Joy Hofmeister Elected New State Superintendent

Businesswoman and former teacher Joy Hofmeister has been elected to the state's top educational position. 

Tuesday, November 4th 2014, 9:40 pm

By: Emory Bryan

Joy Hofmeister Elected New State Superintendent

Joy Hofmeister has been elected to the state's top educational position. She is the new Oklahoma State School Superintendent.

Hofmeister says it's been a competitive race but she believes she's the best candidate for the job.

"What's at stake is leadership that's going to be able to get something done," she said. "We need to be able to have traction and actually get accomplished what our students need, less testing, we need higher teacher compensation, we need supports in the classroom so that dollars make their way there."

Hofmeister says she traveled over 80,000 miles on the campaign trail to get her message out.

11/4/2014 Related Story: Oklahoma School Superintendent Race Called A Dead Heat

The businesswoman and former school teacher served at the state level when Governor Mary Fallin appointed her to the Oklahoma State Board of Education in January of 2012.

She resigned last spring because of conflicts with Barresi.

Hofmeister has spent the past 15 years operating Kumon Math & Reading Centers which serve 750 students from public, private, charter and home schools, her web site states.

Hofmeister earned a bachelor's degree in education from Texas Christian University. She is currently earning her master's degree in education administration with a speciality in education policy and law.

Dr. John Cox, superintendent of Peggs Public Schools, conceded the race Tuesday evening. His supporters say they are very proud of him and how he's fought for Oklahoma education.

Complete election results

Cox said he hoped to be the fresh start Oklahoma education needs, but that now we need to rally behind his former opponent, Joy Hofmeister. Cox said he's loved being a school superintendent for years and will continue to do so at his current job.