OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the new composition of the State Board of Education. All of the appointments are filling new positions that are four-year terms and require confirmation from the Senate.
The State Board of Education consists of seven members and is chaired by State Superintendent Janet Barresi. Each of the appointed members will represent a congressional district, with one being an at large member.
One vacancy remains for the appointee representing the third congressional district. Governor Fallin is working to fill that vacancy as quickly as possible.
“These men and women are dedicated public servants and business people who know the value of quality education in Oklahoma,” said Fallin. “I’ve charged each one of them with pursuing and implementing reforms that will boost student performance and ultimately help us to create the kind of educated, highly skilled workforce that will bring more and better jobs to the state.”
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| Lee Baxter |
Maj. Gen. Lee Baxter (retired) of Lawton is president of Signal Mountain Associates, a general and defense consulting firm. In addition, he is the owner of Medicine Park Management, managing partner at Mount Scott Management, and partner at Cobblestone Canyon, all real estate development companies. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. He currently serves on the State Board of Career and Technology Education. Baxter has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota and a Master’s in personnel management from Central Michigan University. He also is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA. Baxter will represent the fourth Congressional District.
Amy Ford of Durant is president of Neon Clinic, a physician staffing company. She serves as a board member on the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Foundation, president of the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals and as a board member on the Citizens for the Protection of the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer. Ford has a bachelor’s degree from OSU. She is representing the second Congressional District.
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| Phil Lakin, Jr. |
Phil Lakin Jr. of Tulsa is the chief executive officer of the Tulsa Community Foundation. He previously served on the Health Care Reform Task Force, Community Hospitals Authority, Education Quality and Accountability board and the Metro Tulsa Transit Authority. Lakin earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in business administration from Baylor University. He will represent the first Congressional District.
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| Bill Price |
Bill Price of Oklahoma City is an attorney at Phillips Murrah P.C. and is a managing partner and trustee at Price Oil and Gas & Family Trusts. He serves as chairman of the board and is the founder of Shiloh Summer Camp, a Christian summer camp for disadvantaged kids. Price previously served on the board of trustees at Casady School. He has a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from OU. Price will represent the fifth Congressional District.
Bill Shdeed of Oklahoma City is a private practice lawyer. He is a member of the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame. He previously served as chairman of the board of Oklahoma City University and currently serves as chairman emeritus. Shdeed has a bachelor’s and law degree from Oklahoma City University. He is serving as an at large member.
