OKLAHOMA CITY – Eufaula School Board President Jeff Pippenger and Checotah School Superintendent Monte Madewell were honored for their contribution to education during the annual Education Leadership Conference of the Oklahoma State School Board Association held Sept. 4-7 at the Omni Convention Center.

“We are excited to honor this year’s award winners for their dedication, support and passion for public education,” OSSBA Executive Director Shawn Hime said. “As locally elected school board members, the 2025 OSSBA All-State Board and recipients of the Distinguished Service Award have played a critical role in ensuring the chil-dren in their communities are well-prepared for the future.”

Pippenger has served on the board for 17 years.

Madewell, in addition to his role as a superintendent in Checotah, serves on the board of Indian Capital Technology Center (ICTC).

Both have proven their dedication to education in Oklahoma.

“Mr. Pippenger is not on the board simply to make things better for his children and their friends, but he is there to provide a better opportunity to all students who choose to attend Eufaula Public Schools for generations to come,” Eufaula Superintendent Monty Guthrie said. “The influence Jeff has had on the Eufaula school system is too great to mention, and I am sure I would leave some out if I tried.”

Pippenger has relentlessly worked to ensure that Eufaula Public Schools improves in all areas, providing the Eufaula students a positive educational environment, the honor read.

First elected in 2008, Pippenger has built trust with the Eufaula community, helping pass numerous bond issues that have improved facilities while maintaining a low millage rate.

“He also spearheaded the charge to build a new band facility and worked with the district to reestablish the Speech and Drama Department,” the honor noted.

Eufaula has now taken strides to provide more opportunities for the next generation, including a $24 million bond proposal with no tax increase for Eufaula residents.

Pippenger is an active member of the Eufaula community, volunteering his time to the Eufaula Chamber of Commerce. He also started the McIntosh Youth Basketball Association.

Throughout his 17 years on the Board, Pippenger has been a steadfast leader dedicated to providing better opportunists for all current and future Eufaula Public School Students.

Madewell, who was also selected as the 2025 Buddy Spencer Leadership Award recipient, has made his commitment and love of public education evident.

Madewell

“Mr. Madewell has tirelessly served his students and his schools as an administrator and educator,” ICTC Superintendent Tony Pivec said. “Whether he is teaching, coaching, guiding or administrating, he is passionate about cultivating a student-first environment. He is one of the best board members I have had the privilege of serving with during my 25 plus years as a superintendent.”

Under Madewell’s governance, ICTC has expanded exponentially with the addition of a fifth campus located in Coweta that opened in October 2023 and the construction of the Adult Health Careers building in Muskogee. Madewell has also helped ICTC programs grow with the addition of nine new programs in 2025 and four more to be added in 2026.

More honorees

Also recognized for their dedication were Ranada Adams, Poteau Public Schools; Torry Turnbow, Enid Public Schools; and Richard Wells, Laverne Public Schools.

In addition, Roland Board of Education Member Charles A. Howard was honored as the 2025 OSSBA Distinguished Service Award winner.

Adams

Ranada Adams has demonstrated consistent support of Poteau students throughout her service on the Poteau Board of Education, Poteau Women’s League and CASA. Dedicating her time to multiple nonprofits and the school board, Adams goes above and beyond for her school district and community.

She volunteers for school events, works with the community to gather donations and steps up whenever her district and community need her.

“Ranada has done a great job helping lead this district,” Poteau Public Schools Superintendent Scott Kempenich said. “We have a board of education that works together and has open communication because of the leadership she displays on a consistent basis. I am blessed, as the school superintendent, to have a board of education president with the values and knowledge that Mrs. Adams displays and freely gives to improve Poteau Public Schools.”

As a trusted pillar of her community, her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the direction of the district, making critical decisions to support students. Adams serves on the Capital Improvement Committee where she implements district-wide facility improvements and guides the district’s vision for the future.

She assisted in the passage of two bond issues, which resulted in a new 7th and 8th Grade Academic Center, district- wide security improvements and the transformation of the Bob Lee Kidd Center into a performing arts facility.

Turnbow

Torry Turnbow’s experience and dedication to Enid Public Schools and education are evident in her more than decade-long service. Turnbow was first elected to serve on the Enid Board of Education in 2014.

“Torry has been an outstanding Enid Public Schools board member for many years now,” Enid Public Schools Superintendent Dudley Darrow said. “Torry serves selflessly and always keeps our students’ best interest in mind. She has always believed that communities are only as strong as their public school system and that has driven her to push EPS to strive for the best.”

Throughout her tenure on the board, she has demonstrated exemplary leadership, guiding Enid Public Schools through many critical decisions and fostering a collaborative environment.

As a member of the 2025 Strategic Planning committee, she has shown her commitment to Enid’s long-term vision, helping shape the future of her district for the next five years. Her deep understanding of financial stewardship and ability to navigate complex initiatives made her an integral advocate for bond issues that passed in 2016 and 2024.

Wells

Known for being an active and approachable leader, Richard Wells served on the Laverne Board of Education for 14 years. Wells, a graduate of Laverne, dedicated his time and leadership to giving back to his alma mater.

“Richard’s collaborative approach has fostered an ongoing partnership between the school district and public,” Laverne Public Schools Superintendent Kyndra Allen said. “This open dialogue has helped build understanding, trust and an inclusive environment where the educational needs of our children are prioritized.”

Wells was integral when the school passed two bond issues that helped improve facilities for current and future generations of Laverne students. A champion for professional development, Wells sought out training opportunities and encouraged his fellow board members to do the same, forming an effective board focused on students and education. During his 14-year tenure, he has made a lasting impact on the district and his community.

Howard

Charles Howard has exemplified dedication and commitment to public education throughout his 45-year tenure on the Roland Board of Education. Drawing on his expertise as an accountant, Howard brings unparalleled financial knowledge to his role as a board member, ensuring sound decision-making rooted in fairness and justice to protect the district’s financial health.

“As a Roland School Board member for an extraordinary 45 years, Mr. Howard’s unwavering commitment has profoundly impacted the district,” Roland Public Schools Superintendent Lori Wiggins said. “Known for his dependability, he never misses a school event, demonstrating his deep connection to the community.”

Howard strives for excellence in everything he does and continually seeks improvement and growth through ongoing training, which highlights his forwardthinking mindset.

He ensures every child in his district receives access to a safe, equitable learning environment where they are given a chance to grow through safeguarding and advocating for quality public education. Howard’s unmatched commitment to the students of Roland has left an undeniable mark on the district and community.

The All-State board is an honorary board that includes five of the most outstanding board members of the year.

Nominations can come from superintendents or other board members, and winners are selected by a committee of board members who serve on OSSBA’s board of directors.

The selection committee doesn’t include board members from nominee districts.

The committee also selects one All-State board member to receive the Buddy Spencer Leadership Award.

The recipient is someone who demonstrates leadership on a local or state level and a dedication to improving his or her boardsmanship.