October is National Principals Month, a time to recognize the vital role school leaders play in shaping the future of education. Effective principals do much more than oversee day-to-day operations; they build a vision of success for every student, create welcoming and positive school environments, and inspire others to lead, supporting teachers and staff to fulfill the school’s mission. Principals elevate teaching and learning through strategic guidance and thoughtful instructional decisions, ensuring schoolwide progress. Their leadership not only fosters school improvement but also strengthens teacher retention and growth, directly enhancing student achievement and overall school experience. While there are so many school leaders we would love to feature, we are highlighting three principals who have partnered with ImpactTulsa and MBK Tulsa to advance outcomes for students, with a focus on boys and young men of color.
Dr. Elton Sykes: Leading Transformation with Heart at Hale High School
Dr. Elton Sykes has long been a powerhouse in Tulsa’s education scene, bringing his vision and dedication to each school he’s led. Now at Hale High School, where he recently took on the role of principal, Dr. Sykes has quickly become a catalyst for positive change. Within his first year, he’s already seen improved results: attendance is up, suspensions are down, and overall, students and staff alike are energized by the vision and goals for the yearf .
Dr. Sykes’s leadership philosophy emphasizes visibility, open communication, and creating a warm, supportive school culture that engages students and makes Hale a place they want to be each day. “That’s been our focus—creating the right culture. I think we’ve got to make it feel welcoming and safe so kids want to be here…We’ve added pep rallies and dances. It is important their academic journey also includes experiences outside the classroom to build community and gets them excited. I think that has helped change some of the culture,” he shares. Through these activities and his hands-on approach, Dr. Sykes fosters an environment where students feel connected to their school and excited to participate.
A Teach for America alumnus, Dr. Sykes pursued the principalship to expand his impact beyond the classroom, inspired by the influential teachers and administrators who shaped his own life. His experience at Carver Middle School, where he previously led students to significant academic gains, provided him with a proven framework that he’s now applying at Hale. Dr. Sykes is especially passionate about giving students the full high school experience by reintroducing beloved activities, from pep rallies to school dances, which he says are essential for building a sense of belonging and pride.
Despite the progress, Dr. Sykes remains focused on the work ahead. Chronic absenteeism, a significant hurdle for student achievement, is down by 30% since last year, but he recognizes there’s more to be done. Dr. Sykes is asking the community to be engaged in finding solutions, such as providing transportation support for students who struggle to make it to school due to logistical challenges. “If we can get them here, we can teach them,” he explains, underscoring his commitment to creating a bridge between students and educational opportunities.
Dr. Rob Kaiser: Building a Legacy of Mentorship and Attendance at McLain
Dr. Rob Kaiser’s leadership journey has been one of consistent innovation and positive impact. During his time at Monroe, he launched the “Men of Monroe” program, which brought in male role models to mentor students, significantly improving attendance and academics. Now, as the principal of McLain High School, Dr. Rob Kaiser is leading transformative efforts to make transportation more accessible and schools more connected to the community, including the introduction of a new Dean of Attendance and his micro-transit pilot, Titan Transport. This initiative, designed to address transportation challenges, reflects his commitment to creating equitable solutions by partnering closely with families and community members. Dr. Kaiser collaborates with the North Side Parents Alliance, area churches, and auxiliary organizations to foster schools as community hubs where families can access resources and support beyond traditional education. His openness to piloting innovative ideas showcases a hands-on approach to addressing the needs of the community and ensuring that each step taken is aligned with the real-life experiences of parents and students.
Mr. Jason Gilley: Leading with Heart in North Tulsa
Mr. Jason Gilley’s tenure at Central High School has been marked by his commitment to academic and personal growth for students in North Tulsa. Being a leader of profound empathy and integrity, Mr. Gilley is someone who both staff and students look to as a model of authentic community engagement. Deeply engaged in the community he serves, he is a familiar and trusted presence, always willing to listen and uplift the voices around him. Jason’s immersion enables him to challenge the status quo with conviction, advocating for meaningful changes that resonate with the lived experiences of those he leads. His commitment to proximity and justice inspires others to push boundaries and envision a school environment that serves as a true pillar of support and opportunity. His close partnership with ImpactTulsa initiatives has led to the implementation of data-driven strategies that dismantle barriers to student success. Mr. Gilley’s collaborative spirit and hands-on approach have consistently strengthened educational outcomes for Tulsa’s youth.
Principals as Pillars of Cradle-to-Career Success
The work of these outstanding principals goes beyond the traditional archetype of school administration. Their efforts to enhance student development align closely with ImpactTulsa’s mission that all students, no matter their zip code, background, or circumstances, has every opportunity and access to economic mobility. By fostering supportive environments, improving attendance, and promoting academic excellence among their staff and community, principals like Dr. Sykes, Dr. Kaiser, and Mr. Gilley are laying the groundwork for long-term success for Tulsa’s youth.
We thank Dr. Sykes, Mr. Gilley, Dr. Kaiser, and all the principals across Tulsa who go above and beyond every day. If you are a school leader and are interested in learning more about our work with districts to improve cradle-to-career outcomes, please contact us at info@ImpactTulsa.com.