City, Chamber Welcome New BAPS Superintendent

Chuck Perry was named Superintendent on Dec. 14, 2021

Provided by Aaron McColloch, City of Broken Arrow

Over the years, the City of Broken Arrow, Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce, and Broken Arrow Public Schools have collaborated with a focus on strengthening the community to benefit its citizens, businesses, and students. It is a transcendent partnership built on thinking boldly, maintaining core values, and building consensus on public issues. 

The City of Broken Arrow and the Broken Arrow Chamber would like to congratulate and welcome Chuck Perry as the new Superintendent of Broken Arrow Public Schools.  Mr. Perry is a 1987 graduate of Broken Arrow High School and other than the time he spent earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Tulsa, he has lived his entire life in BA. 

“I have known Chuck throughout his career in Broken Arrow,” said Mayor Debra Wimpee. “As a fellow Broken Arrow High School graduate, I am truly excited for him. He brings nearly 30 years of experience in education, along with an infectious energy, that will help him lead the wonderful staff, and serve the amazing students, at the best school district in the state to even greater heights.” 

The city, chamber, and school district have worked together on several initiatives including a land swap that ultimately led to the birth of Elam Park, which will benefit Broken Arrow citizens and students at Aspen Creek Elementary School, an internship and apprenticeship program called Project Pathways for high school students to help them with career choices, and most recently, collaboration on the Innovation District. This synergistic effort focuses on building an ecosystem of growth and innovation while creating a pipeline to retain locally grown talented individuals in Broken Arrow.      

“I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Dr. Janet Vinson for her 12 years of leadership at BAPS, including the last five as Superintendent. During her time, she and the district leaders were able to forge partnerships, build and enhance school infrastructure, and expand curriculum to ensure the students in our community are presented with the best opportunities to prepare them for life after their educational careers are complete,” said Michael Spurgeon, City Manager of Broken Arrow.

“You cannot underestimate the importance of the relationship the city, chamber, and public schools have built as we work together to raise the ceiling to create opportunities for growth and prosperity in Broken Arrow. Chuck is an accomplished educator, and an even better person. I look forward to working with him to build and maintain our high quality of life while setting up the next generation of leaders in our community for future success.” 

"The Broken Arrow Chamber and Economic Development Corporation are thrilled to work with Superintendent Perry and the BAPS team to continue the incredible work began by Dr. Janet Vinson. As I have said many times, Dr. Vinson is one of the best superintendents I have ever worked with in my Chamber career, across the country. She understands the importance of not only educating students, but ensuring they are placed on a path of a successful career, beyond school, and for each student that may look different,” said Jennifer Conway, President and CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation.

Under Dr. Vinson’s leadership, in partnership with the Chamber, BAEDC and the private sector, the district developed Project Pathways, A Portrait of a Graduate and hosted Manufacturing Career Day with all 9th graders.

“These are all examples of programs that provided students with exposure to career opportunities through classes, internships, and helped define what is needed by employers in a successful graduate. We are confident this very important work of preparing students for their career, hopefully right here in Broken Arrow will grow under Superintendent Perry’s leadership,” said Conway.

"In addition to pursuing opportunities with the Innovation District, The Chamber and BAEDC will continue to address needs of the current and future workforce of the community with BAPS and higher education. BAPS’s commitment to quality education is the foundation of our sound workforce development system as the community is identified as a STEM Workforce Center of Excellence. The Center of Excellence communicates to existing and future employers that collaboration is at work and employers’ talents needs are being addressed in training and curriculum offerings," said Darla Heller, Senior VP of Economic Development Corporation. "Moving forward, the Chamber and BAEDC will continue to promote Broken Arrow’s healthy and thriving economy due in large part to BAPS’s dedication to community, quality education, and innovation."