BA’s Updike To Again Represent Zone Five
Current Board of Education Clerk Stephanie Updike will represent Zone 5 for another five-year term of office after drawing no qualified opposition during the filing period for the office. Each year one of the five seats on the Board of Education is up for election.
“I am so pleased to be elected to another term,” Updike said. “I hope it is an indication that the people in my zone are generally pleased with my service to them so far.”
Updike was first appointed to the Board in September 1999 and then elected to a full five-year term in February 2000. Her new five-year term of office will expire in February 2010.
“The most important thing we have done in the past five years is select Dr. Sisney as Superintendent of Schools. Hiring a superintendent is the most important job a school board has and has the most far-reaching effect. I think we did a great job,” she said.
Updike said other highlights during her time on the Board of Education include the building of Liberty Elementary and the implementation of free full-day kindergarten at all elementary sites in the district.
“I am also pleased with the way we were able to weather the recent budget crisis,” she said. “Although we made cuts that were painful, we have managed to come out stronger and more efficient.”
As she looks to the future, Updike is very optimistic that Broken Arrow Public Schools will continue to deliver excellence in all facets of the educational process.
“This is a great time to be a part of BAPS! I am excited for our future,” she said. I do expect a real growth spurt in the next few years.”
Updike predicts Broken Arrow will be recognized as THE district to look to in terms of curriculum and instruction.
She is also looking forward to continuing to work alongside the other members of the Broken Arrow Board of Education.
The Broken Arrow Board of Education enjoys an excellent reputation for unselfish service to the community. The Broken Arrow Board is responsible for establishing policies under which the school system operates while acting within the framework of Oklahoma and federal law and still being responsible for the unique needs of the community. As citizen leaders, individual school board members contribute hundreds of hours each year in leading the school district. Updike says her passion for public education and affection for her community are her driving forces for her service on the Board.
“Really the high point of my service has been getting to know and work with so many great people in our school community and in the community of Broken Arrow at large,” she said. “I am continually grateful to live in such a wonderful community that believes in education and supports education like Broken Arrow. I cannot imagine a better place to live than Broken Arrow, Oklahoma!”
Updated 01-14-2005
READER COMMENTS
