Department of Education
Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister today named a longtime educator to her leadership team, as Cindy Koss, Ed. D., becomes deputy superintendent of academic performance and planning at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE)
Koss, who has been executive director of secondary education for Oklahoma City Public Schools, will oversee instruction and curriculum at OSDE.
Koss previously served 11 years at the state agency, eight of them as assistant state superintendent for curriculum, school improvement, and federal and state programs. Prior to that time, she worked in the Edmond and Deer Creek school districts as a middle school teacher and assistant high school principal.
“Dr. Koss brings a wealth of experience and innovative ideas to the Oklahoma State Department of Education,” said Supt. Hofmeister. “She is highly regarded throughout the state and nation as a strong, decisive leader who has done extensive work in school leadership, curriculum and development of professional learning communities. I know she will be a tremendous asset for strengthening academic performance in Oklahoma.”
Supt. Hofmeister’s selection earned praise from education leaders who have worked closely with Koss.
“Supt. Hofmeister made a wise decision in adding Dr. Koss to her team. It’s wonderful that the expertise and dedication to students that Dr. Koss provided to Oklahoma City Public Schools will be shared across the state,” said OKCPS Superintendent Robert Neu.
His sentiments were echoed by Steven Crawford, executive director of the Cooperative Council Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA).
“CCOSA is very excited to have one of our members, Dr. Cindy Koss, become part of Supt. Hofmeister’s leadership team,” he said. “Her expertise and knowledge will help return the Oklahoma State Department of Education to a service organization focused on student successes.”
Koss is a graduate of Oklahoma State University’s doctoral program in educational administration and leadership, and she earned master’s degrees in education from Oklahoma City University and the University of Central Oklahoma. At OCU, Koss remained active as an adjunct professor for 11 years in its master’s of education program.
She is the recipient of many honors and awards, including Edmond Public Schools District Teacher of the Year, Oklahoma City University Summer Enrichment Program Teacher of the Year, the Oklahoma Assistant Principal of the Year.
Koss said she is thrilled to return to OSDE.
“I have always enjoyed big challenges,” she said. “I appreciate the opportunity Supt. Hofmeister has offered me to be part of her leadership team. We will be working collaboratively with legislators, administrators and teachers to make a real impact on education for all Oklahoma students.”
Koss and her husband Ray have two daughters and two grandsons.
