The Why Behind the Work: Bryan Frazier Named District 6 Superintendent of the Year
For Bryan Frazier, leadership has never been about titles, recognition, or standing behind a podium. It has always been about people.
It is about the student who needs someone to believe in them before they believe in themselves. It is about the teacher who stays late to help a struggling learner. It is about building a school system rooted in trust, relationships, and purpose. And it is about ensuring every decision ultimately points back to what is best for students.
That philosophy is one reason Frazier has been named the 2026 Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA) District 6 Superintendent of the Year, an honor recognizing exceptional leadership, service to public education, and contributions to educational advancement across Oklahoma.
Now in his ninth year leading, Frazier has guided the district through some of the most challenging and defining moments in modern education. From navigating a statewide teacher walkout and leading through the COVID-19 pandemic to overseeing curriculum reform, and the district’s largest bond preparation effort, his leadership has consistently focused on maintaining stability while continuing to move the district forward.
But those who know Frazier best say the story is bigger than the challenges he has managed. It is about the culture he has helped create.
Under his leadership, CPS established five district core values: Grit, Community, Excellence, Purpose, and Innovation. Those values are not simply branding statements placed on banners or websites. They shape district decision-making, program development, staff expectations, and student support systems across every school site.
The district’s current annual theme, “Win the Day,” reflects a philosophy that meaningful change is not built through one major moment, but through consistent, intentional effort every single day.
“Public schools are one of the most important institutions in our communities, and this recognition reflects the work of an entire district, not just one individual,” Frazier said. “I am incredibly grateful for our students, staff, families, Board of Education, and community partners who continue to believe in the mission of public education and the work we do together every day.”
Growing Leaders From Within
One of Frazier’s greatest passions is leadership development.
Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of “growing your own” by creating opportunities for educators to advance professionally while remaining connected to the communities they serve.
Under his leadership, CPS developed the Aspiring Administrators Academy, a leadership cohort designed for staff members who have earned their master’s degree and are interested in pursuing future administrative roles. The academy gives participants a realistic look into educational leadership through monthly sessions focused on school culture, district operations, decision-making, and the day-to-day realities administrators face.
Current CPS administrators lead presentations, discussions, and role-play scenarios centered around real-world leadership challenges. Participants have shared that the experience gave them perspective beyond what they typically see within their own buildings and helped them better understand the complexity of district leadership. Since the academy began, three graduates have already moved into administrative positions within CPS.
That commitment to leadership development expanded even further through a partnership with Southern Nazarene University, which brought a local Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) program directly to Claremore. Fourteen CPS staff members are scheduled to graduate from the program this summer.
Within that program, Frazier also teaches graduate-level educational leadership courses, which he says sharpen his own leadership.
“Teaching future administrators allows me to articulate what I believe, defend it intellectually, and model it practically,” Frazier said. “It’s one of the greatest disciplines for a sitting superintendent.”
A Superintendent Focused on Relationships
At the center of Frazier’s leadership philosophy is a belief that relationships come first.
He believes every student deserves a school system that believes in them before they have given anyone a reason to, and that schools function best when students, families, educators, and community members feel connected and informed.
That belief has fueled a strong focus on communication and transparency throughout his time at CPS.
Under Frazier’s leadership, the district has expanded its communication efforts through an updated and consistently maintained website, an active social media presence, weekly site-level newsletters, community surveys, and increased storytelling designed to celebrate students, staff, and district success.
He has also prioritized two-way communication by hosting community input meetings prior to the district’s bond initiative, meeting monthly with both a high school student advisory committee and a teacher advisory committee, and maintaining an open-door policy for parents, staff members, and community stakeholders.
For Frazier, communication is not simply about sharing information. It is about building trust.
He believes schools strengthen relationships when they operate with visibility, transparency, collaboration, and listening at the forefront. By ensuring stakeholders feel informed and included, districts create stronger partnerships with families and long-term support for public education.
Beyond the School Walls
Frazier’s leadership extends beyond Claremore Public Schools.
He remains active in educational advocacy efforts across Oklahoma, participates in legislative discussions impacting public education, and co-leads the Rogers County Superintendents meetings. He also serves on multiple civic boards, including the Claremore Economic Development Association, because he believes educational leaders should actively contribute to the communities they serve.
He has also advocated for issues impacting Oklahoma schools, including teacher workforce shortages, educator preparation pathways, and school funding, believing superintendents have a responsibility to be strong, credible voices for public education at both the local and state levels.
He encourages CPS administrators to participate in Leadership Rogers County and supports staff members who are actively involved in organizations and causes they are passionate about.
A Life Rooted in Service
Before entering education, Frazier spent a decade in the private sector. Eventually, he felt called toward a profession where he could make a lasting impact on people’s lives. Since then, he has served as a teacher, coach, principal, associate superintendent, and superintendent.
His leadership philosophy continues to center on servant leadership, visibility, staff recognition, creating opportunities for others to succeed, and resourcing them to accomplish their goals.
Frazier and his wife have two grown children and five grandchildren, three of whom currently attend CPS schools.
As District 6 Superintendent of the Year, Frazier will now advance as a candidate for Oklahoma Superintendent of the Year.