Jay Edelen is the new Superintendent for Western Technology Center starting July 1, 2026. This will be Western Technology Center’s seventh superintendent in its rich history of serving western Oklahoma since 1970.
Edelen has dedicated the last 26 years to education. He started his career in Kingfisher as a science teacher and coach and continued into his education administration journey at Medford Public Schools (Principal), Pioneer Public Schools (Superintendent) and for the last 12 years Arapaho-Butler Public Schools Superintendent.
Arapaho-Butler Public Schools is one of the 14 public schools that are partnered with Western Technology Center. According to Edelen, “I’ve seen the impact on students who have attended WTC. My goal has always been to help prepare students to be productive members of society. And now with CareerTech, that goal continues as we bridge academics with workforce readiness.”
After years of encouragement from his Kingfisher superintendent/mentor/friend/retired Chisholm Trail Technology Center superintendent, Max Thomas, Edelen obtained his CareerTech Certification in 2021. This step has prepared Edelen for this new adventure in his leadership journey.
“Timing is right for this career move. Bittersweet, but right,” reflects Edelen. “Arapaho-Butler is a great school, with a great staff and a great community all working together to be a great school district.” Arapaho-Butler has received numerous athletic and academic scholar accolades over the years and in 2025 was recognized with the Oklahoma Blue Ribbon Award from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. This award recognizes schools for exceptional academic performance and commitment to student success.
Edelen shared that he is looking forward to building on the WTC legacy and meeting the needs of business and industry with a strong workforce. “The possibilities are endless for western Oklahoma!”