Maysville Town Board of Trustees
The Maysville Town Board of Trustees has positions 1, 3, and 5 up for election April 1. All three positions are for four-year terms which will run through 2029. Candidates for those positions are Eric S. Catman Sr., Louise P. Jones, Kevin Kappes and Joy Taylor. The three candidates receiving the most votes will be elected to fill the positions.
*not all candidates for this election submitted statements.
Eric S. Catman Sr.
For those of you in Maysville, who haven’t met me yet, let me introduce myself.
My name is Eric Catman Sr. I am a dedicated community member and seasoned business owner with a diverse range of local enterprises, built through dedication and perseverance since relocating to the area in 2022. With approximately 18 years of experience as an entrepreneur, I have a proven track record in building and operating businesses.
In demonstrating commitment to public service, I have been serving on the Town Board for approximately eight months, having been selected and appointed to fill a vacated seat. During my time on the board, I have actively sought opportunities to enhance my service to the town, by attending two valuable trainings focused on film and movie development and grant writing and proposals, for example.
Prior to my current ventures in the area, I have been involved in different communities, volunteering my time to support individuals in various ways. My commitment to service continues through active membership at The Foundation Church, where I serve on both the worship and outreach teams.
Recognizing a need for connection among local men, I also founded the Maysville Men’s Breakfast, which meets on the second Saturday of each month starting at 8 a.m. Driven by a desire to foster a thriving local economy, I am currently working towards restarting the Chamber of Commerce.
My approach to business and community involvement is shaped by my fiscally conservative and socially neutral (though often seen as conservative) political beliefs, grounded in libertarian principles. I am passionate about building strong businesses and contributing to the well-being of the Maysville community I and my family now proudly call home.
Joy Taylor
My name is Charlotte Joy Taylor. I am running for the Maysville Town Board of Trustees. I have served on the Board of Trustees for most of the past four years. I have lived in Maysville for over 31 years. My husband was born and raised here. I believe that my experience with the Maysville Town Board of Trustees, plus having lived here for such a long time, gives me the ability to serve the citizens of Maysville and help to improve the services and make improvements to the everyday lives of the great people who live here.
I believe in transparent governance that carries out the will of the people, and I also believe that citizens should not be afraid to ask questions of those that are elected to serve them. I have proven during nearly four years that I have served on the Maysville Town Board of Trustees that I have been both responsive and helpful to those with questions and concerns.
I am sure that most of you have been watching the construction crew as they work to install new water lines throughout the city. When the new lines have been installed, they will install new and improved water meters throughout the city. These, as well as improvements to the water treatment plant, are just a couple of improvements that I have been a part of while serving the city. There are still several projects that are going to be needed to improve the living environment in our city.
If I am elected to continue serving as a Town Trustee, I will continue with the ideas that I have presented. I will continue to support transparency in city government and will continue to work with the citizens in this city, solving problems and listening to the needs of all. If someone has an idea with merit that will benefit the whole and not just a part, I will be happy to listen. Let us work together to make things better.
Elmore City-Pernell Board of Education
Voters will be filling the Elmore City-Pernell Board of Education’s Office 5 on April 1 for a five-year term to expire in 2030. Candidates for that office are Steve Henderson and Shalon S. McMillen.
Steve Henderson
Hello, I am Steve Henderson, a candidate for the Elmore City-Pernell Board of Education. I am a licensed professional counselor and a retired educator with 32 years of experience, all in rural Oklahoma schools. I graduated from Elmore City High School in 1971, received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma in 1976, a Master of Education in speech education from SOSU in 1982, and a second master’s in educational psychology in 2008 from ECU. I successfully passed the National Counseling Exam and the State of Oklahoma Board exam in 2016, then began working for a counseling agency in Norman.
I am now in my ninth year of professional counseling, working mainly with attention deficit/hyperactive, oppositional defiant, autistic and grief-stricken children, contracted to work in Oklahoma Public School through Jetty Counseling Center in Wynnewood.
