While applying to serve the Norman Public Schools Board of Education in 2014, I was asked what I believed. Over six years later my answer is the same, public schools are the future of everything!
All students deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams and desires. Public education is their foundation and upon which strong communities are built. This foundation unlocks the potential of the human spirit as teachers make the world a better place every day one child at a time.
I am always proudest of being on the school board during graduation. Seeing our kids off and knowing we have done everything in our power to give them the tools they need to be successful, reminds me how much I want to continue to serve them.
I believe strongly in all students and know how much we will be calling on this next generation in the days to come.
Thank you,
Dirk
There is no more important version of volunteer service than supporting public schools. The desire to serve the community, children, teachers and create the best future for all students is why I seek to continue on the Norman Public Schools Board of Education.
Every student deserves an equal opportunity to be prepared and inspired to achieve their full potential.
Every student deserves an equitable method to be prepared and inspired to achieve their full potential.
The foundation of my adult success is completely rooted in the primary, secondary, and higher public education I received in Oklahoma. It is imperative to support, to give back, and pay it forward for all of the incredible experiences generated through previous teachers, coaches, instructors, professors, mentors, volunteers, support staff, administration and sponsors.
My wife, Stephanie, is a product of a family dedicated to public education for over 130 years. Her parents are teachers, as are five other generations of her family.
I understand the sacrifices of time away from family, purchasing supplies from a personal savings account, struggling to reach kids who have suffered immense trauma or speak English as a second language, teaching to overcrowded classrooms all while smiling and creating a positive learning environment every day.
This makes serving on the board a personal mission. Together we can create a world-class setting for our teachers and students and continue to serve their interests in all we do.
Dirk and Stephanie have a 7th grader attending Alcott Middle School and will have two kindergarten students attending Monroe Elementary in the fall.
Bachelor of Arts in Letters, Minor in Economics, The University of Oklahoma
Masters in Business Administration, The University of Oklahoma
Juris Doctor, The University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma Bar Association #16707
• February 1999 – Present – Principal/Managing Partner Rambling Oaks Courtyard
Assisted livings and nursing care communities.
• August 2001 – Present – Principal/Manager NSC Solutions LLC
Small business solutions including payroll, A/R, A/P, risk management, human resources, insurance solutions, and legal consulting.
• March 2011 – Present – Principal, Member of the Board of Directors Valir Health-Post-acute healthcare company including physical rehabilitation hospital, hospice, physical therapy out-patient clinics, and supporting functions.
• June 2014 – December 2019 – Principal, Member of the Board of Directors Vision Health-Post-acute recovery centers specializing in rehabilitation.
• July 2015 – Present – Principal, Manager Tribute Memorial Care – Funeral home and crematorium.
• May 2020 – Present – Principal, Member of the Board of Directors Valir PACE – Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly providing healthcare to participants that are 55 and older who qualify for Medicaid.
• Previously owned and operated businesses in hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and addiction treatment.
• Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), Chairman’s Award, Champion for Seniors in Assisted Living.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, Past State Board Chair, Former Local Board Chair, Merger Task Force member, 50th Anniversary Gala Co-Chair with Stephanie, Champion of the Year Award
• Bridges of Norman Inc. Annual fundraiser – Prom King and Queen with Stephanie
• Harold Hamm Diabetes Center Board of Advisors, Board of Advisors, Former Chair and current member.
• McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, Member, and Administrative Council Member, served on Board of Trustees, Faith and Finance Committee, Community Outreach Team
• Norman Public Schools President, Board of Education, six years of service.
• OKCBusiness, Forty Under 40 2007.
• Oklahoma Assisted Living Association (OKALA), Former President, Vice-President and Legislative Chair.
• OU Medical Center Hospital Operations Council, Community Member.
• Valir PACE Foundation Secretary, Board of Directors.
Our family also supports the following:
Alcott PTA
Baby Blessings Ministry
Bethesda, Inc.
Center for Children & Families, Inc.
First United Methodist Church of Tuttle
Food & Shelter, Inc.
Full Circle Adult Day Center, Inc.
Junior League of Norman
Mary Abbott Children’s House, Inc.
Meals on Wheels of Norman, Inc.
Monroe PTA
Norman Arts Council
Norman Chamber of Commerce
Norman Public Schools Foundation
Norman Regional Hospital Foundation
Sooner Theatre of Norman, Inc.
The University of Tulsa, Canes Cares
The Virtue Center
Thunderbird Clubhouse
United Way of Norman
Wesley Foundation, The University of Oklahoma
Women’s Resource Center, Inc
There is nothing more important than our kids! I would like to know your thoughts about how we are doing at Norman Public Schools and how you think we can make things better. Just shoot me an email using the form below, or directly to info@dirkforkids.com.
I promise not to send too many!