Email Paula Lewis
(405) 587-0444

The Honorable Paula Lewis
C/O OKCPS Board Services
PO Box 36609
OKC, OK 73136

Terms of Office
Chairperson, 2025-2029 (elected)
Chairperson, 2021-2025 (elected)
Chairperson, 2017-2021 (elected)
District 4 Rep., 2016-2017 (elected)

Schools Represented 
The Board Chair represents all schools in the District 

Biography

Paula, a Lawton native, graduated from Eisenhower High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Southwest Missouri State University, where she also played collegiate golf. She entered the Occupational Therapy program at OUHSC in 1992, graduating in 1994, and has since enjoyed 29 years as an OT practitioner. Paula's career primarily revolves around entrepreneurship in the outpatient sector, specializing in pain management, postural assessment, and work injuries. She has co-owned Quest Pediatric Therapy, an outpatient clinic offering OT, PT, and SLP services to children across the OKC metro since 2015.

In addition to her occupational therapy career, Paula holds an MBA obtained in 2002. She has been an active member of OKOTA for a decade, holding membership in AOTA, and contributing to committees related to work and industry. She's also shared her expertise as an adjunct instructor at OCCC and OUHSC, presenting on posture and work safety topics for various organizations.

Paula demonstrates an unwavering commitment to public service. She is currently serving her second term as Chair of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education. Her achievements include prioritizing student and staff mental wellness through Embrace OKC, advocating for transparency and accountability within the district and board, and leading efforts to implement a new Equity Policy through the Student Experience and Equity committee. Paula also played a crucial role in the passage of a historic Public School Bond, promising transformational opportunities for future generations of students.

Above all, Paula's proudest title is "mom." Her oldest son, Hunter, serves as Military Police in the US Army, while her youngest son, Reign, is a student in OKCPS.

Email Lori Bowman

(405) 587-0444

The Honorable Lori Bowman
C/O OKCPS Board Services
PO Box 36609
OKC, OK 73136

Term of Office
    2025-2029 (elected)
    2021-2025 (elected)

Schools Represented
  • Horace Mann Elementary (Pre-K Center)
  • Johnson Elementary (Pre-K Center)
  • Britton Elementary
  • Monroe Elementary
  • Nichols Hills Enterprise Elementary
  • Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School 
  • Putnam Heights Academy (5-12)

Biography
Originally from Lawton, Oklahoma, Lori attended public schools and then received her undergraduate degree in English education from the University of Oklahoma.  She went on to earn her master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Lori spent 10 years in Washington D.C. where she served as education and health policy advisor to United States Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas.  She then worked at a boutique lobbying firm, Venn Strategies, and served as Director of Federal Government Affairs for Hospira, a publicly traded generic pharmaceutical company.

After Lori and her family relocated to Oklahoma City in 2012, she worked as Development and Community Relations Officer at Harold Hamm Diabetes Center at the University of Oklahoma where she was responsible for generating financial resources to support the center’s programming, raising awareness about diabetes and the center throughout Oklahoma, building strategic relationships in the community, and managing the Board of Advisors. 

Lori founded Bowman Strategies in 2018 to collaborate with nonprofit and governmental organizations, helping them to achieve their goals.  Lori works with clients on resource development, grant writing, project management, and board development.

Lori’s husband, Jeffrey, works at Ascent Resources and their children, Henry and Kate, attend Oklahoma City Public Schools.  She has been an active volunteer in PTA, at church, and in the community.  Lori was elected to the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education in April 2021 to serve District 2 and currently serves as Vice Chair.

Email Carole Thompson
(405) 587-0444

The Honorable Carole Thompson
C/O OKCPS Board Services
PO Box 36609
OKC, OK 73136

Term of Office
    2025-2029 (elected)
    2021-2025 (elected)

Schools Represented
  • Quail Creek Elementary
  • Ridgeview Elementary
  • John Marshall Middle School
  • John Marshall High School

 Email Jessica Cifuentes

 (405) 587-0444

 The Honorable Jessica Cifuentes
 C/O OKCPS Board Services
 PO Box 36609
 OKC, OK 73136

Term of Office:
 2024-2028 (elected)

Schools Represented
  • Adams Elementary
  • Buchanan Elementary
  • Kaiser Elementary
  • Mark Twain Elementary
  • Rockwood Elementary
  • Mary Golda Ross Middle School
  • Roosevelt Middle School
  • Emerson North High School

Biography
Jessica was raised in Oklahoma City, beginning her education journey at James Buchanan Elementary in District 3.  She attended ASTEC Charter Schools where her love of volunteerism, leadership and civic engagement flourished.  She attended Emory University next on the QuestBridge scholarship, a scholarship for low-income, minority, and first generation students, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in engineering sciences, materials science track, from the physics department and completed pre-health requirements.  At Emory, Jessica was heavily involved in research in physical chemistry and leadership in Undergraduate Research Programs. 

