Broken Arrow Public Schools honored its top educators and staff at the annual Star Awards Gala, announcing Robert Dumas from Oneta Ridge Middle School as the 2026 District Teacher of the Year and Brett Charlton from the maintenance department as the recipient of the Beyond & Above Award, which recognizes the district’s top support employee.
Held at Stoney Creek Hotel, the event featured a sit-down dinner where 32 Site Teachers of the Year were introduced, five were named finalists and Mr. Dumas was selected as District Teacher of the Year.
Sponsored by the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation, all Teacher of the Year and Support Employee of the Year finalists received monetary gifts totaling $15,000.
As Teacher of the Year, Mr. Dumas received a paid vacation courtesy of Rebecca Olson with High Tower Accounting & Tax in partnership with Laura Greenleaf - Under the Sun Travel, along with the use of a district-owned courtesy car, complete with a detail from Stellar Details and a year of car washes from Tommy’s Express Car Wash. He will now advance to the State Teacher of the Year competition.
In addition to the Teacher of the Year announcement, five finalists were recognized for the Beyond & Above Support Employee of the Year award, with Mr. Charlton receiving the honor for his outstanding dedication to the district’s mission.
To celebrate their achievements, WRA Architects awarded cash prizes to each Beyond & Above finalist, while The Bank N.A. is providing Mr. Charlton with free groceries for a year and $100 gift cards to the remaining four finalists. Additionally, Tommy’s Express Car Wash is providing Mr. Charlton with free car washes for a year.
Together, the honorees represent the dedication, excellence and commitment found across Broken Arrow Public Schools, making a difference in the lives of students and families every day.