Purcell Public Schools Welcomes Melissa Madden to Board of Education
June 9, 2025 – The Purcell Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Madden as its newest board member, filling Seat 4 recently vacated by Holly Baker.
Ms. Madden brings a wealth of educational experience and a deep connection to the Purcell community to her new role. A proud 1995 graduate of Purcell High School, she has dedicated her career to the field of education, specializing in special education. She has a passion for rural public schools and students with special needs.
"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Melissa Madden to the Purcell Board of Education," said Dr. Sheli McAdoo, Superintendent of Purcell Public Schools. "Her extensive background in special education, combined with her strong ties to our district as an alumna, will be an invaluable asset as we continue to work towards providing the best possible education for all Purcell students."
Ms. Madden earned her Bachelor's degree in Special Education from East Central University in Ada and furthered her expertise by obtaining a Master's of Special Education from the University of Oklahoma in Norman. She also holds Graduate Certifications in Applied Behavior Analysis and Secondary Transition Education, reflecting her commitment to comprehensive and effective support for students with diverse learning needs. She taught for over 20 years as a special education teacher, holding positions as a Special Services Director and Alternative Education Director. She is the mother of two daughters, Emily and Halle Madden.
"I am honored and excited to serve on the Purcell Board of Education," said Melissa Madden. "As a graduate of Purcell High School, I am deeply invested in the success of our students and our schools. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and excellence of Purcell Public Schools." Melissa is excited to serve the community as part of the board of education.
Ms. Madden's appointment is effective immediately.
Congratulations to our very own Paul Wollenberg 👏! Paul was named the Heart of Oklahoma Educator of the Year by the Chamber ❤️! There is no one more deserving of this honor and we could not be more grateful for Paul's dedication to students and to Purcell Public Schools!! ❤️🤍❤️🤍❤️🤍🐲🐲🐲
Join us this Memorial Day as we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
Our 24-25 school year concluded with a staff luncheon honoring our teachers of the year and retirees. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to Mrs. Lori Frankenberg and Mr. Jerry Swayze for 38 years of service to Purcell Schools! Your dedication and commitment to our students, fellow staff, and the community will be treasured.
Have a wonderful summer break Dragons!
That's a wrap on a successful, 24-25 school year with students and staff. We celebrated staff who have served for 5 years and longer with Coach Dillard having served for 35 years. We appreciate all of your dedication and work for Purcell Schools.
We are excited to announce that Coach Cody Tutwiler will be the new Head Coach of our Lady Dragon Softball Program. Coach Tutwiler, renowned for countless accomplishments and accolades, is eager to build on the existing success. For those interested, there will be a Meet and Greet session with Coach Tutwiler, on Wednesday, May 21st, at 6:00 pm in Reimer Center. Please join us in making him feel welcomed to the Dragon Family!
Please welcome our new School-Based Family Specialist, Malia Turner. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Social Work in May of 2024 and graduates with her Master’s in Social Work this month. Having grown up in a rural community, Malia is passionate about expanding resources for families through schools and is excited to serve at Purcell. #welcometothedragonfamily
We are excited to welcome our new Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Malachi Braxton! #purcellpublicschools
Congratulations to our 5th grade Academic team on earning the title of state runner-up for 5th and 6th grade teams in the Oklahoma Junior Academic Bowl Association. They competed with 5th and 6th grade students from across the state and we are so proud of their work. Pictured is our team with Principal Swayze, Ms. Mackey and our wonderful school board members.
Freshman, Kamdyn Stokes is your State Track and Field runner-up in discus with a PR throw of 132-7. Congratulations!💪
These girls finished 4th in the 4 x 200 for a place on the podium in day #1 of 2025 State Track. Parker Lovett, Lili Del Toro, Mykailah Leatherman, and Hadleigh Harp. Congrats girls! 🐉💨
Good luck to the slow pitch softball team in the state tournament today. They take on Washington at 11:30. The following link is for live streaming through NFHS: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/ossaa/gam1b85bdcaec
Big news, Dragons fans! Our Slow Pitch team is heading to STATE this Tuesday! Come cheer them on at Firelake Ballfields as they face Washington at 11:30 AM. If you can't be there, tune in to the NFHS Network. Tickets are available on GoFan for $10 or $13 cash at the gate. Go Dragons!
As we approach the end of another successful school year, we’re reminded of how much we have to celebrate—including the outstanding leadership that helps make it all possible.
Please join us in honoring our Superintendent, Dr. Sheli McAdoo, a true servant leader who leads with integrity, compassion, and vision. We are proud to announce that Dr. McAdoo has been named District 16 Superintendent of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA), an honor based on nominations from fellow District 16 administrators.
This recognition highlights what we already know: Dr. McAdoo is a passionate advocate for Purcell Public Schools and a dedicated supporter of school leaders throughout the region. She will be formally recognized this summer as part of a distinguished group of finalists for OASA's State Superintendent of the Year.
Please see the attached press release as we celebrate this well-deserved honor. We appreciate the years of dedication and commitment Dr. McAdoo has provided to our students, staff, and the entire Purcell community.
https://5il.co/3f6gv
Today, we honor the amazing principals who lead our schools with passion, dedication, and care. Your leadership inspires excellence, supports our students and staff, and helps build a brighter future every day. Thank you for everything you do! ❤️
High School Principal - Jason Sanders
Junior High Principal - Carol Testa
Intermediate Principal - Tina Swayze
Elementary Principal - Cindy Stone
#DragonPride #PrincipalsDay #ThankAPrincipal
Attention parents!!
Physicals for the 2025/2026 school year will be May 7th in the high school commons. This will be for any JH or HS student involved in sports or any extra curricular activity. HS will begin at 2:30 and JH at 3:15. Cost is $10. Physical forms are in the main office of both the HS and JH. Bring physical form completely filled out and signed with money on this day.
Congratulations to senior Emma Lynn for qualifying for the OSSAA Girls Golf State Tournament!! Emma will compete at the state tournament on May 5th and 6th at the Shawnee Country Club. We are so proud of you Emma. Good luck at state!
The Lady Dragons are on their way to Regionals at Tecumseh! Due to the incoming weather, the games will commence on Monday, April 28th. The first game will be against Tecumseh, kicking off at 12:00 PM. Games will not be streamed. Best of luck, and go Dragons!
Tonight's HS Baseball game vs. Tecumseh has been canceled due to inclement weather. Senior Night for HS Baseball will now occur on Monday, 4/28, vs. Riverside! #GoDragons
Our administrative professionals are the backbone of our district. What can we say other than we have the best! Thank you Lauren Melvin (treasurer), Jordan Simmons (personnel and board clerk), Jessica Heil (child nutrition and activity funds), Wanda Clark (accounts payable clerk), and Mandi Mayer (special education secretary) for going above and beyond to provide support to everyone while keeping the business of school running.
