ENID, OK - The search for Autry Technology Center’s new superintendent has begun as current Superintendent/CEO Brady McCullough is set to retire next year.
Superintendent McCullough is retiring from his position after six years at Autry Technology Center. During his time at Autry Tech, McCullough has spearheaded several new initiatives including the purchase of a new training facility at 1802 N. Van Buren, new construction on the east end of the main campus for a diesel technology program, a CNC machine program and a fabrication lab as well as the renovation of the culinary arts classroom to create a state-of-the-art training facility. His career with the Oklahoma CareerTech system spans more than three decades.
During the August 5 meeting, the Autry Technology Center Board of Education approved a resolution to designate the newly constructed technology lab at Autry Tech to be named the McCullough Lab in honor of Brady McCullough.
The Oklahoma State School Boards Association is assisting the Autry Technology Center board with recruiting and screening candidates. Shawn Hime, executive director of OSSBA, is heading up the search. The job application can be found at ossba.org.
“Mr. McCullough is a tremendous leader, and the board is grateful for his commitment to excellence and outstanding service,” Martie Oyler, president of Autry Technology Center Board said. “The opportunity to hire his predecessor is one we as a board take very seriously. Autry Tech has a great reputation which should lead to a lot of interest in the position and a strong applicant pool.”
The Autry Technology Center board hopes to name McCullough’s successor by January 2021. The new superintendent is expected to take over July 1, 2021, although a transition period including both leaders may precede the leadership change.
Qualifications required of applicants are a superintendent’s certificate recognized by the State Board of Education and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education and a minimum of five years administrative experience in a technology center.
The major duties that fall on the superintendent’s shoulders include advising the board on legislative functions and serving as chief administrator of the district.
“In Autry Technology Center School Board’s search for a new superintendent, they aspire to find someone that embodies Autry Tech’s mission of aligning resources, people, knowledge, skills and opportunity to build self-worth and ensure economic prosperity in Oklahoma and beyond,” said Autry Tech Director of Communications, Marketing and Recruiting Mandy Mayberry.
Autry Technology Center has partnered with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association to assist in its search for the next superintendent. Autry Tech board members will soon seek community input as part of the search process.
An online survey is available at autrytech.edu so students, parents/guardians, Autry Tech employees, business partners and other community members can share what qualities they believe are important in the next superintendent.
Board president Martie Oyler said board members will use information gathered via the survey to help guide its decision making.
“The board is ready to listen. Hiring a new leader is a critical decision for the future of Autry Tech’s students, clients, educators, families and the entire community,” said Oyler. “We value the input of our community in the process, and we’re working with OSSBA to create opportunities for everyone to share with the board what’s important to look for in a new superintendent.”
The board is accepting applications in late August and anticipates selecting a new superintendent in November.
OSSBA has performed superintendent searches throughout the state for school districts of all sizes. Districts that have recently used its search service include Oklahoma City, Enid, Chisholm, Norman, Metro Technology Center and Moore Norman Technology Center. The association will advertise the opening, recruit potential candidates and provide an electronic application management system.
“This is such an exciting time and process for the Autry Technology Center district,” Oyler said. “As one of the top Career Tech Centers in the state, we want to continue to fill the community workforce with qualified workers and set our future generations up for success! We’re eager to find a leader who can help us achieve that vision.”
Autry Technology Center has been a part of the Enid community since 1967 and is one of 29 CareerTech schools across Oklahoma. The center has more than 25 career programs and offers a wide variety of evening and weekend short-term courses and certifications for many diverse career fields. Autry serves nearly 16,000 individuals each year, including many area employees who receive training through the Business and Industry Services Department that works with over 500 local businesses each year.
