OKC Public Schools Superintendent Karl Springer To Retire

Oklahoma City Public Schools' top leader is retiring. Superintendent Karl Springer will retire on August 30 after five years with the district.

Springer has served as superintendent of the state's largest school district since July of 2008. He says he appreciates the community, teachers, staff and students.

"Together we have made important and long-term change. I will always be an advocate for Oklahoma City Public Schools and I will always be an advocate for public education," Springer said.

Karl Springer is the longest serving superintendent Oklahoma City Public Schools has had in the past ten years. He joined the district with more than 30 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and superintendent. The retired Colonel from the United States Army joined OKCPS after serving as superintendent of Mustang Public Schools for eight years.

"Oklahoma City Public Schools is in great hands. There are teachers, administrators, support staff and Board of Education members in this district who are focused on children and their successes. They don't get the recognition they deserve, but they are changing lives on a daily basis," said Springer. "Now is the time for me to retire and begin the next chapter of my life."

During his tenure as superintendent, Springer implemented the successful district-wide continuous learning calendar. This initiative maintains the same number of state mandated school days and re-works the traditional calendar to provide on time intervention for students.

Springer also added 20 minutes to the school day which provides more time for students to receive much needed instruction. This change added ten school days for student learning and continues to enhance individual student achievement.