Tonight, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education approved the hiring of Sydney Ward as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She will begin transitioning into this new role on November 18, 2024.

Currently serving as the Director of Budget and Federal Programs at Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS), Sydney has been instrumental in developing and monitoring the District’s financial strategy since 2012. In her current role, she prepares monthly financial reports for the Superintendent and Board of Education, provides comprehensive forecasting and analysis, and ensures strict adherence to State Department of Education standards and Oklahoma Cost Accounting System (OCAS) codes. 

Prior to her current position, Sydney served as Budget Manager at OKCPS, where she supported federal program management, financial reporting, and maintained compliance with state guidelines. Before joining the district, she held the role of Director of Grants and Budget for the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma, where she managed federal grants, produced monthly financial statements, administered payroll, and oversaw financial distributions to tribal members.

“On behalf of OKCPS, I am thrilled to welcome Sydney Ward as our new Chief Financial Officer. Sydney knows our district well and brings with her invaluable expertise in school finance, strategic planning, and financial integrity—qualities that will greatly support our mission to serve students, staff, and our community. We are fortunate to have her on our team,” said OKCPS Superintendent Dr. Jamie Polk.

Sydney earned her BBA in Accounting from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.