Episode Details

A Quick Note to Listeners:

—- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks.

Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —-

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answer a listener question with a five minute response. 

The question is: How can leaders ensure staff feel supported, particularly in the face of all other management challenges?

Listen in to hear their response and thank you for doing what matters!

Meet Dr. Margaret Coates:

Dr. Margaret Coates became Superintendent of Owasso Public Schools on July 1, 2022, after nearly 15 years in the district as a teacher, coach, and administrator. She oversees operations for 9,800 students and 1,200 staff. Before her appointment, Coates was interim superintendent and previously served as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning. Since becoming superintendent, she has led the district’s largest bond package ($83.9 million), updated employee salaries, and initiated a five-year strategic plan.

Coates started her career as a geometry teacher at Owasso High School in 2002, later becoming assistant principal and Math Department Chair. She was key in creating Owasso Virtual High School and coached basketball, cross country, and track & field. She later served as Principal of Centennial Middle School and opened the Freshman Academy, followed by six years as Assistant Superintendent for Broken Arrow Public Schools before returning to Owasso in 2018.

A native of Collinsville, Coates earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Oklahoma State University in 2017 and holds degrees from The University of Tulsa in Athletic Administration and Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. She was an Academic All-American basketball player at TU.

An outdoor enthusiast, Coates has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and completed more than 20 marathons, as well as the Ironman Tulsa Triathlon in 2022 and 2023. She enjoys living on the edge and taking on challenges.

Owasso Public Schools highlights:

One of the highlights of Owasso Public Schools that Coates is proudest of is their 5 year strategic plan and how it is being implemented. She says that they have collected lots of data to show how the program is impacting the areas where the program has been implemented. One of the programs Owasso has started offering as a result of their 5 year plan is the SPARK program, which is a before and after school care program. Owasso Public Schools is able to offer subsidies for families that need the program. Another highlight that Coates is proud of is how Owasso is a professional learning community. They really focus on the PLC process and have collaboration days on the calendar. Their PLC model is the foundation of the academic achievement for the entire di