First and foremost, I believe any board should fairly represent the demographics of the people served. I believe it is important to elect people from different age groups, different socio-economic backgrounds, genders and ethnic groups.
My teaching, administration and counseling covers a 40-year span, and each day I walk by a classroom I continued to be inspired by the total commitment and dedication I recognize in the schools I serve. Regardless of headwinds, I see teachers working arduously, unselfishly, collaboratively and professionally every minute of the school day.
Along with counseling, I often work as a liaison with teachers, principals and parents making certain the identified child has the proper educational delivery and services meeting his/her needs. Often it helps the parents to have an advocate, knowing the school is providing the best services possible for the child. I have found it has been a successful method blending years of education and counseling experience together.
Now, the challenge ahead. Whenever the economy again stabilizes, and people feel better about the future, a bond to build a new gymnasium should take top consideration. The current gym was built circa 1955, celebrating now 75 years. It has been the home of state champions, both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, state runners-up twice by the girls, and once by the boys, and home to at least one Oklahoma Hall of Fame Coach. The kids deserve a better place to play basketball, the public deserves a better place to watch basketball, and our handicapped veterans and those of disabilities of all walks of life deserve better ADA accommodations.
If elected to the board of education, I will diligently work toward an effort to provide a better, safer and more handicapped accessible venue for all wanting to make things better for future generations.
Shalon S. McMillen
Hello, my name is Shalon McMillen, and I am honored to be a candidate for the Elmore City-Pernell School Board.
My husband, Jason, and I moved to Elmore City in 2006, establishing a long-standing commitment to this community we proudly call home. We have three wonderful children, all proud Elmore City Badgers—our daughter, Amme (Class of 2019), our son, Logan (Class of 2023), and our youngest son, Easton (Class of 2028).
Over the years, I have been actively involved in the Elmore City-Pernell school system, currently serving as treasurer and member for the Elmore City Band Boosters to support our students and programs.
Beyond school activities, I am deeply invested in our community’s growth and success. I own and operate McMillen’s Tax Service, a business I started in Elmore City in 2021, and I serve as treasurer and member for the Elmore City Chamber of Commerce, supporting local businesses and community initiatives. Additionally, I work as part of the cost analysis staff at Burford Corporation in Maysville, bringing financial insight and accountability—skills essential for responsible budgeting in our school system.
Having spent years involved in our schools as both a parent and community member, I have seen firsthand the importance of strong leadership in shaping our children’s education. I am running because I believe in advocating for students, supporting teachers and ensuring our schools have the resources to thrive.
With changes in federal education, strong local leadership is more important than ever. By working closely with the Oklahoma State Board of Education, we can ensure our children receive the best education while making sure tax dollars are spent wisely to strengthen our schools, programs and staff.
I encourage community members to reach out with their thoughts, ideas and concerns.
Together, we can build a stronger future for our students and schools.
Pauls Valley Board of Education
Voters in Pauls Valley will fill the Pauls Valley Board of Education Office 5 on April 1 for a five-year term to expire in 2030. Candidates for that office are Jesse Alvarado and Daniel Feeback.
Jesse Alvarado
Pauls Valley Is My Home
It’s where I grew up, chose to raise my family and where my children go to school. Like any parent, I want them to have the best education possible. That starts with strong leadership, thoughtful decisions and a commitment to putting students first.
Serving the Community with Gratitude
As a first-generation American, I take great pride in serving this community that has given my family and me so much. That gratitude drives my dedication to public service. Whether serving on the school board, teaching or volunteering, my goal has always been to make Pauls Valley stronger.
Diverse Experience, Common Values
My career has spanned industries that reinforce hard work, teamwork and community impact. I worked in oil and gas safety, ensuring workers had the training to return home safely. I spent 11 years at Covercraft, helping grow a company that provided stable jobs and strengthened our local economy. Now, as a multimedia instructor at Mid-America Technology Center, I prepare students for real-world careers by equipping them with the skills they need to succeed.
Meeting the Needs of Our Growing Schools
Our schools are growing, bringing both challenges and opportunities. To meet them, we must:
–Expand and improve facilities.
–Support and retain great teachers.
–Ensure every student—regardless of background—has the tools to succeed.
–Make sure all families feel represented in decisions about their children’s education.
Leadership That Listens and Acts
Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up and doing the work. I’ve been in the meetings, had the tough conversations and worked alongside educators and administrators to find solutions. Education today requires more than a traditional approach; it takes innovation, community engagement, and leadership that listens.
Let’s Build Stronger Schools Together
I’m committed to making our schools stronger and continuing to work for our students, teachers and families. If you believe in leadership that’s present, engaged and focused on real solutions, I ask for your vote on April 1. Together, we can build a stronger future for Pauls Valley.
Daniel Feeback
I am Daniel Feeback and I’m passionately seeking election to the Pauls Valley Public Schools Board of Education (PVPS School Board, Seat 5). I’ve resided in Pauls Valley for nearly two decades with my wife of 43 years and more recently we were joined by our grandson, Kadan, a student at Pauls Valley Intermediate School.
My background:
•Army veteran and patriot (drafted during Vietnam)
•Bachelor of Science and doctorate degree (OU); faculty member at multiple universities
•More than four decades of teaching experience at many levels
•NASA scientist and director of laboratories (retired)
My emphasis will be to seek methods for increasing standardized test scores which are used as a measure of the educational success of students, teachers, individual schools and school systems. To this end, I will pursue adoption of innovative methods to create a higher quality curriculum, the hiring and retention of outstanding teachers, promotion of parental/guardian involvement in the educational endeavors of their children, achievement of an appropriate teacher to student ratio, increased graduation and higher college/trade school matriculation rates, as well as, the highest possible levels of funding that will result in competitive compensation for teachers and administration/support personnel. Additionally, as a board member, I will be diligent in assuring that the PVPS are safe and provide an environment where all school attendees can experience exceptional learning.
In order to be the best possible school board member, I plan to join school board coalition organizations like the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) and others and to pursue coursework and continuing education (CE) in school board governance, policy development, student handbook generation and recruitment/hiring of exceptional school employees at all levels. I also plan to meet with educators and administrative staff at the best performing Oklahoma schools to gain insight on their methods for achieving high standardized test scores and educational success. As a retiree, I can, and will, commit my full time and efforts to serving as a PVPS Board of Education member unencumbered by job obligations, daily commutes and other distractions I consider it an honor to serve the PVPS. Please vote for Daniel Feeback on April 1.
Paoli Board of Education
Voters in Paoli will be filling the Paoli Board of Education Office 5 on April 1 for a five-year term to expire in 2030. Candidates for that office are Terry Erwin and Angela Norman.
Angela Norman
My name is Angie Norman, and I would appreciate your vote for Paoli School board. I am a wife, mom, and Nana/Gigi. I have been employed with the United States Postal Service for 30 years, serving surrounding communities in city carrier, clerk, and postmaster capacities. In April, I will be retiring and hope to turn my focus to community service.
I graduated from Paoli High School in 1988, and from my first day there, Paoli has always felt like home. I am a member of Paoli First Baptist Church, where I am involved in the children’s ministry. I teach children’s class on Sundays, Wednesdays, and also during Vacation Bible School. Through this ministry I have developed a close bond with many of the children who attend Paoli schools. I am passionate about keeping our school thriving for many years to come. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Terry Erwin
As board president of the Paoli Public School, I kindly ask for your vote on April 1.
I have lived in Paoli for 34 years, raising our three children who graduated from the Paoli Public School. Currently I have grandchildren attending Paoli School and have direct insight into students’ educational needs.
