Mike Copeland was all set to turn in his declaration of candidacy to run for a spot on the Kingfisher Board of Education.

Then walked in Alberto Sanchez.

After the two talked, Copeland said he felt the board would be in excellent hands with Sanchez taking his seat.

So Copeland didn’t file.

That means Kingfisher’s board of education will have a new member next year and that only one race developed in the county’s school districts.

Sanchez proved to be the lone person to toss his name in the hat for Kingfisher’s seat during last week’s filing period, which ended at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Copeland has been on the board since February when he was appointed by board members to fill the unexpired term of Terry Payne.

He had told the KT&FP that he was on the fence about running for another term, but was prepared to do so.

“I was at the courthouse with my paperwork all signed,” Copeland said. “Then Alberto walked in and we talked.

“I was very pleased with why he wanted to run. He will be a great addition to the school board.”

Sanchez and his wife, Hollie, have two children in KPS.

Ainsley is 8 and in the second grade and Rhett is 6 and in kindergarten.

“As a current KPS parent, I have an understanding of our schools’ daily experiences, challenges and successes. I plan to focus on what’s best for our students by making practical solutions for our district,” Sanchez told the KT&FP.

“My goal is to support an environment where every student can achieve their highest potential, academic excellence and personal growth.

“I am dedicated to transparent leadership and ensuring that our shared investment in public education secures a bright future for Kingfisher.”

Sanchez, a senior pipeline technician with Energy Transfer, already has strong ties to the district outside of his own family.

He is a member of the Kingfisher Educational Foundation board of directors since 2023.

He said serving on the KPS board will be more than a role.

“It is a commitment to the heart of our community and our students,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the decisions that directly impact the quality of education and the environment in which our children learn and grow.

“I find it important to listen to parents, staff and community members to ensure our schools are the very best they can be.”

Copeland’s current term will end in April, which is when Sanchez will be sworn into office.

Copeland had previously served on the board for 10 years until 2021 when he was defeated in an election by Payne.

Only one race developed in Kingfisher County.

That will take place in Okarche where incumbent Jarrod Mueggenborg filed and drew an opponent.

Also filing for the seat was Brian Joseph Mueggenborg.

The election for that seat will be Tuesday, April 7.

In all other school districts in the county, only incumbents filed:

• Cashion - Christopher Gibson

• Dover - Nathan Guinn

• Hennessey - Dakota Semrad

• Lomega - Terry Marks

• Chisholm Trail Technology Center – Debbie Biehler