Terry E. Davidson, Putnam City Public School District
2010 Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Elementary/Secondary Administration
The winner of the Medal for Excellence in Elementary/Secondary Administration is Terry E. Davidson, superintendent of Comanche Public Schools. A 37-year veteran educator, Davidson served as superintendent in Wright City and Lukfata before accepting his current position in 1995.
Comanche alumnus Dayton Sitz said Superintendent Davidson has made excellence his “mantra” and led educators, students and the community to make it a reality. Despite economic challenges, Davidson has sought and received more than $3 million in grants and rallied the community to pass a bond issue for school improvements.
Under Davidson’s leadership the district consolidated three elementary schools into one modern facility; launched an alternative education program and daycare center; updated computer systems and installed cost-saving geothermal energy systems in several buildings. Davidson received grants to implement a counseling program for at-risk students and a state-of-the art fitness program for the district. Under his direction, the school system has also implemented a new math curriculum to improve student learning.
Steven Dunham, principal of Comanche High School, praised Davidson for his ability to inspire others to “be better than they think they can be.” Davidson regularly sends “Supe Letters,” inspirational emails, to employees on topics such as courage, dedication and personal growth. Elizabeth Ressel, a parent in the school system, said she appreciated the time Davidson spends encouraging students, whether joining them for lunch or attending their school performances.
“Since Mr. Davidson arrived in Comanche 14 years ago, he has raised the bar for schools across Oklahoma,” Ressel added. “He has done this with limited resources and ever decreasing state aid. His vision and leadership are taking Comanche Public Schools to new heights.”