KingfisherPublicSchools is seeking to fill a couple of prominent positions after a pair of resignations were made last week.

Resigning are head high school softball coach and science teacher Morgan Dutton as well as Haley Mitchel, the district’s literacy coach and coordinator who was also the junior high girls basketball coach as well as an assistant on the high school team.

Dutton announced her intentions to her softball team on Tuesday. She didn’t make her next move public as she’s still finalizing details with another school district.

Mitchel was approved Wednesday night as a secondary English teacher and assistant girls basketball coach at Dover High School.

“We’re very excited she’s joining our staff,” said Dover Superintendent Jay Wood, who recommended her hiring to the Dover board. “First, she is a phenomenal teacher and, second, she’s an excellent basketball coach.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge in both the classroom and on the basketball floor. I have had the pleasure of watching her grow up and coach against her. She’s a fierce competitor and I’m looking forward to being on the same side as her.”

Mitchel was an assistant for her mother, Cherie Myers, for eight years at Okarche during that program’s most successful run in its storied history. After three years away from coaching, Mitchel took over as the head coach for just over three seasons beginning in 2021 and coached the Lady Warriors to a pair of state semifinal finishes.

Kingfisher has reached state both years during Myers’ tenure alongside head coach Taylor Young.

She was originally hired as a junior high English teacher, but was soon tabbed to oversee the district’s literacy program as part of the Rise to Read Grant earned by the school.

“I’m grateful for my past two years in the Kingfisher school district,” Mitchel said. “It’s a wonderful place filled with great people and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m thankful for the opportunity Mr. (David) Glover and the Kingfisher school board gave me and for Mr. (Andy) Evans entrusting me with my responsibilities. I appreciate all their support.”

Now Mitchel makes the move north which was the start of her mother’s hall of fame coaching career.

“I’m grateful for Mr. Wood, Mr. (Jared) Reese and the school board for providing me the opportunity to be a part of Dover Public Schools,” she continued. “There are many great things happening in their schools and community and I’m excited for the future.”

In addition to her coaching abilities, Evans, Kingfisher’s superintendent, said Mitchel was a tremendous asset in her role as an administrator.

“Haley has done an incredible job at Kingfisher,” Evans said. “She has worked tirelessly in the Rise to Read Grant and we have seen incredible gains from the system that was set in place through the grant.

“The district has greatly benefited from the professionalism and tremendous work ethic Mrs. Mitchel shows every day. The district wishes her well in her future endeavors and we hope her career arc includes Kingfisher again in the future.”

Evans had similarly glowing remarks for Dutton, who teaches chemistry and physical science.

“She is a great teacher and we hate to see her go,” Evans said. “Her impact on our students in the classroom and in her coaching has been exceptional.”

Dutton was named the KHS Teacher of the Year earlier this year.

She coached the softball team for three years and saw the win total increase each season from 14 to 23 to 25 wins.

The softball team will have several key returnees for her successor.

“I have loved getting to coach this group of girls and I’m excited to see what their future holds,” Dutton said. “They have a solid group of starters back as well as role players who will help them have a legitimate chance at a district title and push for the state tournament.”

That, said Dutton, made her decision all the more difficult.

“This move was a hard decision to make,” she said. “But it will be better for my family and outside of the coaching realm as well.”

The district has opened those positions along with several others, though some may be filled sooner rather than later.

Currently being advertised by the district are assistant high school principal, elementary counselor, high school English teacher, third grade teacher, fourth grade teacher, special education teacher, physical education teacher, math instructional coach, English-language arts instructional coach, junior high social studies teacher with coaching duties, high school English-science teacher with coaching duties and a director for its Inspire Grant.