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’s career began in 1986 in San Antonio, Texas as an elementary physical education teacher at Arnold Elementary. During this time, Overton obtained his master degree from Texas A&M University at Kingsville. After five and one-half years at Arnold Elementary, he was promoted to an assistant principal’s position within the San Antonio Independent School District. After two more years as an assistant principal, Overton accepted the Junior High/High School Principal’s position at Lookeba-Sickles (LS) Schools in Oklahoma. After completing two years at LS, Overton became the High School Principal at Mangum High School where he served in that position for three years. He then served one year as Director of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant. Overton was then hired by Tipton Public Schools where he began his career as a superintendent. He served as the Tipton Public Schools’ Superintendent for five years before he accepted the same position with Cordell Public Schools. Overton began his tenure in Cordell in 2007. Upon his retirement, Overton will have served as the Cordell Public Schools’ Superintendent for 15 years.
Overton began making improvements within the district right away through a bond issue that was passed in 2008. The bond issue provided four classrooms to serve early childhood students at Cordell Elementary. These classrooms also serve as a tornado shelter. The 2008 bond issue also provided for the Physical Education Facility at the Cordell Elementary school. The elementary library addition was completed in 2012. This project also provided for more space in the elementary cafeteria as well as one additional classroom. The elementary library project was built utilizing only local funds, a bond issue was not needed for this project.
In 2014, another bond issue was passed that provided for the new STEM Education Building and a new field house at the football field. Through this project many improvements were made at the football stadium which included a new track, bleachers and a bus barn. Local funds were utilized along with bond funds to enhance both of these projects which resulted in fantastic improvements.
Under Overton’s leadership, the Cordell School District made numerous upgrades in the area of instructional technology. Grants as well as local funding allowed for the implementation of 1:1
technology devices for all junior high and high school students. These improvements also lead to technology upgrades in all classrooms throughout the district. The use of technology has expanded at the elementary site as well. Currently, all classrooms have classroom sets of either Chromebooks or Ipads for instructional use.
In a statement, Overton added, “In addition to the construction and technology projects, there are many areas within our school system in which tremendous investments have been made. Upgraded equipment for the band and athletic programs are an example of some of these investments.” Overton always felt our students needed good equipment and uniforms if they were going to represent our school and community.
During Overton’s tenure Cordell Public Schools has had a budget that was able to meet the needs of the district. There were a few years where the budget was tight. “We have always managed to maintain appropriate staffing levels along with providing teachers the resources they needed. I am very proud of the way that we have been able to manage the budget and put our resources where they were needed the most,” Overton stated.
Overton went on to say, “Looking back at what has had the biggest impact on students and learning, I believe it is the quality staff members that I was able to hire and retain over the years. Cordell Public Schools has great dedicated employees that truly work to provide the best for our community.”
“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.”