Just as 16,000 students are preparing for new teachers and classes in the upcoming 2008-2009 school year for Broken Arrow Public Schools, some current staff members are preparing for new assignments for the new school year that will have a major impact on BAPS.

Barbara Jones, who served as Lynn Wood’s Interim Principal for much of the second semester in the 2007-2008 school year, has been elevated to Principal for Lynn Wood for the 2008-2009 school year. Mrs. Jones became Lynn Wood’s Interim Principal in January-2008 following the mid-year retirement of former longtime Lynn Wood Principal Judy Hutter.

Genell Coleman, who has been assistant principal at Broken Arrow High School since 1995 and employee in the district since 1984 will be the new lead administrator for the Margaret Hudson Program. Mrs. Coleman replaces JoAnn Bierig, who retired.

Ann Wade is the new Chief Financial Officer for Broken Arrow Public Schools.

Mrs. Wade, who was named the 2006-2007 School Business Official of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Business Officials, has over 20 years of experience in school finance and another 12 years experience in business/investment management in the private sector.  She moves to BAPS from Claremore Public Schools.

With the pending retirement of longtime Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Gary Gerber, Jill Poole, who has been director of the district’s Child Nutrition department, is now Executive Director of District Operations including maintenance and transportation.  Jaime McCullough moves up from Child Nutrition Educational Coordinator to Director of Child Nutrition.

Carol Lunn, who has been overseeing the district’s grants programs, will also be in charge of the district’s enrollment center now that Dr. Gerber is retiring.

No change in Dr. Sisney’s focus on the Professional Development of Students program which includes learning coaches and Parent University.  The Superintendent is enhancing the program by extending it from grades 4-8 to grades 4-12.  

Jennifer Hudgins takes over as Language Arts Learning Coach for grades 6-12, while former Broken Arrow High School math teacher Michael Sowards moves to Math Learning Coach for grades 6-through-12 filling existing vacancies. The learning coaches’ goals continue to be to increase the self-directed learning, thinking, and communications skills of students.