Dr. Robert Romines Announces Retirement

MOORE, Ok., Aug. 11, 2026 ­— Yesterday, after 34 years of service to the Moore Public Schools district, Dr. Robert Romines formally submitted his letter of resignation during the Board of Education meeting. He announced he will retire at the end of this school year, effective June 30, 2027. The MPS Board of Education accepted his resignation and sincerely thanked him for his leadership as superintendent over the last 13 years. 

MPS Board of Education Pres. Staci Pruett said, “Dr. Romines has guided our students, staff, and community through multiple, complex and challenging crises with courage, compassion and strength. His vision for our students has expanded opportunities by developing college and career readiness centers, helping prepare our graduates not simply to leave high school, but to succeed in the world beyond it.

“Under his leadership, our community successfully passed major bond issues that have strengthened the foundation of our schools and positioned our district for a strong and bright future.”

Romines said, “When I walked through the doors of MPS for the first time as an educator all those years ago, I never could have imagined just how deeply this community would shape my life and career. This has never felt like just a job to me; it has been a calling and I am honored to have had the opportunity to accomplish so much in the best school district in Oklahoma.”

Romines is a 1988 graduate of Moore High School. After earning his teaching degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, he worked as a teacher, an assistant principal and as a principal before joining the administrative team. While there, he worked as the assistant superintendent of elementary education and later as the assistant superintendent of HR. He was the 2017 recipient of the Medal for Excellence by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence in Education. He was named superintendent of schools in 2013. Most recently, Romines was named to the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame and will be inducted on Oct. 30. 

Over the years, he collaborated with his administrative team and led MPS to positive results through decisions on facility growth, enhanced STEM-based programs, technology in the classroom and now, the student and employee culture and growth program, Leader in Me. He started the annual Moore Love philanthropic campaign in 2018 and the Superintendent Leadership Academy. He also oversaw multiple bond initiatives that secured the facilities growth needed at the three MPS high schools and six junior highs and building and safety enhancements at the 25 elementary schools. Romines was also an anchor for the district and community, navigating multiple tragedies while leading the way with compassion for students and families.

Also during the board meeting, Deputy Superintendent of HR Michelle McNear was approved as the next MPS superintendent of schools, effective July 1, 2027.

McNear said, “I am truly honored and humbled to be named the next Superintendent of Moore Public Schools. Moore is more than a school district to me. It is the community that helped raise me and has been my home for the past 30 years. Along this journey, I have been blessed by incredible educators, colleagues, students, and families who invested in me, encouraged me, and helped shape the person I am today."

Pruett said, "On behalf of the Moore Public Schools Board of Education, we are excited to welcome Michelle McNear as our incoming Superintendent beginning the 2027-2028 school year. Ms. McNear has over 20 years of administrative leadership and we are confident in her leadership skills and dedication to our students and staff. We look forward to her vision and leadership for our future."

“Looking back, I never could have imagined where this path would lead, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the district I love in this role. My hope is that, just as so many people poured into my life, I have been able to make a positive impact on others along the way. I am excited to continue serving this community and building on the strong tradition that makes Moore such a special place,” said McNear.

McNear’s entire career has been built while serving MPS students and families, starting in November 1996. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and a Master of Behavioral Studies from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She began her career as a physical education teacher at MPS’s Northmoor Elementary, then served as a school counselor at Central Elementary and Moore High School. She transitioned to administration and served as an assistant principal and later as a principal, during which time she led her staff in earning recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2013 from the U.S. Department of Education.

She joined the MPS administrative team as director of elementary education in 2013, before the title changed to assistant superintendent of elementary education. Afterward, she moved into the deputy superintendent of human resources role. She has been a constant advocate for students and families, closely assisting Romines while navigating difficulties like the May 20, 2013, tornado and the Moore High cross-country tragedy in 2020. McNear is passionate about mental health and by working through those challenges and more, she played a vital role in developing the now 16-strong mental health team and program that serves MPS’s 23,000 students and approximately 3,000 employees.

She was also the driving force behind a solution that helped MPS teen parents stay in school and finish their diplomas. The MPS Child Development Center opened in January 2026 and is available to MPS employees at a reduced rate and to MPS students free of charge. This program allows MPS teen parents to complete high school and experience traditional milestones, knowing their children are receiving the best care.

McNear said, “My vision for Moore is that every student and every family has the opportunity, support and the encouragement needed to find their own path to success. Moore already provides tremendous opportunities for students, and I look forward to building on that foundation while continuing to strengthen academics, support student well-being and invest in our outstanding employees.

What makes Moore truly special is its people and the family atmosphere that exists across our district. I believe every member of our team plays an important role in student success. By keeping relationships at the center of our work and focusing on the needs of our students, I am confident we can continue to grow, achieve and create even more opportunities for future generations of Moore students.”

In 2017, McNear was named one of Cleveland County Lifestyle’s Big 12 Women of Influence. She has been actively involved in professional organizations and has contributed to city and state boards and steering committees, helping advance positive outcomes for the broader community. 

About Moore Public Schools

For over 100 years, Moore Public Schools has remained a leader in academic excellence. As Oklahoma's fourth-largest public school district (FY26), we serve 23,000 students and their families within Moore and south Oklahoma City. Our vision is Shaping Today’s Students into Tomorrow’s Leaders. Annually, we celebrate MPS National Merit Finalists and Scholars, academic all-state students, their innumerable scholarships and awards, and we compete for 6A athletics titles. Our superior fine arts, STEM, and CareerTech options, coupled with our incredible staff, develop MPS students into young adults of character and resilience, prepared for life after graduation. Learn more at www.mooreschools.com.

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