“I Think I Can Help” are among the most powerful words in the English language, and Dr. Jamie Polk embodies these words in both thought and action. Unanimously selected by the Board of Education in May 2024, she was recently appointed as the new superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS). Polk has already begun to implement her priorities for the district, which serves nearly 33,000 scholars, driven by a vision to provide equitable access to a world-class education for every student.
Polk recently celebrated her 41st wedding anniversary with her sixth-grade sweetheart, Chris, and together they have raised three children. As a military spouse and stay-at-home mother for many years, Polk’s journey into education began when she volunteered in her daughter’s kindergarten class. She applied for a paraprofessional position in a special needs class, where she discovered her true calling. Determined to make a difference, she pursued a degree in education from Mount Mercy College, graduating in December 1989, and began teaching shortly afterward.
After years of global relocations due to her husband’s military career, Polk’s family settled in Lawton. There, she progressed from a teacher to an assistant principal, then to principal, and ultimately to assistant superintendent, where she contributed to statewide discussions on assessment strategies and accountability measures to support improved student outcomes.
In 2019, while participating in Leadership Oklahoma’s Class 32, Polk learned that several Oklahoma City Public Schools had received “F” ratings. Compelled to make a difference, she told her supervisor, “I think I can help.” Soon after, she applied for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education at OKCPS—and was offered the job on her way home.
Her efforts led to remarkable improvements in the district’s A-F State Report Card, significantly reducing the number of failing schools from 19 to 2 in a few short years. When asked about her success, Polk explained, “We used a structured method: understanding how success would be measured, empowering leaders with this knowledge and prioritizing student voice by involving students in shaping their learning experiences.” She added, “It’s been hard work, but it’s the right work, and I feel good about what we’ve accomplished.”
The OKCPS superintendent role unexpectedly became available, and while Polk hadn’t been actively seeking it, she felt called to apply. Her unanimous selection by the board moved her deeply. “I cried,” she said. “It wasn’t in the plan, but I believe in divine intervention. There’s a time for everything, and I’m ready to embrace this responsibility.” With her appointment, Oklahoma’s two largest school districts—Oklahoma City and Tulsa—are now led by Black women for the first time in state history, a milestone that comes with camaraderie and friendly rivalry.
As she begins her first school year as superintendent, Polk is already making a significant impact with a clear and purposeful approach. “Teachers are closest to the work, so it’s essential to empower every level,” she emphasized. “We focus on students, support our principals and protect our teachers.” Polk and her team are dedicated to a strategic plan that aligns with the OKCPS mission: Ignite a passion for learning in every child, engage families and build respectful, trusting relationships within our diverse community. In summary: “Empowering others to make decisions that are right for kids.”
