— By Cathy Spaulding

Times Staff Writer

Assistant Fort Gibson School Superintendent Linda Clinkenbeard wants her work to help students.

“Whether it’s facilities, programs or personnel, it either directly or indirectly affects students,” Clinkenbeard said. “It’s always back to the students. I always strive to be a good facilitator.”

The Oklahoma Association of School Administrators recognized Clinkenbeard’s efforts by naming her District 10 Assistant Superintendent/Central Office Administrator of the Year.

She is one of 20 such school administrators who will be recognized at the OASA Awards Banquet June 6 in Oklahoma City.

The honor puts her in competition for the state Assistant Superintendent/Central Office Administrator of the Year.

Clinkenbeard said she is thrilled about the honor, the second one she’s received in her career.

“Commendation from your peers is one of the greatest honors,” she said. “It raises the bar even higher. I want to do a good job for my school and my community.”

Clinkenbeard has been assistant superintendent since 1998. She is responsible for personnel, federal programs and grant writing.

  A 32-year veteran educator, Clinkenbeard spent two years as FGHS principal and one as assistant principal. She began her education career in Muskogee Public Schools, first as a classroom teacher from 1979 to 1993 then as assistant principal for two years at West Middle School.

She is president of the Fort Gibson Chamber of Commerce, as well as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors for the Fort Gibson Education Foundation. She is vice-president of the Eastern Workforce Investment Board Youth Council and serves on the Board of Directors for Kate Frank Apartments.

 She is a member of the OASA, Cooperative Council of Oklahoma School Administration, Oklahoma Association of Gifted, Creative, and Talented, and Muskogee Area Education Consortium.  

Clinkenbeard and her husband, Brad Clinkenbeard, have two sons and six grandchildren. They live in Fort Gibson and are members of Fort Gibson Bible Church.

Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com.