Today, the Broken Arrow Public School district announced the upcoming retirement of Associate Superintendent Larry Shackelford, who will retire this December after an extraordinary 46-year career in education.
“Larry Shackelford has dedicated nearly five decades to shaping the lives of students, staff, and the broader communities he has served during his career,” said Superintendent Chuck Perry. “The wisdom and experience he brought to our team have been invaluable, and while he will certainly be missed, we wish him well on his retirement.”
Starting his career in 1978 as a coach at Prue High School, Shackelford went on to hold various teaching and leadership roles in districts throughout Northeast Oklahoma. Although he retired once in 2017 from Jay Public Schools, he came back to Broken Arrow in 2020 to serve on the district leadership team where he has played a pivotal role in advancing the district’s educational goals.
"I have had the honor and privilege to serve with the best board of education, administrative team, principals, teachers, support staff, and students in Oklahoma,” said Shackelford. “This has truly been the most rewarding and fulfilling job I have experienced in my 46 years as an educator. I want to thank everyone for the friendships we have fostered together.”
During his second stint at Broken Arrow Public Schools, Shackelford initiated several impactful initiatives. He created the district Snow Team to ensure efficient school operations during inclement weather and launched a Leadership Training Class, which focused on developing future leaders from within the district.
One of his most significant achievements was the implementation of the District HVAC Maintenance Plan, which reduced work orders by half in its first year, significantly improving efficiency and cost savings. He was also a chief supporter of the Student Internship Program at the district’s Maintenance Department, which provides students with hands-on experience and career development opportunities.
Shackelford 's career spans several schools and leadership roles. From 1978-1981, he served as head basketball and baseball coach at Prue High School, followed by a 16-year tenure at Grove High School (1981-1997) as head basketball coach and assistant coach in multiple sports. From 1997 to 2004, he led both the basketball and baseball teams as head coach at Broken Arrow High School. In 2004, Shackelford transitioned into administration, serving as Principal and Assistant Superintendent for Porter Schools until 2016 when he retired.
However, retirement didn’t last long. He became the Superintendent of Jay Public Schools from 2017 to 2020, before finally returning to Broken Arrow Schools as Associate Superintendent, where he has served since.
“The biggest reward for me personally is the smile or the ‘thank you’ from a principal or teacher that our team has improved their site or classroom,” Shackelford said. “The improvements we have made on facilities to a standard of excellence has been a priority.”
Shackelford’s wife, Jil, retired from her teaching career several years ago, and the couple’s three sons have blessed them with ten grandchildren.
“Plans after retirement are to take a few months off hunting, fishing, golf, and enjoying family and grandchildren,” said Shackelford. “After that I want to stay busy, stay connected in education. I have some opportunities that I am really excited about.”
The district will host a retirement celebration later this fall to celebrate Shackelford’s remarkable career and contributions. Details will be shared with the community in the coming weeks.