Spotlight on the CCOSA Executive Committee (CEC)

We asked members of the CEC to tell us a little about themselves and share a recent success story.

Melissa Barlow, CEC Chair & OASSP Past-President

Melissa is currently embarking on her twelfth year as the Principal of Yukon High School. Her journey began over two decades ago when she first stepped into the classroom as a middle-level science teacher. Over the years, she has had the privilege of teaching science and math at various levels and serving as an assistant principal. Each role has enriched her understanding of education and deepened her commitment to student success.

In 2021, she was honored to be named Oklahoma High School Principal of the Year. Following that, she served as the President of OASSP in 2023, where she guided collaboration to advance the interests of secondary education professionals across the state. Currently, she holds the position of CEC Chair, where she is able to continue to support this outstanding organization and advocate for impactful educational policies and practices.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and later pursued a Master’s in Education Administration from the

University of Central Oklahoma. Her roots run deep in Yukon; she is a proud alumnus of Yukon High School. Melissa’s focus has always been on fostering individual student success through collaborative efforts among educators. By emphasizing relationship-building, she strives to create a school environment where every student feels valued and supported.

Recent Success

“One of our most recent and exciting achievements has been the implementation of our Advisory Program at Yukon High School. This initiative emerged from a vision I hold dear: that every student should graduate with a confirmed postsecondary option – whether that be enrollment in higher education, enlistment in the military, or employment. This vision became a tangible goal through the creation of our Advisory Program, designed to enhance our school’s culture and community.

The program focuses on character development, academic achievement, and personal accountability – areas crucial for students as they prepare for life beyond high school.

Not only have we seen a marked improvement in student engagement and school spirit, but we’ve also observed significant strides in academic performance and personal growth. Students are more connected to their school community, and this has translated into higher levels of motivation and commitment.

Our Advisory Program will be instrumental in guiding students through the complex process of making postsecondary plans. The Advisory Program is just one part of a broader vision to ensure that every student at Yukon High School not only succeeds academically but also graduates with a strong sense of purpose and direction.”

Laura Bullock, OMLEA President/ CEC Vice-Chair

Laura is the Director of Special Services and Accountability for Idabel Public Schools, bringing over 30 years of educational experience to the district. Prior to her current role, she served as Principal of Idabel Middle School for thirteen years, where she emphasized collaboration between teachers, students, and parents to create a supportive learning environment that nurtures student well-being and academic achievement.

Bullock’s career in education began in the classroom, where she taught first and third grades. She also held leadership roles as an assistant principal for a year and principal for eight years at Central Elementary. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master's in Education Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Throughout her career, Bullock has held several leadership positions, including serving as President of the Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association (OMLEA) and as a member of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) Executive Committee. She was named the 2021 OMLEA Principal of the Year and has presented at various conferences on topics like enriching school programs, building positive school culture, and supporting new teachers.

Recent Success

“I am thrilled with my new job. Being in the central office is different than working daily in the middle school, but you get a broader perspective of the district. Our

“ ...a vision I hold dear: that every student should graduate with a confirmed postsecondary option – whether that be enrollment in higher education, enlistment in the military, or employment. This vision became a tangible goal through the creation of our Advisory Program, designed to enhance our school’s culture and community.”

— Melissa Barlow

enrollment continues to grow, and our test scores were better than expected, although we still have work to do. This gives the first year of implementing our District’s Continuous Strategic Improvement Plan a great start. Continuing to help students and our district grow successfully is a big success.”

Scott Farmer, OASA President

Scott is a second-generation educator with deep ties to the field of education, having served in multiple roles within PK-12 education. He is passionate about the transformative power of education and its ability to impact children’s lives. Scott earned his degree in Mathematics and Public School Administration from Northeastern State University, where he met his wife, Emily, who is also an educator. Together, they are raising three children.

Throughout his career, Scott has worked with many of Oklahoma’s top educators and has actively contributed to his community.

In 2018, Scott and his family moved from Sallisaw to Fort Gibson when he was appointed superintendent of Fort Gibson Public Schools. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Southern Nazarene University’s Educational Leadership/Administration Degree Program, where he continues to shape future leaders in education.

Scott’s advocacy extends beyond the local level, with active participation in state and federal education initiatives. He currently serves as the president of the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA) and has held the position of president of the Oklahoma Schools Advisory Council. Scott is dedicated to advancing educational equity through collaboration with tribal governments and state agencies. His efforts have been recognized with multiple Superintendent of the Year awards from various OASA districts and the Administrator of the Year honor from the Oklahoma Schools Advisory Council in 2019. Scott firmly believes that education is a cornerstone of national strength and a great equalizer for all children. His greatest pride comes from his family – his wife, Emily, a secondary English teacher, and three children: Kaycie, a college student studying to be an elementary teacher; David, a high school junior actively involved in student government and various athletics and activities, and Jessie, a 7th-grader who is involved in a wide range of activities including competitive swim, 4-H, and helping out around the ranch.

Recent Success

“The dedication of our public school educators at Fort Gibson inspires me every day, and I feel incredibly fortunate to contribute, even in a small way, to the success of our school. We’ve recently introduced a staff daycare, providing muchneeded support to our team members and their families. From birth through graduation, we are proud to stand behind our Tiger families. The overwhelming 94% approval of our latest bond issue reflects the unwavering support of our community, demonstrating how student success flourishes when the community unites behind its public schools.”

Dale Spradlin, OASA PresidentElect

Dale is entering his ninth year as Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools. Buffalo is the county seat of Harper County in far northwest Oklahoma. Dale is married to Rene’, and together they are parents to three sons and ten grandchildren. Dale grew up on the family farm in Washita County and attended undergraduate and graduate schools at SWOSU in Weatherford, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Education with a minor in Economics and later a Master’s in Education Administration.

He has also been involved in farming and ranching for the past 50 years. He (with Rene’) is the Emergency Management Director for Harper County. He and Rene’ have spent countless hours storm observing and chasing during and before their marriage. They recently bought a farm in Harper County and raise cattle.

Dale has 31 years in administration with an additional 15 years in the classroom. He has coached basketball, driven a school bus, served as Athletic Director and Middle and High School Principal. He served on the OASSP board in the past and is currently on the Organization of Rural Oklahoma Schools board. He is President-Elect of OASA and serves on the Executive Committee.

Recent Success

“Recently Buffalo School passed a building bond which will allow us to renovate our gym with new heating and the addition of air conditioning. We hold the oldest continuing basketball invitational tournament in Oklahoma (over 60 years), and improving this facility was overwhelming approved by a 75% margin from our patrons.” ■

Keep an eye out for upcoming issues, which will feature additional CEC members!