By John Dobberstein, Editor
Officials from the city of Broken Arrow and Broken Arrow Chamber said Wednesday they are eager to work with the school district’s new superintendent.
Broken Arrow Public Schools Supt. Chuck Perry took over recently after Janet Vinson announced she was retiring and stepping down.
Perry is a 1987 graduate of Broken Arrow High School and, other than the time he spent earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Tulsa, he has lived his entire life in Broken Arrow.
The city, Chamber and school district have worked together on several initiatives in recent years.
This includes a land swap that ultimately led to the birth of Elam Park, which will benefit Broken Arrow citizens and students at Aspen Creek Elementary School; an internship and apprenticeship program called Project Pathways for high school students to help them with career choices; and most recently, collaboration on the Innovation District.
City leaders said they are working to build an environment that promotes growth and innovation and creates a “pipeline to retain locally grown talented individuals in Broken Arrow.”
Mayor Debra Wimpee did she has known Perry throughout his career in Broken Arrow.
“I am truly excited for him,” Wimpee said. “He brings nearly 30 years of experience in education, along with an infectious energy, that will help him lead the wonderful staff, and serve the amazing students, at the best school district in the state to even greater heights.”
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In welcoming Perry, Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon thanked Vinson for her 12 years of work at BAPS, including the last 5 as superintendent.
“During her time, she and the district leaders were able to forge partnerships, build and enhance school infrastructure, and expand curriculum to ensure the students in our community are presented with the best opportunities to prepare them for life after their educational careers are complete,” Spurgeon said.
“You cannot underestimate the importance of the relationship the city, chamber, and public schools have built as we work together to raise the ceiling to create opportunities for growth and prosperity in Broken Arrow.
“Chuck is an accomplished educator, and an even better person. I look forward to working with him to build and maintain our high quality of life while setting up the next generation of leaders in our community for future success.”
Jennifer Conway, president and CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber and Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation (EDC), said the organizations are “thrilled” to work with Perry and to continue Vinson’s work.”
“As I have said many times, Dr. Vinson is one of the best superintendents I have ever worked with in my Chamber career, across the country,” Conway said. “She understands the importance of not only educating students, but ensuring they are placed on a path of a successful career beyond school, and for each student that may look different.
Vinson, the Chamber, EDC and the private sector developed Project Pathways, A Portrait of a Graduate and hosted Manufacturing Career Day with all 9th graders.
“These are all examples of programs that provided students with exposure to career opportunities through classes, internships, and helped define what is needed by employers in a successful graduate,” Conway said. “We are confident this very important work of preparing students for their career, hopefully right here in Broken Arrow will grow under Perry’s leadership.”
In addition to the Innovation District, the Chamber and EDC will continue to address needs of the current and future workforce of the community with BAPS and higher education.
Darla Heller, senior vice president for the EDC, said the school district’s “commitment to quality education” is the foundation of a sound workforce development system as the community is identified as a STEM Workforce Center of Excellence.
“Moving forward, the Chamber and EDC will continue to promote Broken Arrow’s healthy and thriving economy due in large part to BAPS’s dedication to community, quality education and innovation,” Heller said.
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