Glenpool Middle School Principal Selected as OMLEA Middle-Level Principal of the Year
The Oklahoma Middle-Level Education Association (OMLEA) is pleased to announce Blaine Wise as the 2025 Middle-Level Principal of the Year. Wise will be recognized at June's Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) Summer Leadership Conference.
As principal at Glenpool Middle School for the past four years, Wise has worked diligently to create a welcoming environment where students and staff have fun, feel valued, and possess a fear of missing out if not in attendance. Each week begins with Motivation Monday where students submit a goal and the steps necessary to accomplish that goal. In addition, students complete a social/emotional self-check to determine their preparedness for learning. On Follow-Up Friday, students assess if they met their goal, and if their grades improved. They are then allowed to give a shout-out to a deserving student or teacher.
"Through his exceptional leadership, Blaine Wise has made the Glenpool Middle School vision, 'Where We Grow Minds and Support Warriors', a daily reality," stated Superintendent Curtis Layton. "He has masterfully cultivated a vibrant school culture, embodying the motto 'Gratitude, Model, Support'. Students and staff thrive and genuinely want to be present which is reflected in his site student and teacher attendance rate. His dedication to fostering a supportive work environment has resulted in remarkably low teacher turnover, ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction. Under his leadership, Glenpool Middle School has achieved steady academic improvements over the past three years, driven by strategic curriculum development and data-driven decision-making. Furthermore, Principal Wise has introduced innovative programs that enrich the student experience, providing unique development opportunities. His passion, integrity, and belief in every individual's potential have transformed the school, making him a truly deserving recipient of this honor."
Under Mr. Wise's leadership, Glenpool Middle School has made it a priority to celebrate both students and staff through monthly school-wide assemblies. Students who demonstrate positive character traits are recognized as "Warriors Have Character" recipients. Additionally, students nominate six teachers each month to receive traveling trophy awards, which symbolize various qualities such as positivity (Smiley Face), dedication to students (Heart for Kids), guidance (Lighthouse), creativity (Scissors), encompassing (World), and support (Buoy). These awards are presented during the celebration assemblies, fostering a culture of appreciation and encouragement throughout the school community.
Dr. Pam Deering, CCOSA Executive Director said, “CCOSA is proud to congratulate Blaine Wise on being named OMLEA Principal of the Year. As a dedicated member of the OASSP Executive Committee and a regular presenter at CCOSA-sponsored events, Blaine consistently demonstrates his commitment to excellence in school leadership. His passion for student success and his ability to uplift both students and staff make him truly deserving of this honor.”
“Blaine Wise is an outstanding leader whose passion and energy inspire everyone around him," noted OMLEA Executive Director, Chris LeGrande. "His unwavering dedication to recognizing the positive accomplishments of students and staff has created a school culture that thrives on encouragement and excellence. Being named OMLEA Principal of the Year is a well-deserved honor, and I can’t wait to see the continued impact of his leadership.”
In addition to being recognized at the CCOSA Summer Leadership Conference this June, Wise will join fellow state nominees in Seattle on July 9, where NASSP will announce the NASSP National Middle Level and High School Principals of the Year during its national conference. This marks the first time since 2014 that NASSP has expanded its recognition program to honor both Middle Level and High School Principals of the Year.
For more information about OASSP, OMLEA, and the Principal of the Year Awards, please visit www.ccosa.org.