Historic First: Black Women Now Leading Oklahoma’s Two Largest School Districts.
In a groundbreaking development for Oklahoma’s education system, Black women educators are now leading the state’s two largest school districts.
Jamie Polk, originally from Iowa with 25 years of experience in Lawton Public Schools, has become the superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS). Meanwhile, Ebony Johnson has made history as the first Black woman to lead Tulsa Public Schools, the state’s largest district by enrollment. Johnson was initially appointed as interim superintendent in September and was permanently hired in December. This milestone marks a significant shift toward leadership diversity. Jamie Polk highlighted the importance of representation, stating, “…every child should see themselves represented in the educators and leaders who guide them in their educational journey,” as reported by the Oklahoma Voice.
Cecilia Robinson-Woods, who was the only Black woman superintendent in Oklahoma before Johnson took on her role at TPS, highlighted that these appointments mark a significant step forward in empowering Black women educators to lead major school districts. “It is no secret that minority children, especially Black children, have the lowest test scores,” Robinson-Woods noted. “While having someone of color in leadership doesn’t guarantee change, it does provide valuable insight.”
These appointments address a significant disparity in Oklahoma’s education system. Despite more than half of all students being racial or ethnic minorities, 77% of public educators are white, according to 2022-23 state data.
OKCPS has a history of Black women in leadership, with Betty Mason becoming the first African American and female superintendent in 1992. Both Jamie Polk and Ebony Johnson face unique challenges as first-time superintendents. Johnson is focused on an academic turnaround while under pressure from the state education department. Polk is dedicated to diversifying the teaching staff through the “Grow Our Own” program, which has already produced 25 bilingual or racially diverse teachers.
