Peckham Superintendent/Principal’s certificates suspended by state Board of Education

Gary Young

The Oklahoma State Board of Education voted Thursday to suspend the teaching and superintendent certificates for Peckham School Superintendent Gary Young on an emergency basis.

The action was taken at the State Board of Education’s monthly meeting in Oklahoma City.

The Peckham School District is west of Newkirk and has about 100 students from Pre-K to 8th grade.

“The Oklahoma State Board of Education prioritizes student safety, and we have recently received information regarding alleged conduct that is deeply disturbing and has led us to suspend Young’s teaching and superintendent certificates,” Joy Hofmeister, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, said.

Attached is the application for an emergency order of suspension of Young’s teaching and superintendent certificates. It outlines allegations of sexual abuse and multiple misconduct complaints against Young, involving both minors and adults.

Young is not allowed to be within contact of school children or children on school grounds.

Hofmeister said this is the first step in the revocation process.