In May 2016, I was asked and appointed to the Paoli School Board and have continued to serve. I have been actively volunteering in the school for many years. This includes, as a fill-in bus driver for student field trips, substitute teaching, establishing a PTO, along with helping with other school activities and projects.
As board president, we have continued to make improvements for our students and staff as we raise the bar of quality education. This involves addressing classroom needs and standardization of curriculum, adding new student programs, making improvements to our facilities and buses, and purchasing additional adjoining property to accommodate growth. We have expanded our FFA program, acquired a building for the Activity Center, installed AC in the gymnasium and upgraded our kitchen/ cafeteria.
There are many challenges schools are dealing with due to the changes that are coming from the State and Federal Education Departments. Consequently, it is important to have individuals serving on the local school board who are focused on the real issues and needs of the students with a vision for the future.
Thank you in advance for your vote on April 1. I look forward to continuing to serve in making the Paoli Public School system better for our students and community.
Whitebead Board of Education
Voters in the Whitebead School District will be filling the remainder of an unexpired term for Office 2 on the Whitebead Board of Education April 1. Candidates for that office are Alex Young and Ricky Manning.
Ricky Manning
I am eager to secure a one-year position on the Whitebead school board, utilizing my dedication and leadership skills to contribute to our community in which my family shares a rich history.
My Great-Great-Grandfather Kimberlin served a pivotal role in constructing the original school building and is acknowledged on the cornerstone of the brick structure. Additionally, grandparents from both sides of my family served on the board, and their names are honored on the cornerstone of the school’s second addition. My late aunt, Susie Manning Williams, also devoted many years to serving on the board. This school holds deep significance for me, not only due to its importance in my family’s heritage, but also because I, along with my sister, my parents and numerous other generations, graduated from here, as well as all five of my children.
Currently, many in our community have various concerns, and I believe their worries are valid. It’s important to approach these concerns with an open mind. I also come from a diverse family and have a wide network of friends who bring unique perspectives. While other schools in the area are facing financial difficulties, Whitebead remains financially strong. However, I believe we are approaching a critical juncture, and I want to be actively involved in shaping our future. Our students, teachers and community deserve leaders who prioritize their needs.
Having grown up here, I am deeply familiar with our Whitebead culture and am committed to preserving and promoting it.
I pledge to being approachable and transparent with the public. I believe in fostering open lines of communication and ensuring that every voice is heard. We must adopt a proactive approach to ensure we continue to thrive, rather than simply reacting to circumstances. Whitebead School has always been ingrained in my family. It is honor, as well as tradition.
Thank you for your time. Please consider voting for Ricky Manning on April 1.
Alex Young
My name is Alex Young, and I am honored to run for the Whitebead School Board.
I served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and hold degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, along with an Executive Certificate in Leadership and Management from the University of Notre Dame.
As a parent, I have a personal connection to Whitebead. Two of my children have attended, and my youngest son is currently a student. I understand the vital role this school plays in our community.
At the end of the 2023-24 school year, I was asked to serve on the board. Though I accepted humbly, it was a steep learning curve. After a career in the military, I embraced the challenge of understanding public education. Through training with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) and the support of Whitebead administration, I learned the legal and operational responsibilities of a board member. Most importantly, I learned that our primary duty is to advocate for the teachers, staff and administrators who educate our children.
My priority is recruiting and retaining outstanding educators and staff. Public education faces staffing shortages, with professionals who are overworked and underpaid. We must support them to ensure our students receive the best education possible.
Superintendent Jason Midkiff arrived at a critical time and has already brought positive change, from implementing third meals to upgrading technology and creating an engaging learning environment. Strong leadership like his is essential to Whitebead’s success.
As a board member, I am committed to accountability while fostering a culture of support and appreciation. If we fail to value our educators and staff, we risk losing them. I will work to ensure Whitebead remains a place where both students and educators can thrive.
I appreciate your support and look forward to serving our community.
