Oktaha Public Schools recognized the retirement of Superintendent Jerry Needham and his 40 years of service to Oktaha Public School.

Since 1986, under the leadership of Mr. Needham, Oktaha School has passed approximately 10 bond issues, totaling $11,740,000 dollars, including the one that was just passed this year. With those funds and with his leadership, we were able to build a high school library, new classroom additions to the elementary as well as the high school, new elementary library, new preschool class rooms, new cafeteria, new science wing at the high school, new band room, new PE gym, new ag building and show barn, complete a renovation of the high school gym that greatly increased the seating capacity, and facilitate many other improvements to our campus, including ball fields and playgrounds.

Also under the leadership of Mr. Needham, Oktaha school survived the collapse of the lobby of the gymnasium during a snowstorm and a fire that gutted our high school building along with the administrative offices.

Mr. Needham has been instrumental in the success of Oktaha Public Schools for the past 40 years. He has made an impact on three generations of some of Oktaha’s students.

Needham also taught at Checotah Public Schools prior to his commitment to Oktaha Public School. Many former students went on social media to express the impact that Needham had on their education stating they were “shaped into leaders today” because of the legacy he left behind and that they were “forever grateful t o be taught by the best.”