WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CCOSA LEGACY LEADER?

Four legendary public education leaders share their experiences.

Echoes of Influence

By Dr. Clarence G. Oliver, Jr.

The umbrella Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) was officially formed in 1975. There was hope that all the school leaders involved in that effort would have trust in each other and in the selected leaders, and that all of us would work together to achieve established common goals.

There were unanticipated challenges. School districts and leaders on the east and west side of the state had different needs, goals, and objectives. Large urban school districts didn’t agree with needs, goals, and objectives of suburban school districts. Leaders in small school districts were fearful of discussion and efforts to consolidate school districts. Wealthy school districts, often enjoying tremendous revenue from high ad valorem property valuation of large commercial power plants, were protective of that wealth. During those early years, I was privileged to serve in leadership capacities as vice president and later president of the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA), as vice president and later president of the Oklahoma Association of School Business Officials, as a charter member, officer, and director of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School

Administration, and a board member of the Oklahoma State Board of Vocational-Technical Education (now CareerTech) during the administrations of Governors Nigh, Bellmon, and Walters. Thus, I was often involved in discussion about the new and then continuing CCOSA organization and activities.

Throughout my years in various leadership assignments in CCOSA, OASA, and other statewide organizations, a major objective was to spend time with both sides of the various divisions. Hopefully, that early effort of traveling, speaking, building friendships, etc., contributed to the present-day great respect of CCOSA throughout Oklahoma, the region, and the nation.

Every leader embarks on a journey not just to achieve success but to leave a mark that transcends time and organizational boundaries. The essence of a leadership legacy lies in the impact one makes, the core values one promotes and instills in the organization, and the vision a leader leaves behind for others to follow.

The CCOSA executive team and Board of Directors asked me to write a book a few years ago. Leading With Integrity: Reflections on Legal, Moral, and Ethical Issues

in School Administration was published by CCOSA in 2015. My core values were summarized in a vision statement: “Our nation needs school administrators who are ethical, honest, gracious, bold, strong, devoted educators who are filled with love for children and have a desire to provide for them the very best in educational opportunities and services.”

My legacy with CCOSA is defined by the core values I have always tried to observe and encouraged other administrators to observe. Identifying and living by core values sets a foundation for leadership style and influences the culture of the organization. My suggestion to school administrators now active in CCOSA is to make your values clear and demonstrate them consistently in every aspect of your work.

Dr. Clarence G. Oliver, Jr. has enjoyed success in three distinct career areas – journalism, the military, and education. In addition to the leadership roles he chronicles above, he served as the longtime Superintendent of Broken Arrow Public Schools and was twice named OASA Superintendent of the Year.

A Legacy of Inspiration

By Dr. Gracie Branch

Imagine standing at a crossroads in your career, unsure of which path to take. For me, that moment comes in 2011, when CCOSA’s Executive Director, Mr. Steven Crawford, and the Executive Committee offer me the opportunity to become the Executive Director of OAESP. Do I possess what it takes to be successful in this position? They see potential where others might see inexperience, and in doing so they take a chance on me. For that I am forever grateful, and it serves as a pivotal, defining moment in my career. My time at CCOSA

is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of organizations that invest in emerging talent.

The position at CCOSA wasn’t just a job; it was a launchpad. It provides me with the opportunity to make contributions at the state level, building a foundation of experience that would later lead me to the national level and my current role in charge of professional learning for the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). I credit CCOSA for paving the way.

But what exactly was CCOSA’s recipe for Leadership Success?

Culture Building: Understanding the importance of creating an environment where innovation and growth can thrive.

Structured Professional Learning: Recognizing that leadership development is an ongoing process, not a onetime event.

Leadership Capacity Building: Focusing on developing skills that allow leaders to adapt and excel in various situations.

Empowerment: Learning how to inspire and enable others to reach their full potential.

These concepts, solidified during my tenure at CCOSA, continue to serve as guiding principles in my current role.

The impact of CCOSA extends far beyond professional learning. The relationships formed and the examples set by leaders like Mr. Steven Crawford, Dr. Pam Deering, and Dr. Randall Raburn continue to inspire and influence educational leaders across the state of Oklahoma. I feel fortunate and humbled to have played a small part in CCOSA’s legacy. I know from my time at CCOSA that true leadership comes from recognizing that you are part of something greater than yourself.

As I reflect on my professional journey, I am reminded that leadership in education is not about individual accolades. It’s about creating a ripple effect that touches countless lives, shaping the future of education one leader at a time. CCOSA serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we invest in potential, foster growth, and lead with humility.

In the end, isn’t that what educational leadership is all about?

Dr. Gracie Branch is the Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning at NAESP. During her career in public education, she has been an administrator at Putnam City and Norman Public Schools and was Executive Director of OAESP from 2011-2019.

An Instrument of Successful Leadership

By Dr. John Folks

Having served as State Superintendent of Public Instruction and then becoming superintendent of Mid-Del school district, my involvement in OASA and CCOSA helped me to further develop leadership skills and know the importance of involvement and commitment to the state administrator organizations. Serving as president of OASA and CCOSA convinced me even further of the importance of involvement in the state administrators’ organizations to advocate for stronger state and national commitment in public education.

When I moved to Texas as a superintendent, I continued my involvement as a member of the Texas superintendent organization and eventually as president of that organization. OASA and CCOSA involvement enabled my skills as

a leader in public education to become an effective superintendent in the fourth-largest school district in Texas and to be selected as Texas Superintendent of the Year. Involvement in OASA and CCOSA was instrumental in me having a successful career in school administration as a superintendent.

Dr. John Folks served as OASA President in 1993-94. During his career in public education, he has served at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (including being named State Superintendent of Public Instruction), Superintendent of Mid-Del Public Schools, and various leadership roles in Texas public schools.