Faith. Family. Future. These are the words that have guided my life – as a husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong Oklahoma educator. For more than 40 years, I’ve walked the halls of our schools as a teacher, counselor, coach, and superintendent. I’ve seen the challenges our children face, and I’ve seen the incredible potential that emerges when schools are safe, strong, and supported by their communities.
My six grandchildren are the reason I’m still fighting for better schools. When I think about their future – and the future of the 700,000 Oklahoma kids just like them – I know we can do more to give every child the foundation they deserve.
Making Education Great Again
For me, that begins with four simple commitments:
Safe schools. Children learn best when they feel protected – physically, emotionally, and morally. Parents deserve confidence that their school reflects Oklahoma values and shields kids from harm.
Stronger academics. Only about one in five Oklahoma eighth graders reads proficiently. We must return to the basics: strong phonics, solid math foundations, and real-time feedback that helps teachers adjust instruction before students fall behind.
Trust and transparency. Families should never feel like outsiders. When parents know what their children are learning and have a voice in school decisions, confidence grows and communities strengthen.
Respect for teachers. Great teachers change lives. We need to cut unnecessary bureaucracy and give educators the tools, training, and freedom they need to do what they do best – teach.
These commitments aren’t political; they’re personal. They come from decades spent listening to families, comforting students, leading through crisis, and working alongside teachers and staff who pour their hearts into Oklahoma’s children.
I often say, “I’m not just running for my grandchildren. I’m running for yours.” Because every child, in every ZIP code, deserves a safe school, a strong academic foundation, and adults who believe in their future.
This is my mission: to restore confidence in our schools and Make Education Great Again for Oklahoma’s kids.
By Dr. John Cox, Peggs Public Schools Superintendent and Candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction