Scott Farmer believes in a community-driven approach to education.
“The strength of our district lies in the collective work of our people,” said Farmer, the superintendent of Fort Gibson Public Schools. “Teamwork in education is not just about accomplishing goals. It is about creating an environment where children flourish because an entire community believes in their potential.”
Farmer is the 2026 recipient of the Medal for Excellence in Elementary/Secondary Administration.
Farmer seeks out partnerships that offer not just financial support but also valuable experiences for students. Area businesses provide internships, and banks teach financial literacy classes.
During his tenure, the district has created a new STEM and Robotics Center and established a staff daycare center that has improved recruitment and retention.
Fort Gibson was one of just 12 Oklahoma schools that received a federal Stronger Connections Grant to enhance safety programming, allowing the district to implement a system that focuses on proactive strategies for students struggling with adverse behaviors.
“Whether navigating complex policy, making budgetary decisions or meeting with teachers, his focus never wavers from the students,” said Taylor Deatherage, who teaches algebra and coaches at Fort Gibson. “He truly understands that when teachers are supported, students thrive — a philosophy that radiates through our entire district.”
Farmer’s efforts have led to record-high ACT scores and the National Blue Ribbon School Distinction.
“Every day, in classrooms across our district, remarkable things are happening,” Farmer said. “These successes are the product of great people and strong partnerships.”
Farmer, a Coweta native and a Cherokee Nation citizen, comes from a family of educators. He says seeing his daughter grow up to study education is one of his proudest achievements.
He began his career teaching math in Sallisaw Public Schools and served in various roles before taking over as superintendent in 2011. In 2018, he made the move to Fort Gibson.
Farmer is a three-time Oklahoma Association of School Administrators District Superintendent of the Year and was named the Oklahoma Schools Advisory Council’s Outstanding Administrator in Oklahoma in 2019. He has served in leadership roles with OASA and OSAC, including terms as president of both organizations.
He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northeastern State University and is working toward a Doctor of Education in Rural Education from East Central University in Ada. He is also an adjunct professor at Southern Nazarene University.
