Fred Rhodes is hired as Putnam City school district's superintendent

“Both districts attract people with high expectations of their school system,” he said. “Both are progressive. I'm thrilled about the recent technology bond that passed. Demographically, the districts aren't much different. Both have strong support from parents.”

Rhodes acknowledged that the new state core education requirements and the consistent funding shortage will continue to be a challenge.

“Every district is going to face funding issues, and we have some major concerns about that for the future,” he said. “It takes funding to implement those changes, and we are very concerned about that moving forward.”

Rhodes holds a doctorate in educational administration from Oklahoma State University, a master's degree in counseling psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Oklahoma Christian University, according to a news release from the school district.

During his tenure at Will Rogers Elementary, the school received the prestigious Blue Ribbon School Award from the U.S. Department of Education.