4 minute read
Honoring the Legacy of Steven Crawford
Dr. Pam Deering, CCOSA/OASA Executive Director deering@ccosa.org
In the landscape of public education in Oklahoma, few people have left as indelible a mark as Steven Crawford. As an educator, administrator, and advocate, Crawford dedicated his life to the betterment of schools and the empowerment of students. His legacy is one of compassion and unwavering commitment to ensuring every child had access to quality education. As we remember and honor his contributions, we also reflect on the enduring impact he has left on the educational community in Oklahoma and beyond.
In March, we lost this “giant” of Oklahoma public education. From 2008-2016, Crawford served as the Executive Director of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) until he retired. After he retired, he served as the Co-Executive Director of Oklahoma Association Serving Impacted Schools (OASIS).
Steven Crawford’s journey in education began with a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of learning. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Crawford understood firsthand the challenges facing many students in the state. He pursued a career in education with the goal of addressing these challenges and creating opportunities for all children to succeed. After earning his teaching credentials, Crawford embarked on a career that would span over three decades, leaving an indelible mark at every step along the way.
Crawford attended school at Haywood High School, and then attended college at Oklahoma State University and East Central University. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics education in 1973. He began his career in education at Stuart Public Schools in 1974, becoming the elementary principal after one semester of teaching.
Crawford served as high school principal at Kiefer Public Schools. In 1980, he was named Superintendent of Moss Public Schools. At that time, he was the youngest superintendent in Oklahoma. Crawford also served as superintendent of Shattuck, Roff, and Byng Public Schools. In recognition of his years of outstanding work and service to Oklahoma education, Crawford was selected for the Oklahoma Foundation for Education Award for Excellence in Administration (2008), Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame (2013), OSAC Outstanding Contributions to Oklahoma Education (2013), East Central University Education Hall of Fame (2016), and numerous additional state and national awards.
Crawford’s legacy will always be his fight for public education and his love for kids. He was tall in stature and in doing what was right. He was a personal friend who guided me through many difficult times. We served for many years in Impact Aid work and through tough times as we fought for fairness and equity in the program. He always had encouraging words to say and a positive outlook on life. His knowledge of school finance was a resource for many over the years.
Beyond the walls of his own schools, Crawford was a tireless advocate for public education who shaped education policy in Oklahoma. He championed initiatives to increase resources to schools and was instrumental in advocating for the passage of legislation that has created life-changing retirement benefits for educators. His expertise and credibility as an educator made him a trusted voice. Crawford firmly believed that education was the great equalizer and fought passionately to ensure that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, had the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
As we reflect on Steven Crawford’s legacy, we are reminded of the impact one person can have on the lives of countless others. His passion for education, coupled with his unwavering dedication to serving others, continues to inspire educators, students, and advocates across the state.
In honoring Steven Crawford, we also renew our commitment to the ideals for which he stood. We must carry forward his legacy of excellence and equity, ensuring that every child in Oklahoma has access to the highquality education they deserve. As we strive to build a brighter future for the next generation, let us remember the lessons taught by Steven Crawford: that through passion, perseverance, and a belief in the power of education, anything is possible. ■
Pam Deering, Ph.D. CCOSA/OASA Executive Director
A scholarship fund has been established in Crawford’s memory. To contribute, please make checks payable to the Steven P. Crawford Scholarship fund and mail to Roff Public School, P.O. Box 157, Roff, OK 74865 or Brent Crawford, P.O. Box 89, Roff, OK 74865. Venmo payments will also be accepted @ stevenpcrawfordscholarshipfund
