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Superintendent

Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates

About Dr. Margaret Coates 

Dr. Margaret Coates smiles in a white blouse and dark jacket before U.S. and Oklahoma flags

Dr. Margaret Coates officially became the Owasso Public Schools Superintendent on July 1, 2022, after spending nearly 15 years in the district as a teacher, coach, and administrator. She oversees all operations in the district, which includes 9,800 students and 1,200 staff members.

Leading OPS

Coates served as the district’s interim superintendent during the spring semester of the 2021-22 school year following a four-year tenure as the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning. Since stepping into the superintendent’s role, she has:

  • Overseen the passage of three school bond packages totaling more than $257 million

  • Led a comprehensive review and update of employee salaries

  • Initiated the creation of a five-year strategic plan

From Classroom to Superintendent

Coates began her career in education as a geometry teacher at the Owasso High School West Campus (then known as the Mid-High) in 2002 before earning the role of assistant principal in the building from 2007 to 2012. During her time at OHS, she served as the Math Department Chair and was instrumental in the creation of the Owasso Virtual High School. In addition to her classroom duties, she coached girls' basketball, cross country, and track & field.

Following her time at OHS, she held several leadership roles at Broken Arrow Public Schools:

  • Principal of Centennial Middle School

  • Opened the Freshman Academy

  • Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education (2012 to 2018)

She then returned to Owasso as the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning in 2018 before becoming Superintendent in 2022.

Education

A native of Collinsville, Coates earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership & School Administration from Oklahoma State University in 2017. She also holds:

  • Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration, The University of Tulsa (1990)

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, The University of Tulsa (1988)

Athletic Achievements

In addition to her studies, Coates was a two-year letter-winner on the TU women’s basketball team and was an Academic All-American in 1987. 

Beyond the Office

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Coates has:

  • Hiked the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT) from Mexico to Canada

  • Run more than 20 marathons

  • Completed the Ironman Tulsa Triathlon in 2022 & 2023

A Note from Dr. Coates

Dr. Coates is committed to supporting every student, staff member, and family in the Owasso community. She brings the same energy and dedication to the district that she enjoys in her own active, adventurous life.

Inside OPS with Dr. Coates

Dr. Margaret Coates in a black jacket and patterned blouse speaks into a microphone at a Chamber meeting.
Dr. Margaret Coates wears a red Ram shirt, seated at a desk with a laptop as students sit behind her.
Dr. Margaret Coates in a black jacket smiles and speaks at the Owasso Public Schools dedication ceremony.
Dr. Margaret Coates with students and a teacher gather around a classroom table with educational displays behind them.
Dr. Margaret Coates and BOE member Neal Kessler pose with Rambo, the Owasso Rams mascot, with balloons and stars behind them.
Dr. Margaret Coates in a red Ram jersey laughs with students on a grassy field with sports equipment nearby.