In education elections around Oklahoma County, voters affirmed incumbent school board members, tapped a newcomer to the Oklahoma City Public Schools governing body and ousted the president of a northeast OKC school district’s board.
In the race for the OKCPS District 7 board seat, Galilea Martinez received 309 votes, good for 58.63 percent support, to defeat Natalie Roman, who received 218 votes. Roman had been endorsed by Sen. Michael Brooks (D-OKC). Martinez will succeed Meg McElhaney, who was elected to the board in 2019.
North of OKC, long-term incumbent Edmond Public Schools District 1 board member Lee Ann Kuhlman was reelected after receiving 66.18 percent of the vote. Challenger Codie Tiffin received 394 votes to Kuhlman’s 771. Tiffin ran on a platform that claimed EPS’ improvement has slowed and said she was inspired to run after an event at Liberty Church — also known as Fairview Baptist Church — discussed books she feels are not appropriate for schools. EPS won a lawsuit in 2024 that ruled local school boards, not the State Department of Education, have control of what is on library shelves.
Elsewhere in Oklahoma County, Moore Public Schools District 1 Board of Education President Erin Morrison was reelected with 58.13 percent of the vote (862 votes). Opponent Wilma Bunting received 621 votes.
Two members of the Crooked Oak Public Schools board were reelected in contests that each drew 17 voters. Office 1 board member Brandon Andrews was reelected with 82.35 percent, or 14 of 17 votes, over challenger Alejandra Tobias. Office 5 board member Theresa Le was reelected with 52.94 percent support, or nine of 17 votes — one vote more than her challenger, Linda Ponce, received.
Millwood Board President L. Regina Richardson was ousted from the Seat 1 office by Stephanie Coleman, who received 53.68 percent support, or 124 of the 231 votes cast. Richardson received 107 votes.
On a Facebook livestream as results rolled in, Coleman thanked her supporters and said she was committed to restoring Millwood.
“Our schools should be places where every child is empowered to discover their strengths, pursue their passions and prepare for a future filled with opportunity,” Coleman said. “Every student deserves access, exposure and excellence.”
McLoud Public Schools voters approved a $20.9 million bond proposition, with 68.45 percent support among 634 votes.
State law requires that public school bond propositions be approved by at least 60 percent of voters. Districts issue bonds are purchased by private investors to obtain capital for projects such as site upgrades, new facilities and transportation purchases. The bonds are paid back with property tax collections from landowners in the district.
The McLoud Public Schools proposition features several projects, including $18 million for improvements at the high school.
All results are unofficial until certified by the Oklahoma State Election Board.
