[Ed. Note: Mitch Massey of Kingfisher has authorized the Times & Free Press to publish the following announcement of his candidacy for Kingfisher Board of Education, Office No. 3, subject to the April 4 general election.]

Hi, my name is Mitch Massey and I’m asking for your vote on April 4 for Kingfisher Board of Education.

I’m a 1988 KHS graduate and received a bachelor’s degree in construction technology from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1993.

I’ve been in the home building business, trucking business and am currently operating a utility company.

Although I’ve been blessed in business in the good times, I’m no stranger to navigating difficult times as I have been through the ups and downs of being a business owner, especially the last two years dealing with the difficulties of COVID-19.

My wife Tamara is a 1987 KHS graduate. Our daughters Aly (a Registered Nurse) and Aby (in her first year of law school) also are KHS graduates and our youngest daughter Anna is finishing her junior year at KHS.

I’ve been blessed with a healthy, happy family and for that I am truly grateful, but I have also had two life defining events that I believe give me a unique perspective on what is important in life and I think that will translate to being on the school board.

My reason for running is simple: I want Kingfisher Public Schools to be a family, a great family! And not only in academics, but in all other activities and I want our students, teachers, administrators and coaches to be excited about where they live, work and go to school.

I’ve always been a team player and if elected I will work with the other board members and superintendent as a team with one main purpose and that is to provide the best possible environment to educate students and give them the tools they need to succeed in life.

We also need to provide them with the opportunities, equipment and facilities necessary to succeed in extracurricular activities they want to pursue such as FFA, band, sports, etc…because some of the best lessons I ever learned weren’t in the classroom, but on the playing field.

I’m sure some of you can relate to lessons learned being in FFA, band and the many other extra-curricular activities available.

One of the ways we accomplish this is by retaining, hiring and attracting the best teachers, administrators and coaches available to become part of the Yellowjacket Family.

Finally, we must be wise and responsible with district funds, but we have to continually maintain, renovate and improve our school buildings, activity buildings and sports facilities.

By doing so, we will ensure our students, teachers, administrators and coaches will have the facilities and environment to excel not only academically but in other activities as well.