Three assistant superintendents have joined at the Oklahoma State Department of Education recently, filling spots that were vacant or filled with interim staff.

Marsha Thompson is the assistant state superintendent of Instruction, overseeing all areas of instruction, including Literacy, STEM, Social Studies, Advanced Placement, Arts in Education and Healthy Lifestyles. Thompson is directing implementation of Oklahoma C3 Standards, which includes Common Core State Standards. Thompson previously worked as an administrator in the Midwest City-Del City School District and has served as a principal, teacher, coach and library media specialist in other districts.

Dr. Maridyth McBee is the assistant state superintendent of Accountability and Assessments, overseeing school performance reporting, accreditation, school personnel records, testing, and research and evaluation. McBee has an extensive background in educational research and assessment, and previously was employed by the State Department of Education as team leader for Student Assessment, Research & Planning from 1996 to 1998. Most recently, she served as Assistant State Superintendent for Accountability and Assessment on an interim basis.

Dr. Rene Axtell will be joining the State Department of Education on Feb. 27 as assistant state superintendent of Special Education. As part of her job duties, she will analyze and manage all federal funds administered through Special Education as well as ensure compliance with all facets of the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Dr. Axtell currently serves as director of Special Services for Mid-Del Public Schools and brings to the department an impressive career in educational leadership for students with disabilities.