CareerTech superintendents convene this week in city

Monique Headley

From Monday through Wednesday, the city of Stillwater will host the Technology Center Superintendents’ Association.

According to Dr. Doug Major, superintendent and CEO of Meridian Technology Center, in recent years the conference had been held in Oklahoma City.

Such involvement may mark a debut year for MTC and other education professionals within the community, said Ann Houston, community relations specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

“It’s an honor to welcome the Technology Center Superintendents’ Workshop to Stillwater this year,” said Major. “As someone who has recently returned to Stillwater to live and work, I can appreciate the affinity that many of my fellow CareerTech administrators have for this city and I know they will be pleased to see all of the growth and improvements that are taking place.”

The conference is an opportunity for superintendents and other administrative staff to discuss current issues including information technology, business and industry services and communications. Emerging issues and the statewide marketing campaign will be reviewed along with the current legislative climate and Achieving Classroom Excellence initiatives.

Keynote speaker and agency Director Dr. Phil Berkenbile will provide an update on statewide affairs.

Though the group meets monthly during the school year, this session will serve as a yearly wrap up before the beginning of the next fiscal year July 1.

Marty Lewis, chairman of the superintendent group, said, “I am excited any time that CareerTech school administrators and staff have the opportunity to network and learn more about our system and best practices. While we believe we are the premier CareerTech system, we recognize that we must prepare ourselves for what lies ahead for us as we continue to elevate careers in Oklahoma.”

Lewis is superintendent at Gordon Cooper Technology Center in Shawnee.

“With six superintendents retiring at the end of June, the CareerTech system will have a total of 14 new superintendents within the last two years,” said Houston.

According to information provided by Houston, Oklahoma Career and Technology Education supports programs in 400 school districts with 29 technology centers on 56 technology campuses and 13 skill centers located in prisons and three juvenile facilities.

The system also provides customized training for business and industry.

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