Stillwater Welcomes New Superintendent

During a special April 15 meeting, the Stillwater Board of Education voted to hire Tyler Bridges as the next superintendent of Stillwater Public Schools. Bridges currently serves as Superintendent of Clinton Public Schools, a role he has held since June 2020. He will officially step into his new position in Stillwater on July 1.

“Stillwater is an incredible community,” Bridges said. “It’s truly one of the premier school districts in Oklahoma. The district has so many high-performing students and incredible staff members. It's known across the state and nationally  for very successful programs across many fields, but there are always areas where we can grow. I’m excited to bring my leadership experience to Stillwater and to help move things to new heights.”

Bridges began his career in education in 2004 after earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. He taught, coached girls basketball, and assisted with baseball for five years in his hometown of Chandler, Oklahoma.

In 2009, he completed a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University and became a principal at Agra Public Schools, where he also served as athletic director.

He went on to serve as superintendent at Pleasant Grove Public Schools from 2012 to 2014 before taking on the role of Assistant Superintendent in Clinton. After three years in that position, Bridges joined the University of Oklahoma’s K20 Center for Educational & Community Renewal as Director of School and Community Partnerships, while beginning work toward a doctorate in Educational Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision at OU.

He returned to Clinton in 2020 to lead the district as superintendent. During his time there the district has successfully passed capital improvement plans, increased student achievement, and gained additional grant funding that enabled enhancements to after school programs, summer learning, health programs, buses, and technology.

Bridges expressed confidence in navigating the financial landscape of Stillwater Public Schools.

“I appreciate the transparency from Dr. Vinson and the board during this process,” he said. “It’s clear the district has already taken significant steps toward addressing its financial challenges. I feel confident we can make smart, efficient use of taxpayer dollars while keeping student programs strong and protected.”

Bridges credits his time at the K20 Center with expanding his capacity in strategic planning and school leadership—skills he says have proven valuable in many aspects of his work, especially financial decision-making.

“Working at the K20 Center with innovative leaders across the state gave me new tools and perspectives. It helped shape the way I approach planning, leadership, and sustainable school improvement.”

At the core of his work, Bridges says, is a deep belief in the value of public education.

“I’ve always believed in the power of public schools. They are essential to our communities and to the future of our country. Public schools offer students incredible opportunities to grow, discover, and pursue their passions, and become amazing individuals—whether that’s in academics, the arts, athletics, or leadership. Supporting that journey is what drives me every day.”

Bridges said that while leaving Clinton is a difficult decision, the opportunity to come to Stillwater felt like the right move for both his career and his family.

“Clinton has been home to my family for the past eight years, and we’ve loved it here. It’s a great place full of wonderful people, and we’re grateful for our time here. But we wouldn’t be leaving unless we felt truly called to a special place—and Stillwater is exactly that.”

Bridges’ wife Mandi, daughter Kinsley, and son Cohen will join him in the move. Mandi has a background in early childhood counseling. Kinsley, a high school sophomore, is an All-State vocalist active in the performing arts. Cohen, a sixth grader, is passionate about baseball.

“Being from Chandler and having family nearby, this feels like coming home. Stillwater is one of the most vibrant and welcoming communities in the state, and we’re excited to become part of it.”

He added that he looks forward to continuing the strong tradition of community involvement he’s maintained throughout his career.

“Wherever we’ve lived, I’ve always jumped in locally and at the state level —whether through Leadership Oklahoma, Lions Club, Kiwanis, the State Chamber, or our local church. I want to be part of what makes a community thrive.”

When asked how he spends his time outside of work, Bridges laughed and said, “Between supporting my kids’ activities and attending school events, there’s not a lot of spare time. But I do love a good cup of coffee—and I try to get out and cycle when I can.”

The Board of Education partnered with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) to facilitate the search process, which included gathering community input through ThoughtExchange to help guide the board’s decision. Stillwater Board President Roberta Douglas praised the process and Bridges’ selection:

“We are pleased to welcome Tyler Bridges to Stillwater Public Schools as our next Superintendent,” said Douglas. “When the Board initiated its search earlier this spring, we carefully considered feedback from both the district and the community. Our goal was to identify a leader with a strong educational background, in-depth knowledge of district operations, a proven commitment to supporting students and teachers, and a solid understanding of school finance. Through the interview process, it became clear that Mr. Bridges not only met these expectations but exceeded them.”

“The Board reviewed an impressive and competitive pool of candidates,” she added. “Mr. Bridges’ dedication to building community, advancing student achievement, and advocating for public schools makes him the ideal choice to lead our district. We look forward to welcoming Tyler and his family into our community.”

Bridges will make frequent visits to Stillwater in the coming weeks to connect with district leaders and begin working alongside Acting Superintendent Dr. Janet Vinson during the transition.

“I’m honored to join the Stillwater team,” Bridges said. “This district already does so many things well, and I’m excited to build on that strong foundation. My goal is to listen, learn, and lead in a way that helps take an already great district to even higher levels of achievement.”