OPS Superintendent Renee Dove retires

After decades of unwavering commitment and tireless dedication to Okmulgee Public Schools, Superintendent Renee Dove is bidding farewell to her role, leaving behind a legacy of transformation and community collaboration.

As she prepares to embark on a new chapter of rest and rejuvenation, Dove reflected on her journey from a passionate educator to a trend-setting leader in the district – for 48 years.

“I started right here in this very building (the district’s Administration Building, which was an elementary school when she started), and this is where I’m going to end (my career),” she said.

Dove’s journey in education began in 1976 when she stepped into the realm of teaching, driven by a childhood conviction sparked by her second-grade teacher, Thelma Houston. “My parents had kids in the school system for 35 years,” she said. “ They were very active in the PTA and in the community. When I was in the second grade (Franklin Elementary) when Thelma Houston was my teacher, I knew that I was going to be a teacher and never wavered, not one minute from that.”

With firm resolve, Dove pursued her calling, and completed her high school career at OHS, she went on to attend and graduated from Northeastern State University, and immersing herself in the world of education.

She returned to Okmulgee, first as a substitute, for part of the year at the newly opened Eastside Elementary School. At the start of the next school year, she began teaching third grade, replacing longtime teacher Gladys Coleman following her retirement.

Over the years, she served in various capacities, and for Dove, learning never stopped. She received certification as a library media specialist and administration.

So from teaching in the classroom to library media specialist, from elementary principal to assistant superintendent, Dove was the perfect fit as the school board chose her for the role of superintendent eight years ago.

“They called me one night and said, “We think you should be the superintendent,” Dove said, to which she agreed. “Later that night, I thought ‘I think I’m having my first panic attack ever in my life.’ But I had wonderful board members that support you and be there for you and take care of you.. they have helped me through the years.”

In a recent conversation, Dove shared her sentiments on her retirement, expressing gratitude for the incredible support she received from the community and colleagues alike. She emphasized the importance of fresh perspectives in leadership and the profound impact of collaboration between the school system and the community.

“Community support has been so important to me and to the staff,” she said. “The Okmulgee Plant Managers Association, the OADC, Okmulgee Main Street and Chamber, OSUIT and the Nation – we couldn’t ask for any more support that I have had in the last eight years and I want that to continue because that’s critical.”

Dove reminisced about the pivotal projects that marked her tenure, highlighting the groundbreaking STEM lab at Dunbar Elementary as a crowning achievement. She spoke passionately about the collaborative efforts that made the state-of-the-art STEM program a reality, underscoring the unwavering support from the community and CPKelco, in raising funds for the initiative. Newly elected Gov. Stitt was on hand for the grand opening celebration.

“The STEM lab at Dunbar was just one of the most amazing projects that we worked on that everybody came together and we raised every penny of that money ($236,000). And so that was super exciting.”

The retiring superintendent also lauded the start of the Aviation and Drone program, the first and only one of its kind in Okmulgee County schools. She praised the strides made in career and technical education, empowering students with skills for the future workforce. She expressed pride in the resilience and unity demonstrated by the Okmulgee community, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the damage caused, not once, but twice to district sites due to torrential rains.

“When COVID hit – and again – I go back to the community, and the parents in this community, when others around us and across the nation were struggling with that. I tell you right now, we could not have been more supported and more cared for and just the level of understanding that our parents had was fantastic … and we worked all the way through that. And, you know, we took some pretty drastic measures … But they never once questioned … The fact that we had our chef here as our child nutrition director, and wanting and being on the same page with me wanting to feed every child, our transportation department came in and took risks of driving, and the community came in and pushed food out the back, lunches and breakfast every day – for an entire year. They did that and oh my goodness, how blessed I am to have watched that and been a part of that and see this whole community come together and certainly showed how much they love the kids here… “And then passing the bond just recently,” Dove said. “I’m so pleased with what that is going to bring for the next 20 years. Those sites that are going to get a facelift that they need, and the storm shelter for the community…” The gymnasium/shelter is the first project that will be started soon for the district and the community.

Looking ahead, Dove plans to savor moments of rest and reflection, relishing the opportunity to pursue personal interests and engage in community endeavors.

She intends to continue her involvement in church activities, particularly in music ministry, and embark on new ventures, including an after-school program for children and the revival of her children’s choir.

As she bids farewell to her role as superintendent, Dove extends a message of gratitude to the countless individuals who have impacted her journey, her co-workers, teachers, administrators and the many children that have walked through the halls.

One of her proudest traditions that comes from being an avid reader and librarian is reading a passage to the graduating seniors on commencement night.

She especially thanked her sister, Willo, who has been her rock and support through some very trying times in the past, such as losing close loved ones, and some that are ongoing now.

From fellow educators to community leaders, from supportive family members to faithful friends, Dove acknowledges the collective effort that has shaped her tenure and leaves behind a lasting legacy of service and dedication.

In closing, Dove offers a heartfelt plea to those who may harbor doubts or criticisms about the school system, urging them to seek understanding through open dialogue and engagement. She invites skeptics to visit the schools, meet with educators, and witness firsthand the transformative impact of collaborative efforts on student success.

Dove noted that two school sites are now off the at-risk list (Okmulgee Primary and Dunbar), and with the new administration coming in, the focus will be on additional improvements at Okmulgee High School – the foundation is already in place and she expects great things to come with new superintendent Clay Vinyard, and his vision of excellence.

Dove offered this advice: “What I would like for them to do is to come to the source and ask the questions – the hard questions that they have, because I’ve had an open door. I’ve never turned anyone away. I would just say to them, please, before you speak (or post), come to the office. Let’s have a conversation because most of the people that are the naysayers have never been in my office and have never had a conversation with me. Most have never ever been involved in a school here, have never attended a function at the school.

“And I always dread it when someone goes on and says ‘I’m getting ready to move to the community. What school?’ I’ve written at times to say that all schools in the county are outstanding. The only way you’re going to know what school works for your child is for you to visit each school. And that’s what I encourage you as a parent to do. It’s your educational responsibility for your child to visit the schools and you determine what works best after you meet the people. And you don’t have to say anything negative … If this school did not work for you, the government has allowed you to choose another school – you do not have to stay in the school district. You have a choice now, and we don’t even have to give you permission … And that’s what I would just say come speak to the people in the buildings and to the superintendent.”

“I appreciate the newspaper and the coverage that you all have given us,” she added. “It’s been so rewarding to see all the pictures that you all put in the paper and the articles you put in about school and the kids and just those memories.”

With her final day approaching on June 30, Dove leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the students and community of Okmulgee.

As she embarks on a well-deserved retirement, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations and serve as a testament to the power of education to uplift and transform lives.