Associate Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer

Justin Milner became the district's Chief Operating Officer in July 2017. In this role, Milner is directly responsible for the district’s capital improvement programs, including bond issue development and implementation. He also provides oversight for the district’s Special Services, Transportation, Technology Services, Child Nutrition, Custodial Services, Warehouse, Maintenance, Health Services, Emergency Management, and School Resource Officer programs.

Milner previously served as the Director of Special Services for Norman Public Schools, a position he held for 12 years. He was responsible for directing all special education, alternative education, and residential programs for the district and thereby minimizing the impact of the disability and improving outcomes for all students.

He is a graduate of East Central University holding both a Bachelors Degree in Special Education and a Masters Degree in Special Education with a focus on administration. Milner began his professional career as a secondary special education teacher before taking a position with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, where he was responsible for special education for the State of Oklahoma.

Milner's professional memberships include the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) and the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA). He has served on the CCOSA Executive Board, as president of the Oklahoma Directors of Special Services and Legislative and Policy Liaison. In 2016, the Oklahoma Directors of Special Services recognized Milner as the Director of the Year. In 2021, he was recognized as the OASA District Assistant Superintendent of the Year for District #7.

Contact:
405-364-1339
Email Justin Milner

Associate Superintendent and Chief Human Resource Officer

Holly Nevels is a career educator in the Norman Public Schools. She has been both a teacher and an administrator in the district. Prior to her role as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, she served as the Director of Elementary and Secondary Education. She has also served as Principal at Whittier Middle School and as Assistant Principal at Norman High School. Nevels taught English/Language Arts at Irving Middle School for eight years and in 2000 was named Norman’s District Teacher of the Year. She also was selected as Oklahoma Assistant Principal of the Year in 2007 by The Cooperative Council of Oklahoma Secondary Administrators’ (CCOSA) organization.

Nevels attended the University of Oklahoma, where she received a bachelor’s degree in secondary language arts education and earned a master’s degree in educational administration, curriculum, and supervision.  She feels she is fortunate to work with “truly exceptional and knowledgeable instructional staff and leaders including members of the Board of Education, Superintendent’s Cabinet, coordinators, principals, assistant principals, and teachers." 

Nevels says, "In Norman Public Schools, our goal is simple: to give Norman’s children a variety of experiences in conjunction with multiple opportunities to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We prepare and inspire students in grades pre-k through 12th to reach their full potential. College and career readiness does not just begin in high school; it is a collective effort of superior professionals, motivated families, and phenomenal community partners along the way. This prepares our students for success with us AND beyond us."

Contact:
405-364-1339
Email Holly S. Nevels

Chief Financial Officer

Tyler Jones joined Norman Public Schools in 2024, with extensive experience in public education finance and a distinguished career as a U.S. Army veteran. Combining military discipline with a robust background in financial management, Tyler is dedicated to advancing educational outcomes through strategic and effective financial stewardship.

Before transitioning to public education finance, Tyler built a solid foundation as an auditor in public accounting. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls, which has been invaluable in his role as CFO. His background in auditing has equipped him with meticulous attention to detail and a rigorous approach to financial management.

Tyler holds active memberships in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Oklahoma Association of School Business Officials (OK ASBO), and the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO Int'l). As well as several local financial committees. These affiliations underscore his dedication to staying current with industry standards and best practices.

He holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Oklahoma and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), among other relevant certifications.

Living and working in Norman, OK, Tyler is passionate about his community and deeply values his role in it. He resides here with his spouse, Katharine, and their four children. Tyler balances a successful career with a strong commitment to family life and community engagement, finding joy and fulfillment in supporting and guiding his loved ones and contributing to the local community.

With a blend of military discipline, financial expertise, and family values, Tyler continues to make a significant impact on the district’s financial health and educational success.

Contact:
405-364-1339
Email Tyler Jones

Executive Director of Student Services

Stephanie Williams has been with Norman Public Schools since 2005. She has been both a teacher and an administrator in the district. Prior to her role as Executive Director of Student Services she served as the Principal of Longfellow Middle School. She has also served the district as Freshman Academy Principal at Norman North High School and as Assistant Principal at Whittier Middle School. Williams taught Pre-Algebra/Algebra at Irving Middle School for five years and prior to that taught in Oklahoma City. She also was selected as Oklahoma Assistant Principal of the Year in 2018 by the Cooperative Council of Oklahoma Secondary Administrators’ (CCOSA) organization.

Williams professional memberships include CCOSA and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). She serves as a Regional Representative for Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals (OASSP) and on the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education’s Education Professions Division Advisory Council at the University of Oklahoma. Williams also served on the City of Norman Human Rights Commission Inclusiveness Subcommittee. 

Williams attended the University of Oklahoma, where she received a bachelor’s degree in health and sports science. She received her master's degree in Education Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma where she graduated with honors.

Contact:
405-364-1339
Email Stephanie Williams

Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

Holly McKinney has been with Norman Public Schools since 2018. Prior to her role as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, she served as an elementary and intermediate principal with Mustang Public Schools. McKinney previously taught instrumental music at Longfellow Middle School in Norman and elementary music at Central Elementary in Yukon. 

McKinney’s professional memberships include the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). She has also served as a Regional Representative (2010-2016) and President (2016-2017) for Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals (OAESP). 

McKinney attended the University of Central Oklahoma, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She also earned her master's degree in Arts in Educational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University where she graduated with honors.

Contact:
405-364-1339
Email Holly McKinney

Executive Director of Student Supports

With over 25 years of dedicated service to Norman Public Schools, Gayla Mears brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Executive Director of Student Supports. Her career in education began as a middle school teacher, where she spent 11 years shaping young minds across Longfellow, Whittier, and Irving Middle Schools.

Driven by a desire to expand her impact, Gayla pursued her Master's in Educational Administration and Curriculum Supervision while working at the K20 Center. There, she spent four years providing professional development on technology integration in education.

Returning to Norman Public Schools in an administrative capacity, Gayla served as Assistant Principal at Longfellow Middle School for two years before taking on the role of Principal at Whittier Middle School for five years. Her leadership journey continued as she became the Director of Special Services for five years, during which she also oversaw Federal Programs for two years.

In 2023, Gayla stepped into her current role as Executive Director of Student Supports, where she continues to excel in finding creative solutions to support students, families, and colleagues. Her innovative approach and deep understanding of the educational landscape make her an invaluable asset to the Norman Public Schools community.

A Norman resident since 1987, Gayla's roots in the community run deep. She and her high school sweetheart chose Norman as their home to attend the University of Oklahoma. Both of their sons are proud graduates of Norman Public Schools, with strong connections to OU and the local community.

Contact:
405-364-1339
Email Gayla Mears

Chief Information Officer

Prior to joining Norman Public Schools as the Chief Information Officer, Courtney Scott dedicated 18 years to Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS). During her tenure with OKCPS, she held various roles, including Graphic Designer, Manager of Creative Services, Manager of Digital Communications, and most recently, Executive Director of Communications and Engagement.

In 2015, Courtney was honored with the 35 Under 35 Leadership Award from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). Courtney is a member of the Oklahoma School Public Relations Association (OKSPRA), the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the American Marketing Association (AMA). She holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and a master's degree in Secondary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Courtney resides in Oklahoma City with her husband and their beloved fur baby.

Contact:
405-364-1339
Email Courtney Scott