Last May Dr. Jamie Polk was appointed superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools. In this feature, she discusses her background and outlines key priorities as she takes the helm of the state’s second largest school district.
Reflecting on my journey to recently being named Superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS), I am reminded of a conversation I had with an elevator operator from Black’s Department Store in Waterloo, Iowa. Her genuine warmth, professionalism, and optimism about the future shaped my young mind and sparked dreams of my own. Looking back decades later, the impression left from that seemingly trivial experience played a role in shaping my passion for service, leadership, and the kind of impact that transforms lives—especially in education.
After marrying my husband, Chris, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, we traveled the world, from Georgia to Germany - eventually settling down in Lawton, Oklahoma, after he retired in 1999. Through all our moves, the one constant in my life was a growing dedication to the field of education. This journey began with volunteering in our daughter’s kindergarten class and blossomed into roles as a paraprofessional, a teacher, a principal, and eventually an Assistant Superintendent.
In each position, I learned to embrace the complexities of leadership, focusing on data-driven decisions and a commitment to equitable education for all. My tenure as principal at Lawton’s Cleveland Elementary was formative because it showed me how leaders can transform struggling schools into high performing ones as we turned Cleveland into a State Title I Distinguished School within just two years. My time as principal there—filled with challenging moments and rewarding progress—cemented my commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to a world-class education.
A Vision for Oklahoma City Public Schools
The values I carry are built on a foundation of inclusivity, resilience, and continuous improvement. Every interaction, from supporting teachers to connecting with students, must be centered on our district’s vision: “By providing equitable access to a world-class education, every Oklahoma City Public Schools student will graduate ready to fulfill their unique purpose in a healthy, vibrant community.” This vision is the core of our work and the guiding principle behind our strategic approach to education in OKCPS.
With the responsibility of serving over 33,000 students across 58 schools, OKCPS is a microcosm of diversity and aspiration. This diversity—71 languages spoken, 16,500 bilingual students, and representation from 87 Native American tribes—is our strength, and it inspires us to cultivate an inclusive environment where students have the resources and supports that they need to thrive. Our district offers much more than just academics; each day we serve over 40,000 meals, transport 9,000 students, and are supported by an impressive network of 1,000 community volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to uplifting our students.
During the initial weeks of my superintendency, I prioritized relationship-building and listening. By hosting superintendent listening sessions, I’ve had the privilege of gathering valuable insights directly from our community. These discussions revolve around four essential questions: What is going well? What challenges do we face? Where do opportunities lie? And, most importantly, where do you envision the district in five years? These questions are not merely rhetorical—community members’ responses to them have provided a new framework for change, helping us to identify our strengths, confront our challenges, and set an ambitious vision for the future of OKCPS.
Key Indicators of Progress
Our district’s commitment to improvement is supported by six Key Progress Indicators: Academic Achievement, Academic Growth, English Language Proficiency (ELPA), Chronic Absenteeism, Graduation Rates and Postsecondary Readiness. These indicators serve as benchmarks for our progress, measuring our success in closing opportunity gaps, fostering English proficiency, ensuring strong attendance, and ultimately preparing students for life beyond high school.
Based on community feedback, a critical area that we are emphasizing is our Postsecondary Readiness indicator. Through expanded college prep courses, certification programs, internships, and dual-enrollment options, we are preparing our students to succeed in higher education, the workforce, or military service. New flex spaces in our high schools enhance collaborative learning. These spaces are designed to support different educational activities and be adaptable to different learning needs. US Grant High School now has a 20,000 square foot flex space that facilitates workforce development and vocational training in high-demand skilled trades in plumbing, construction, architecture, and pre-engineering. This focus on personalized learning is the backbone of our strategy, allowing us to nurture a future-ready generation capable of adapting to a rapidly evolving world.
Approximately 38% of our students are classified as English language learners, so our ELPA Progress indicator is integral to our mission. This measure helps us track the progress of English learners (ELs) in acquiring the language skills essential for academic success. The process of language acquisition is complex and demanding, and we recognize the need for tailored support and resources. By focusing on ELPA, we ensure our English learners meet growth targets and are equipped for a promising academic journey, reinforcing our district’s commitment to inclusivity and equity.
Improving our district’s Graduation Rate indicator is equally significant. Graduation isn’t merely a number; it’s a milestone that signifies readiness for the next chapter, whether it’s higher education, the workforce, or military service. OKCPS takes a dual approach to graduation rates, measuring both the traditional four-year rate and an extended rate that celebrates schools’ efforts to support students who may need more time. This holistic view encourages us to support every student on their unique journey to success.
Our district is privileged to have a community that supports education at every level. With the recent passage of a record $955 million bond, OKCPS can enhance learning environments across the district, making significant renovations and building five new schools. This bond represents the trust between OKCPS and the community it serves, and it fuels our mutual commitment to advancing educational opportunities for our students. Each project supported by this bond—be it new facilities, updated technologies, or enriched program offerings—is a testament to our collective dedication to fostering excellence in education.
As a systems leader, I use data to inform decision-making. By monitoring state and national performance measures and continuously evaluating our progress, we have to maintain a culture of adaptability and responsiveness to evolving needs. This emphasis on data-informed decision making allows us to pivot as needed, ensuring that decisions align with our goal of providing the highest level of support for students, families, and staff.
To streamline this effort, OKCPS operates within a “team of teams” structure. This model encourages cross-departmental collaboration and accelerates decision-making by aligning our six key progress indicators with school and community needs. This alignment fosters unity among our internal teams and empowers staff to take ownership of our district’s vision and objectives. Furthermore, our commitment to teamwork extends beyond school walls, as we work closely with community partners to strengthen support networks for our students and families.
The goal of this collaborative approach is to create an environment where students are not only supported academically but are also encouraged to explore their individual interests. By equipping our students with the skills and confidence needed to fulfill their ambitions, we contribute to the prosperity of our city and state.
As I look ahead, my vision for OKCPS is rooted in my belief that education is the most powerful tool for individual and societal growth. Every day, we strive to bridge gaps, break barriers, and open doors for our students. The journey can be challenging at times but witnessing the achievements of our students and seeing them ready to take on the future with confidence are profound rewards.
In a district as diverse and vibrant as ours, I am continually inspired by the resilience, talent, and dreams of our students and families. OKCPS is more than just a school district; it is a community where educators, students, families, and local partners come together to create opportunities, overcome challenges, and celebrate success along the way.
The memory of that elevator operator in Black’s Department Store still resonates with me. Her simple acts of kindness and professionalism in her interaction with me serve as a reminder of the power of human connection—a lesson that I carry with me in my work every day. Through the dedication of our teachers, families, and staff, I am confident that OKCPS will inspire our students with the same warmth and encouragement, helping them realize their potential and empowering them to impact the world. Together, we are building a bright future that will elevate Oklahoma City and honor the distinct contributions of every student who walks through our school doors.
Author Bio
Jamie Polk is Superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools. She has been an educator and school leader for 33 years. She also holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Oklahoma.
