Stillwater board honors retiring leader, introduces new superintendent and two administrators

The Stillwater Public Schools Board of Education recognized a retiring district leader and introduced new district administrators during its regular meeting.

Acting Superintendent Dr. Vincent said the meeting marked her final board appearance in that role and thanked the community and staff for the opportunity to serve. She then turned the meeting to incoming Superintendent Tyler Bridges, who announced two administrative hires.

Bridges introduced Jim Vestal as the new Stillwater Junior High School principal and Dr. Angela Rhodes as the district’s new assistant superintendent for educational services. The board said both appointees come with long careers in education and were selected through the district’s usual screening process involving stakeholders and central office staff.

Board members praised the outgoing leader’s service. Board member Marshall Baker thanked the retiree, Janet, for stepping into leadership during a difficult period and for handling hard decisions. Several board members — including Kate Douglas, Tim Riley and Rachel Dillon — also commended the district’s staff and community for their roles in recent campus milestones such as a high school topping ceremony and recent graduations.

The board did not take a formal vote on the hires during the segment summarized in the transcript; the hiring announcements were presented as part of the superintendent’s report and ceremonial transition.

Board members said they look forward to Bridges’ leadership when he begins full time in approximately two weeks and to Vestal and Rhodes joining the district’s leadership team.