Office of the Superintendent

Sherry Durkee

Superintendent Sherry Durkee

Contact the Superintendent

Email: Sherry.Durkee@Sandites.org

Mailing Address: 11 W. Broadway, Sand Springs, OK 74063

About the Superintendent

Sherry 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.

Durkee’s career began in 1987 when she became a kindergarten teacher for Pretty Water Public School in Sapulpa. In 1997, she accepted a position at SSPS as a school psychologist. She has worked in the district since then, taking on the role of Director of Special Education and Federal Programs before becoming Assistant Superintendent, and finally Superintendent.

Durkee earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavioral Studies from Oklahoma State University. She also holds a postgraduate certificate in School Psychology from Northeastern State University.

Durkee is a member of the American Association of School Administrators, Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administrators, and Oklahoma State School Boards Association. She currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce. Durkee also serves on the Executive Board for the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators and on the State Superintendent's Advisory Council for the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

In 2018 and 2020, the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA) named Durkee the District 5 Superintendent of the Year. 

Sherry lives with her husband, Richard in Sand Springs. They have two sons, one daughter, and two grandchildren. Their children are in the fields of mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and industrial engineering. Learn more in Supt. Durkee’s Sandite Spotlight video below.

Additional Affiliations:

  • Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, Board Member

  • Junior Achievement of Oklahoma, Board Member

  • Oklahoma School Insurance Group, Board Member

  • Sand Springs Rotary Club, Member

Superintendent's Cabinet

Superintendent's cabinet smiling and facing the camera. From left to right: Shawn Beard, Carrie Schlehuber, Sherry Durkee, Kristie Newby, and Kristin Arnold

Kristin Arnold

Kristin Arnold

Assistant Superintendent
Student Services and Human Resources

Email:
Kristin.Arnold@Sandites.org

Shawn Beard

Shawn Beard

Assistant Superintendent
Teaching and Learning

Email:
Shawn.Beard@Sandites.org

Kristie Newby

Kristie Newby

Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer

Email:
Kristie.Newby@Sandites.org

Carrie Schlehuber

Carrie Schlehuber

Director
Enrollment and Special Education

Email:
Carrie.Schlehuber@Sandites.org