Cook Sworn In As Member Of School Board

The Cordell Public Schools Board of Education on Monday officially filled the seat made vacant by the resignation of Chris Johnson late last year. Board clerk Dale Selman administered the oath of office to the newest board member, Nocona Cook, during Monday evening’s regular meeting.

Cook, a 2004 graduate of Cordell High School, brings a wide range of experience to the school board. In addition to operating his family farm and ranch, he also serves as the fire chief and an emergency medical technician with the Cloud Chief Fire Deparment. Cook also chairs the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee and serves on the Washita County Farm Bureau board, Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, and the Washita County Cattleman’s Association board.

In his application, Cook wrote that he wants to serve on the board of education to help guide the future direction of Cordell Public Schools.

“I want to serve on the board because I believe I can help make a positive difference in where the school system is heading in the future,” he wrote. “I believe in our community and our school system and want to see them both continue to do great things.”

Cook believes that the board should be the one making school policy, with the superintendent’s role being to implement and follow the board’s decisions.

“I believe it is the policy makers’ job to set policy and guidelines that should be followed by all who are involved in the school district,” he wrote. “It is the manager’s job to ensure that those policies are followed. I think the school board should act as the policy maker and the the superintendent should act as the manager.”

Cook was appointed to the board after a closeddoor executive session held during the board’s Jan. 13, 2020, regular meeting. Cordell Public Schools superintendent Brad Overton has refused a public records request filed by The Cordell Beacon for the names and applications of the other individuals who were considered.