Stillwater (OK) Public Schools

Stillwater, OK
United States

Located in the heart of Oklahoma and one of the top performing districts in the state, Stillwater Public Schools is a 6A school district with a diverse enrollment of more than 6,000 students at 11 school sites.

Recent initiatives by the district include an increased focus on employee satisfaction, support, and retention through maintaining small class sizes, staff and student safety, and a concerted effort to become a trauma-informed district.

Points of pride include:

• Academic Excellence – SPS is known for students that perform exceptionally well academically. Talented teachers, a supportive community and parents, programs like Take Flight dyslexia training, a strong newcomers program, an engaging and diverse curriculum and electives empower students to succeed.

• The Student Experience – SPS knows the best way to get students excited about school is by allowing them to explore their interests, and the district strives to have a wide array of courses, activities, clubs, and student organizations. Whether a student is interested in agriculture, the performing arts, STEM, student philanthropy, sports, media, business, or esports, there’s a class or group to involve and engage them. Programs like strong summer academies, the Book Bus, PAWS for Pioneers, and our virtual academies work to enrich the Stillwater student experience.
   
• A Trauma Informed Approach – SPS knows Oklahoma students have a high number of adverse childhood experiences and are working to address that. The district has worked consistently toward preparing our teachers and staff to help students. Recent work includes the addition of counselors, including a substance abuse counselor, professional development, training presented by Dr. Barbara Sorrels, Executive Director of The Institute for Childhood Education, and enhancements to Family Support Services. The community is strongly engaged with these efforts including through the services of local organizations, donations to programs like the Pioneer Pantry, and with partnerships like a food pantry at the alternative academy.
   
• Professional Development – SPS is well respected for the professional development it provides. Weekly Professional Learning Community meetings allow teachers to collaborate for intervention and enrichment. SPS hosts Nuts & Bolts, making it easy for SPS teachers to attend an esteemed national professional development conference. LETRS training assists district educators in teaching literacy skills. A partnership with OSU provides not only student teaching and mentor teacher experiences, but also the chance to pursue advanced degrees both easily, due to proximity, and at a reduced cost.

The Stillwater Board of Education has partnered with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association to assist with the superintendent search. Learn more and apply at www.ossba.org/stillwater.