under her leadership, her school saw substantial improvements in staff morale, student engagement, and daily culture.”
Charla Matthews is recognized as a creative leader who consistently thinks outside the box. Her influence extends beyond her school walls, as she serves as a respected leader within both her school and the broader community. Through her vision and
dedication, she has transformed the culture of her school into one that is highly supported and deeply valued by the community it serves.
Under Mrs. Matthews leadership, a strong emphasis has been placed on professional growth and innovative practices. Several staff members have participated in professional development at the nationally recognized Ron Clark Academy. Inspired by this experience, the school successfully implemented a house system, which has proven to be a transformative initiative – significantly strengthening relationships, student engagement, and overall school culture.
“Mrs. Matthews exemplifies the very best of school leadership,” states OAESP Executive Director Dr. Glen Abshere. “Through her innovative thinking and unwavering commitment to excellence, she has transformed her school into a place where students are engaged, staff are empowered, and the community is deeply connected. We are honored to have Charla Matthews represent OAESP as the Oklahoma Principal of the Year and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal from Oklahoma.”
For more information about the OAESP Administrator of the Year Awards, please visit www.ccosa.org.
About OAESP
The Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals (OAESP) is a professional association organized for the purpose of improving elementary and middle-level education (PreK-8th grade) by providing information and leadership, encouraging research/service, and promoting high professional standards for Oklahoma administrators. OAESP is an affiliate of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and a constituent association of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA).