"In the simplest form, my role is to make things happen to create opportunities for children,” said Debbie Arato, who has served as Moore superintendent for five years.
Arato, who was assistant superintendent from 1997 to 2004, said the job of superintendent requires a lot of communication, long-range planning and problem solving.
She’s the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators Superintendent of the Year.
Pam Deering, assistant superintendent of fiscal services for the Midwest City-Del City district, said the role of assistant superintendent is similar.
"I’ve got to ensure that I reduce the administrative burden of our principals, leaving them time for leadership and learning,” Deering said. "Teachers and principals must instill the belief that all children can learn and succeed.”
Deering is the first recipient of the assistant superintendent award.
Deering moved into administration after being a special education teacher. Her early experiences help provide a strong connection between the district’s central office and the classroom to make it easier for teachers and students to get what they need, she said. Arato said her employees also work as a team toward similar goals and they deserve congratulations for the award as well.
They received their awards last week during the summer conference of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration.
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