As voters prepare to head to the polls on April 1 to elect the next member of the Okmulgee Public Schools Board of Education, Krystal Bohannon is hoping to continue serving the community she calls home – this time through an official vote of the people. After being appointed two years ago to fill a vacant seat, Bohannon is now running to be elected by the public for the first time.

— Rooted in Community

Born and raised in Okmulgee, Bohannon graduated with the Class of 1998. She has worked at Patrons Bank for the past 22 years, starting as a part-time teller and now serving as Vice President over Operations. Her dedication to Okmulgee runs deep – not only did both of her daughters graduate from the district, but she’s also served on the board of the Okmulgee Homeless Shelter for over eight years.

Her passion for advocacy began over a dinner conversation ten years ago, when a friend criticized the town she loved. “I was frustrated,” Bohannon recalls. “This is my home, it’s where I choose to be and if I’m going to be here, what can I do to make it better?” That question spurred her to get involved.

— Joining the School Board

Bohannon was appointed to the school board two years ago to fill a vacancy left by Linda Barksdale. “When a board member steps down, anyone in that district can apply,” she explained. “The board interviews the applicants and you’re elected by the board.”

She emphasized that while her appointment gave her the opportunity to serve, this election is her first opportunity to earn the seat through the voice of the community. “Now, if I am elected, I know that I do have the confidence of the community behind me, and I feel like I can make a difference.”

Her desire to serve was further inspired by personal experiences. She witnessed a child in her care struggle after being labeled a bully and saw firsthand how underprepared her daughter felt as a student teacher facing classroom challenges. “They teach you how to teach, but not how to protect yourself,” she said. “It made me want to advocate for teachers, students, and parents.” — Professional Experience Meets Public Service Bohannon’s banking experience influences her approach to board service. “You can take leadership from banking to any profession. Leadership is leadership,” she said. “In both roles, you’re dealing with people’s lives. As you continue to grow, your decisions are different. I make different decisions now than I would have 10 years ago simply because of the leadership I’ve been under and the opportunities and things that I’ve seen.”

— Understanding Attendance and Its Impact Bohannon identified student attendance as one of the district’s most urgent challenges. “One of the bad reps the school has is our report card,” she explained. “Well, the report card is bad not because of our teachers, not because of our testing scores, not because of our students. It’s bad because of attendance.”

She emphasized the complex realities many families face that make consistent attendance difficult. “You’ve got multiple single parents out there having to work that can’t get their kids to school, and those kids are having to get their younger kids to school.”

— Advocating for All Students

Bohannon is particularly passionate about giving voice to those who are often overlooked. “Not every child comes from a supportive home. You can’t tell me a five-year-old is just ‘bad’ – there’s something going on,” she said. She wants to ensure that all students, including those in specialized classrooms, are seen and heard.

She also emphasized her role as a listener and guide: “I may not be able to speak for you, but I can offer advice on how to be heard, what steps to take, and who to go to.”

— Clarifying Concerns and Supporting Educators

Bohannon addressed rumors surrounding administrative turnover, including fears about the potential departure of Okmulgee High School Principal, Amanda Adams (Thomas). “That was never brought to the board,” she clarified. “At our last meeting, she was rehired for the next school term. She is set to stay. The board has no intention of removing her.”

When asked about school finances, Bohannon acknowledged that school funding is complex. “It’s hard to budget when you don’t know what your revenue will be for six months,” she said. The board has requested clearer projections and more transparent breakdowns of financial decisions moving forward.

She also noted the loss of over 90 students to the academy this year, a significant hit to the district’s budget. “We’ve had to reassess staffing, reduce unnecessary spending, and reevaluate everything,” she said.

— A Commitment to Advocacy

For Bohannon, advocacy is central to her role. “We’re losing teachers who love their jobs because they don’t feel supported. I want to be a voice for those teachers, for the parents, and for the students,” she said.

— Looking Ahead

If elected, Bohannon plans to be more visible and involved in the schools. “I’ve always been reserved, but if I am elected – I know that I do have the confidence of the community behind me.” she said. “Now that I understand the role, I feel equipped to truly serve.”

She believes strongly that board members must set aside personal agendas. “Every decision impacts children and the future of our district. If you can’t vote in their best interest, you don’t belong on the board.”

— Four Key Priorities

Bohannon’s campaign focuses on four main priorities:

• Prioritizing students, families, and educators in every decision.

• Advocating for all voices to be heard.

• Committing to continuous improvement.

• Collaborating to strengthen education for everyone. She envisions stronger communication and less negativity. “We need to promote the good that’s happening in our schools,” she said. “If you’re part of Okmulgee, then be for Okmulgee.”

-As the election approaches, Bohannon encourages voters to look beyond campaign slogans. “I’m not a talker,” Bohannon said. “I’m someone who steps back, observes, thinks things through, and digs in to make change happen. If I believe in something, I’m going to work for it.” This isn’t about prestige,” she said. “It’s about doing what’s right for our children.”