Since graduating from Emory, Jessica has taught math up to calculus I, worked with autistic children as a registered behavior technician, and has experience in leadership and mentorship in math and science.  Jessica is currently the personal assistant to Senator Michael Brooks Jimenez at his law firm, is teaching high school science part-time, and is working to complete phlebotomy and surgical technology certifications from Metro Technology Centers.  Jessica is the first Guatemalan elected to public office in the state of Oklahoma and aspires to become a surgeon one day.

Email Dana Meister

(405) 587-0444

The Honorable Dana Meister
C/O OKCPS Board Services
PO Box 36609
Oklahoma City, OK 73136

Term of Office
    2024-2028 (elected)

Schools Represented
  • Cleveland Elementary
  • Eugene Field Elementary
  • Hawthorne Elementary
  • Wilson Elementary
  • Classen School of Advanced Studies
        Middle School
  • Taft Middle School
  • Northwest Classen High School

Biography
Dana is married with two children, a daughter in-law and two granddaughters.  She graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a degree in Political Science.  Following 28 years teaching in public education, both in Altus and Midwest City, Oklahoma, she now manages Full Circle Bookstore. 

Email Mike Shelton
(405) 587-0444

The Honorable Mike Shelton
C/O OKCPS Board Services
PO Box 36609
OKC, OK 73136

Term of Office:
   2024-2026    (appointed)    

Schools Represented
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary
  • Thelma R. Parks Elementary
  • Rogers Middle School
  • Spencer Elementary
  • Willow Brook Elementary
  • FD Moon Middle School
  • Classen School of Advanced Studies High School at Northeast
  • Douglass High School
  • Star Spencer Middle School
  • Star Spencer High School
  • Extended Educational Services (EES) Pre-K thru 12  

Biography

Mike Shelton is a dedicated public servant and community leader with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. As a lifelong resident of Northeast Oklahoma City, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the betterment of his community. Shelton served as the State Representative for Oklahoma's District 97 from 2004 to 2016, where he engaged with community leaders, advocated for his constituents, and developed policy proposals. Following his tenure in the legislature, he held key roles such as Vice President of Business Development at RefiningUS, Inc., Director of Career Services at Metro Technology Centers, and currently serves as the Inter-Governmental and Community Liaison at Metro Technology Centers, where he has successfully spearheaded significant initiatives and secured substantial funding for educational programs.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mike Shelton is a dedicated family man and proud father of two amazing children. His extensive involvement in various organizations and community groups, including the Millwood Enrichment Foundation, the Oklahoma City Chamber Business Round Table, and the Oklahoma Adventure District, highlights his passion for community service and leadership. Shelton's efforts have been recognized through numerous awards, including the 2020 Career Service Department Innovation Award from Metro Technology Center and the 2017 Champion of Recovery Award from the Oklahoma Mental Health and Substance Abuse Department. His educational background includes a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Langston University.

Email Juan Lecona
(405) 587-0444

The Honorable Juan Lecona
C/O OKCPS Board Services
PO Box 36609
OKC, OK 73136

Term of Office:
    2023-2027 (elected)

Schools Represented
  • Arthur Elementary
  • Coolidge Elementary
  • Esperanza Elementary
  • Fillmore Elementary
  • Heronville Elementary
  • Hillcrest Elementary
  • Prairie Queen Elementary
  • Southern Hills Elementary
  • Van Buren Elementary
  • Jefferson Middle School
  • Emerson South Mid-High School  
  • U.S. Grant High School

Email Meg McElhaney
(405) 587-0444

The Honorable Meg McElhaney
C/O OKCPS Board Services
PO Box 36609
OKC, OK 73136

Terms of Office:
    2022-2026 (elected)
    2021-2022 (elected)
    2019-2021 (appointed)

Schools Represented
  • Adelaide Lee Elementary  
  • Bodine Elementary
  • Cesar Chavez Elementary
  • Hayes Elementary
  • Capitol Hill Middle School
  • Southeast Middle School
  • Webster Middle School
  • Wheeler Middle School
  • Capitol Hill High School
  • Southeast High School