PEGGS, OK – Dr. John Cox, a lifelong Oklahoma educator with more than 40 years in public schools and 32 years as a superintendent, today issued a statement following Governor Kevin Stitt’s appointment of Lindel Fields as interim State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. Cox was among a handful of finalists considered for the role after the resignation of Ryan Walters earlier this week.
“I am honored to have been selected as one of the finalists for this important position,” said Dr. Cox. “The magnitude of the decision before the Governor was enormous. I told his team I was praying for him – not necessarily to choose me, but for wisdom and strength in carrying the weight of such a choice on his shoulders. I respect his decision, and I am grateful for the confidence expressed in my candidacy.”
While not chosen as the interim appointee, Dr. Cox emphasized that the campaign to lead Oklahoma’s schools in 2026 remains strong and focused.
“This campaign has never been about chasing a title or higher office – it’s about results for our kids,” Dr. Cox said. “I’m running because I believe every Oklahoma child deserves safe schools, stronger academics, and a public education system that parents and teachers can trust again. That’s why we must Make Education Great Again.”
Dr. Cox’s campaign pillars center on four conservative, values-driven priorities:
● Safe & Secure Schools – ensuring children are protected physically, morally, and academically.
● Academic Achievement – Top 25 Goal – replacing outdated end-of-year testing with growth-based benchmarks, reinforcing phonics and math foundations, and ensuring special needs students succeed with parent-driven IEPs.
● Restoring Trust in Public Education – Rebuild confidence in public schools by ensuring transparency, stability, and accountability.
● Support for Teachers: Empower educators to teach again by reducing bureaucracy, investing in training, and restoring respect to the profession.
Dr. Cox began his career as a mathematics and computer science teacher and athletics coach before moving into administration. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Mid-America Christian University and Northeastern State University, preparing future principals and superintendents in school finance, leadership, and research.
He holds twelve areas of professional certification – including Superintendent, Principal, Counselor, Computer Science, and Mathematics – and currently serves as
Superintendent/Principal of Peggs Public School. He and his wife, Rhonda, are the proud parents of five children and grandparents of six.
“As a papa to six wonderful grandchildren – and when I think about the 700,000 Oklahoma kids just like them – I know what’s at stake,” Dr. Cox said. “I will work every day to make sure they inherit schools that prepare them for the future they deserve. This campaign is moving forward with even more determination, and I invite Oklahomans to join me in restoring strength, trust, and excellence to our schools.” For more information on Dr. Cox’s campaign, visit www.CoxforOK.com.
###
Media Contacts
Elizabeth King, ek@kingprmarketing.com, 918-853-6771
Adam Akins, adam@inhouseadagency.com, 918-361-6128