April 21, 2021: School Board Member Ronnie McKee retires after serving 12 years
Ronnie McKee was recognized for 12 years of service on the Cordell Public School’s Board of Trustees at the school board meeting held Monday, April 12th. McKee said some of his most notable accomplishments were those that included the advancements in technology for the school and its students. Particularly looking at the creation of the STEM building as the most notable. “When you look at the world in society today, it’s all moving toward technology. If we don’t get the kids involved, somewhere down the road I feel like they would have lost out,” McKee said. During his recognition at the board meeting this month, the board recognized that McKee’s “thought process and words in the boardroom were reflective of a leader that always put students first.” Looking ahead, McKee said he looks forward to spending his free time traveling with his wife, fishing, and spending time taking care of his grandkids.
May 19, 2021: Cordell Elementary Principal Alan Hull retiring after 28 years in education
June 14, 2021: Cordell Pre-K Teacher Mona Horn has spent 42 years shaping young lives
After teaching multiple generations of students throughout the years, long-time school teacher Mona Horn has built up quite the portfolio of memories. Now, after 42 years of teaching, Horn has decided it’s time to begin her retirement. What began as an interest in Oklahoma State University’s family living major, Horn would come to find that she enjoyed the childhood care aspect of the major. Her newfound love would quickly put her on the path toward childhood education. Upon completing her major, Horn had also completed courses in elementary conversion as well as social work and was ready to begin her career. “I prayed earnestly, ‘Please give me the spot that will last me, you know, that will fulfill my purpose,’” Horn said. Due to Horn’s extensive history teaching at Cordell, 16 years teaching kindergarten, and the past 25 years teaching pre-k, she said she has mixed feelings over her departure. “If you can be happy and sad at the same time, that’s how I feel right now,” Horn said. One thing Horn has kept in mind since she began her career is a piece of advice her mother, who was a school teacher herself, had given her. “Mom always told me, she said, ‘The only thing I regret is not writing down some things that happened in my year,’” Horn said. “So I took her advice...if something happened that was funny in the school or whatever, I’d jot down that note, you know, just a simple one word with the year on it and throw it in that folder.” So for the past 42 years, Horn has collected a yearly folder that she has stored away in her home. With these memories she has stored, Horn now plans to write a book. Along with writing her book, Horn said she plans to spend her newfound time with her grandchildren.
October 13, 2021: Superintendent Brad Overton announces retirement effective June 2022
Cordell Public Schools’ Superintendent Brad Overton has announced that he will close out a 34-year career in education with his upcoming retirement effective June 30, 2022. Overton began his tenure in Cordell in 2007. Upon his retirement, he will have served as the Cordell Public Schools’ Superintendent for 15 years. In a press release, Overton said “There have been a lot of changes in our world over the past few years, and I feel that this is the time to retire. My personal health issues along with the challenges of the COVID pandemic have reinforced this to me.” “The decision to retire has not been taken lightly. I’m not sure what the next chapter my life will bring. I do feel it is time for some fresh and vibrant leadership. Educators are currently faced with many challenges due to COVID and as well as the aftermath of the pandemic, and it’s time for new leadership. By announcing my resignation at this point in the school year, it will allow the board ample time to find a replacement as well as time for me to help with a smooth transition”. “I have had the privilege of working with some amazing people over the past 14 plus years. I have also developed long lasting friendships with the board members that I have worked with over the years.” “I would like to thank them for the opportunity to work within Cordell Public Schools. Please know your support over the years means the world to me.” Overton plans on remaining in Cordell for the next few years. “I am not sure where we will end up once my wife leaves her position as Vice President at Western Oklahoma State College in Altus. Cordell has been our home for over 14 years. My kids graduated from Cordell High School, and this is our home. It won’t be easy to leave, but I am looking forward to being a regular ‘ole guy in town and not having to worry about all of the ins and outs of running a school district.”