Sand Springs, OK— Two administrators in Sand Springs have received prestigious recognitions from the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA). The organization has announced Sherry Durkee, Superintendent of Sand Springs Public Schools (SSPS) as the 2025 OASA District Five Superintendent of the Year.
They have also recognized Shawn Beard, SSPS Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, as the 2025 District Five Assistant Superintendent of the Year. Durkee and Beard will be recognized at the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) Summer Leadership Conference on June 11-13, 2025.
OASA annually recognizes outstanding administrators who:
demonstrate successful experience in top level educational administration
have a sound, dynamic and realistic philosophy of education
can inspire and motivate people and give support and recognition for the contributions of others
have a record which evidences continued professional and personal growth through appropriate training and experiences including skills in human relations and the stamina to cope with the pressures of the job
have the ability to speak for education on all levels with special emphasis on the district level
have made contributions to educational administration
"Leaders set out to make a difference, not to just be called a leader. The recognition of our school administrators by their peers is a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and daily impact on students, educators, and communities. Sherry Durkee and Shawn Beard are among the best of Oklahoma administrators. We are excited and proud to recognize these outstanding leaders whose service stands as a beacon of excellence in public education.”
OASA has 20 Districts that consist of multiple counties. Eligible OASA members are nominated and selected by their peers in their OASA District.
As the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Beard oversees district curriculum and textbook adoption, teacher training and professional development, Gifted and Talented/English Learner programs, and district technology. Beard has experience as a classroom teacher and IT director, and he currently serves as the vice president for the Oklahoma Society for Technology in Education (OKSTE) board.
“I’m deeply grateful for this recognition and honored to serve a community that values education and invests in its future,” said Beard. “It’s a privilege to work alongside the dedicated educators in our district.”
Durkee was appointed Sand Springs Public Schools Superintendent in 2016. With more than 35 years of experience in education, Durkee leads SSPS to achieve the highest levels of excellence and realize the district’s mission to challenge minds, inspire hearts, and empower a community of learners. She was recently named the recipient for the 2025 Medal for Excellence in Elementary/Secondary Administration by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Learn more about the SSPS Superintendent.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award and truly humbled to be recognized alongside such outstanding leaders in education,” said Durkee. “This recognition is not mine alone; it belongs to the remarkable educators, staff, and administrators at Sand Springs Public Schools who work tirelessly every day to serve our students. I’m proud to stand with a team so committed to excellence and innovation.”