Peckham School Board names interim superintendent

PECKHAM, OK – In a very brief meeting Wednesday, the Peckham Board of Education voted unanimously to name Johnie Decker as the interim superintendent, replacing Gary Young.

Young’s superintendent and teaching certificates were suspended las week by the Oklahoma Board of Education, following several allegations by former students and teachers of sexual abuse, going back at least 10 years.

Decker served as assistant superintendent during Young’s tenure as superintendent. She has worked for Peckham Schools for 22 years.

The meeting lasted barely more than two minutes, and board members said they would forego an executive session on the advice of their attorney.   It was the first time the board addressed Young’s position since the state board’s action.

The special board meeting held Wednesday was attended by board president Kim Case; board vice president Barclay Locke and board clerk Maribeth Ratliff.

None of the board members nor Decker commented after the meeting.