New Skiatook interim superintendent chosen

SKIATOOK, Okla. - After coming out of executive session the Skiatook School Board named Kem Keithley, a former Enid school administrator, interim superintendent.

"They picked a person who has a lot of experience, 32 years as superintendent and I think I'm up to the task," Keithley said.

The school board has a history of troubled superintendents. In June, former superintendent Gary Johnson was indicted on bribery and embezzlement charges following a grand jury investigation. This was after an audit said the district spent up to four-times the actual cost for security equipment and custodial supplies.

Assistant Superintendent Steve Williams was named interim superintendent by board members.  He remained in that position even though an August grand jury classified him as incompetent.

Williams sent students into a fury in September after he suspended the high school principal. The students believed the principal was suspension for speaking out against Williams. Days later, a Skiatook police officer who works the school beat requested reassignment, citing unprofessional and unethical conduct by Williams.

School Board President Tim Allen says he believes Keithley will do the job right.

"His strengths are in school finance, which Skiatook needs right now.  We just feel he can bring new eyes to it all and give us an idea on how to improve ourselves," Allen said.

Keithley starts his job as interim superintendent on Monday, November 15th. The board says they will continue to search for a permanent superintendent.

The board also accepted the resignation of interim superintendent Steve Williams which will be effective December 31st.