DRUMRIGHT — As the April 7 election draws closer, local voters are preparing to decide who will represent their community in the coming years. To help the Drumright community become more informed about the candidates seeking an office we asked each candidate the same set of questions about their intentions. The following responses are presented in the candidates’ own words.
Q) Why are you running?
A) Brandy Baugh: As an educator for the past 17 years, I understand how a school operates and what students, staff, and teachers really need in the classroom. I previously worked for Oilton and Drumright, and even in my current role at Central Tech, I remain an active member of the community. My children also attend Drumright, which further strengthens my investment in our schools. I care deeply about our school system and the people in it and want to be part of the ongoing efforts to help it grow and improve.
A) Daryn Christy: I’m running for the Drumright School Board because I believe in this town and I believe in our kids. We all know that in a town like ours, the school isnt just a building—it’s the heartbeat of the community. Whether it’s a Friday night under the lights or a Tuesday morning in the classroom, our schools are where the future of Drumright is built. I want to make sure every student here has a clear path to success. I’m a big believer that the best leadership starts with listening—not just in board meetings, but in the grocery store and at the games. We’ve always had a proud tradition of supporting our students, but I want to make sure we’re looking at the bigger picture. I want to help make the kind of common-sense decisions that keep our Tornado spirit strong and our district moving in the right direction.
Q) What are the three most important issues you believe need to be addressed?
A) Brandy Baugh: One, we have done great improvements in our athletic facilities and our buildings, but I would love to see good energy poured into our academic side of things. ItwouldbegreattoseeSTEM, Future Business Leaders of America, scholastic bowls, and E-Sports back in our school programs for students who thrive in academic competitions. I love sports and love what the students have gotten out of improvements but seeing a better balance between academics and sports is important to me.
Two, I would like to see Drumright focus on teacher recruitment efforts. There is a huge shortage of certified teachers in Oklahoma, especially in rural districts. It's important that the school board find ways to provide incentives to attract strong teachers and staff when we have openings. This would support our students and existing staff by helping us build on the great work happening in our district.
Three, ensuring that the district’s budget is managed responsibly. This includes reviewing staff and administrative salaries to make sure they are appropriately aligned with districts of similar size and thatcompensationaccurately reflects each teacher’s or coach’s responsibilities. I believe that all school staff and employees need the school board to advocate for their pay to be fair for the multiple jobs they take on.
A) Daryn Christy: I see three big priorities for our district: student achievement, safety, and engagement. Student Achievement: Our primary job is to make sure our kids are ready for whatever comes after graduation— whether they’re heading to a university, picking up a trade at Central Tech, or going straight into the workforce. Safety and Well-being: A child can’t learn if they don’t feel safe. We need to maintain an environment where every student feels respected and supported, from the moment they get on the bus until they head home. Broadening Opportunities: Drumright has a legendary athletic foundation, and we’ll always bleed red and white. But not every kid is an athlete. We need to keep strengthening our clubs, arts, and academic teams. When a student finds their thing—whether it’s FFA, band, or a new club— they’re more likely to stay engaged and succeed.
Q) How do you plan to address those issues if elected?
A) Brandy Baugh: First and foremost I want to represent the community that supports me. Addressing issues effectively requires asking thoughtful questions and thoroughly understanding the materials presented at each board meeting. I take pride in my honesty and transparency, and I intend to ask the questions necessary to fully understand how decisions are made and how our district operates.
A) Daryn Christy: My approach is simple: listen first, then lead. To improve achievement, I’ll work directly with our teachers and administrators to see what’s actually happening in our classrooms. We need to be smart with our budget and put our resources where they’ll have the biggest impact on our kids’ daily learning. Regarding safety, I’ll advocate for proactive policies and a culture where parents and staff always have a seat at the table. We’re a small town; we look out for one another, and our school policies should reflect that. Finally, I want to sit down with school leadership to look at how we can grow our extracurriculars. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but we should be looking for creative ways to offer programs that tap into our students diverse talents. My goal is to help build a school system where every single student feels like Drumright is a place where they can truly win.