Newcastle school board race on ballot for parts of Tuttle

By Regina Garvie, Staff Writer

While most Tuttle residents live within the Tuttle Public Schools district, a portion of the city falls within Newcastle Public Schools and will take part in that district’s upcoming school board election, along with the vote for the Mayor of Tuttle.

Those areas include parts of the Whispering Pines subdivision and surrounding neighborhoods on the east side of Tuttle, where school district boundaries extend beyond city limits. Residents in those areas will see the Newcastle Board of Education Office No. 1 race on their ballot in the April 7 general election.

The race features incumbent Ron Lock and challenger Casey Kreger. Both candidates were asked the same set of questions regarding their background, priorities and views on the district’s needs.

Their responses are printed below in full.

1. Tell readers a little about yourself and your connection to Newcastle schools.

Lock: I am currently the Ward 1 representative to the Newcastle school board. I have been retired from the workforce for approximately 12 years. My entire professional work experience has been involved with working with people. I enjoyed interacting with the members of the community and helping solve and mediate problems or issues. My professional positions taught me the required skills to be successful in working within the government environment. As the executive director of a program for Oklahoma county government, I learned the rules for holding open meetings, listening and addressing questions and concerns from the community, I learned to become a fair and compassionate leader.

Kreger: My name is Casey Kreger, and my family and I moved to Newcastle in 2024.  I was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and although I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, it feels good to be back in Oklahoma with my family. My wife, Kailee, and I have a 4-year-old daughter, Esther, who is currently in Pre-K at Newcastle Early Childhood Center. As a family, we have enjoyed getting involved in the school community, our local church, and sports leagues.

Professionally, I serve as the Senior Director of Housing and Residence Life at Oklahoma City University, where I support student success, safety, and engagement. I have worked in higher education for over 16 years across housing and residence life, collegiate coaching in cross country and track, and teaching and facilitating courses, all centered on developing and supporting students in and out of the classroom. In my roles, I have also overseen operational and capital budgeting, facilities planning and operations, assessment measures, and student disability services, which has given me a practical understanding of how decisions impact students and staff.

My connection to Newcastle schools is both personal and future focused; I am invested as a parent and committed to serving our community and supporting the success of our schools and students for years to come.

 

2. Why did you decide to run for this seat?

Lock: I have enjoyed working as a NPS school board member because I’ve always found it rewarding working as part of a group that is involved in the improvement of social issues. I believe that few things are perfect and there is nothing more fulfilling than establishing a set of goals and striving to make advancements to meet those goals. It is exciting to work with the other members as we draw on our work experiences and life experiences to improve our school district.

While working in this position I will always remember and apply what Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

I’m a good communicator that is willing to listen to the community’s interests and questions regarding school issues. I desire to represent the best interests of the people in Ward One. I’m a good problem solver, have an open mind to draw in all needed information to reach a fair response to all issues. I can explain my actions and I will always pursue what is right  and correct for all people concerned.

Kreger: I decided to run because I want to serve and give back to a community where education and schools are at the heart of our community. As both a parent and an educator, I see the importance of strong leadership, intentional decision making, and transparent communication. I believe Newcastle is in a great position, and I want to help build on that momentum by supporting and recognizing our students, supporting our teachers and staff, listening to families, and helping guide the district in ways that positively impact students, schools, and the broader community. My professional experience has reinforced the importance of creating environments where students can succeed, develop responsibility, and have a clear path forward. This is about service, stewardship, and doing what is best for the students.

 

3. What do you see as the district’s biggest needs or challenges right now?

Lock: I have lived in the city of Newcastle for 15 years, during this time the city’s population has steadily increased. There are several very large changes coming to our city that I feel will continue our growth spurt. These events demand that the school board set goals that must be met in order to keep our students prepared in their educational success.

In our school system money will always be an issue as well as teacher shortages and retention.  Student performance must be a major concern for all members. As group members we should work together to ensure the district addresses the need for personalized learning. We have to integrate technology as needed for both teachers and students. We must offer a safe and trusting school environment for all.

I think the greatest challenge for any group of people working together for a common goal is to remember the old African Proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Kreger: Like many growing communities, Newcastle is balancing growth with maintaining quality. As the district continues to grow, this means ensuring we have the facilities, staffing, and resources to meet increasing enrollment while still providing the level of attention and care our students deserve. Funding and facility planning will require thoughtful decision making and transparent communication with the community. Teacher and staff recruitment and retention is critical, as schools depend on the people who support students each day. At the same time, the district must continue to adapt to evolving state standards, support innovation in how students learn, and meet the diverse needs of the student body. Maintaining safe, modern learning environments and clear communication with families will continue to be important as the district grows.

 

4. What would you most like to focus on if elected?

Lock: In addition to the above, I like working to improve the school district academically. I desire to make our school district the frontrunner in academic excellence, a model to follow for all other districts in our state. All our students need to be challenged academically no matter where their path in life leads.

Kreger: If elected, I would focus on three key areas: supporting and investing in the people who support student success across the district, ensuring responsible and transparent use of district resources, and strengthening communication and connection with families and the community. Newcastle is in a position to continue strengthening its schools and set a strong example for student success. My goal is to ensure decisions remain focused on students while also recognizing the impact on families and community members, including the responsibility that comes with funding and tax decisions.

 

5. What do you want voters to know about you before they cast their ballots?

Lock: I grew up on the southside of OKC and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.S Education degree in 1979, yes that makes me the “elder member of the board”. After graduation I was unable to secure a position in my field and was forced to look for other positions to support my family.  But I never lost my desire to work in the educational field.

I spent most of my early work experience in law enforcement but finished it holding the position of Executive Director for a department within the Oklahoma county government. During my last position I prided myself on being a good steward of the county’s monies and supplying my employees with all the tools they need to be successful at their jobs.

Kreger: I want voters to know that I am committed, accessible, and focused on serving our community. My focus is on students, the people who support them across the district, and making decisions that benefit both students and the community. As a parent in the district, I want to see continued improvement in how we meet the evolving needs of our students, staff, and community, while strengthening both learning and co-curricular opportunities that help students find their pathway forward.

 

In addition to the Newcastle school board race, voters in this area, along with residents in the Bridge Creek district, will also see the Mid-America Technology Center Board Member, Office No. 2 race on their ballot.

That race includes candidates Michael Dillinger and Bruce Bridwell.

The general election will be held April 7.