Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Rita Bunch

Stilwell

Summary

Dynamic educational leader with extensive experience as School Administrator, recognized for excellence in financial management and policy development. Achieved significant improvements in student achievement through strategic program coordination and robust community engagement. Committed to developing impactful educational initiatives that empower students while supporting faculty growth.

Overview

45
45
years of professional experience

Work History

Superintendent

Cherokee Nation
Tahlequah
07.2023 - 06.2025
  • Administered Bureau of Indian Education funded—Tribally operated school system.
  • Coordinated school functions with Cherokee Nation Tribal Administration and Cherokee Nation Education Services for seamless collaboration.
  • Directed daily school operations encompassing finances, personnel management, facility oversight, and student performance.
  • Managed residential program, facilities management, transportation and essential aspects of school operations.
  • Reported school activities to the school board and Cherokee Nation Tribal Council.
  • Managed efforts and promoted initiatives to strengthen connections among school, community members, and various stakeholders.

Superintendent

Zion Public School
Stilwell
07.2020 - 06.2022
  • Administer the school system.
  • Supervise all the operations and functions of the school, including finances, personnel matters, facilities and student achievement.
  • Assist the board of education in developing policy.
  • Coordinate programs and services to establish good communications between the school and the students, parents and community.

Self-contained Classroom Teacher-3rd Grade

King Cove Schools
King Cove
08.2018 - 06.2019
  • Promoted a supportive educational setting.
  • Created engaging learning experiences that promoted active involvement.
  • Assessed learning achievements through analyzing outcomes and making program modifications to enhance understanding.

State and Federal Programs Project Director/District Test Coordinator/Instructional Coach/School Counselor

Maryetta Public School
Stilwell
01.2013 - 08.2018
  • Directed day-to-day activities and services associated with state and federal grant projects.
  • Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
  • Negotiated with project stakeholders or suppliers to obtain resources or materials.
  • Monitored costs, timelines, and resources used to achieve key performance metrics.
  • Determined project schedules and maintained records.
  • Coordinated school-wide testing program.
  • Mentored teachers to improve academic outcomes.
  • Coordinated and provided academic counseling services to students.
  • Provided tech support and maintained devices.

Principal/School Counselor

Greasy Elementary School
Stilwell
08.2012 - 12.2012
  • Provided instructional leadership.
  • Planned and supervised curriculum.
  • Directed and hosted school functions.
  • Administered student discipline.
  • Assisted in the administration of the school.

Superintendent of Sequoyah Schools

Cherokee Nation
Tahlequah
09.2009 - 06.2012
  • Administered the school system.
  • Maintained oversight of the operations and functions of the school, including finances, personnel matters, facilities and student achievement and activities.
  • Developed school policy in coordination with the school board, faculty, parents, Bureau of Indian Education and Cherokee Nation Education Services.
  • Coordinated programs and services for bridging school and community.
  • Maintained the infrastructure for the development and integration of technology into the classrooms.
  • Supervised the submission of all required reports to the various agencies with oversight.
  • Collaborated with the state, federal and tribal agencies to foster support for the schools.

Director of Education Services

Cherokee Nation
Tahlequah
02.2008 - 09.2009
  • Provided leadership and direction for educational programming within the different departments of Education Services.
  • Represented the Group Leader of Education Services as appropriate for Cherokee Nation internal operations.
  • Promoted self-sufficiency through education initiatives for individuals, families and communities.

Principal

Maryetta Elementary School
Stilwell
01.2007 - 01.2008
  • Assisted in the administration of the school.
  • Conferred with parents and staff to discuss educational activities, policies and student behavior or learning problems.
  • Designed comprehensive plans for professional development activities that focused on improving teacher performance levels across all subject areas.
  • Provided instructional leadership.
  • Planned and supervised curriculum.
  • Directed and hosted school functions.
  • Administered student discipline.
  • Assisted in the administration of the school.

Superintendent

Watts Public Schools
Watts
01.2000 - 12.2006
  • Administered the school system.
  • Supervised all the operations and functions of the school, including finances, personnel matters, facilities and student achievement.
  • Assisted the board of education in developing policy.
  • Coordinated programs and services to establish good communications between the school and the students, parents and community.

Administrator/School Counselor/ Teacher

Watts Alternative Education Academy
Watts
10.1996 - 06.2000
  • Developed and implemented program design.
  • Directed school functions.
  • Supervised the curriculum and instruction.
  • Developed, executed, and reviewed various grant initiatives, including notable programs like Learn and Serve and Gear Up.
  • Coordinated with IT vendors to resolve technical issues and maintain computer systems.
  • Oversaw and managed budgets for the district.
  • Managed employee records, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
  • Assisted in the recruitment process, from posting job ads to organizing interviews and onboarding new hires.
  • Ensured that all paperwork was completed accurately before submission deadlines.
  • Provided technical assistance with computer hardware and software issues when needed.

School Counselor K-12

Watts Public Schools
Watts
01.1995 - 06.2000
  • Managed the academic and guidance-counseling program.
  • Created class schedules.
  • Completed graduation checks and transcripts.
  • Organized and hosted ACT and FAFSA Workshops.
  • Coordinated the school-testing program.
  • Sponsored Indian Heritage Club activities.
  • Acted as Administrative Representative for Special Education.
  • Contact Person for the School to Work program.
  • Coordinated and supervised the Advanced Placement (AP) program and the Drug Education program.
  • Assisted the Class Sponsors.
  • Other duties included: organizing community meetings, Health and Safety Fairs, College/Career Days and Open Houses.

Self-contained Classroom Teacher-3rd grade

Watts Public Schools
Watts
08.1990 - 06.1994
  • Adapted instructional materials to accommodate varying levels of ability within the same class.
  • Supervised students throughout the day, both in the classroom and outside during recess and other activities.
  • Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
  • Developed individualized education plans for students with special needs.
  • Collaborated with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists and school counselors.

Classroom Teacher K-8/Chapter 1 Math and Reading Teacher/Title IV Education Language Arts Teacher/Physical Education Teacher/Testing Coordinator

Maryetta Elementary School
Stilwell
01.1980 - 12.1990
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress and behavior.
  • Supervised students throughout the day, both in the classroom and during other activities.
  • Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
  • Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.

Education

Certification for Superintendent -

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK
05.1998

Certification for Secondary Principal -

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK
08.1996

Certification for Elementary Principal -

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK
08.1996

Masters of Science - School Counseling K-12

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK
07.1980

Bachelor of Science - Elementary and Business Education

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK
05.1978

Associate of Science -

Seminole Junior College
Seminole, OK
05.1975

Skills

  • Financial management
  • Policy development
  • Program coordination
  • Data analysis
  • Facilities management
  • Community relations

References

  • Mr. Gary Lamar, Ft Davis, TX, cell, (940) 736-9559, cell, (907) 386-6081
  • Mr. Travis Slaton, Westville, OK, cell, (479) 427-2333
  • Ms. Lori Means, Stilwell, OK, lmeans@maryetta.org, cell, (918) 797-0208

Timeline

Superintendent

Cherokee Nation
07.2023 - 06.2025

Superintendent

Zion Public School
07.2020 - 06.2022

Self-contained Classroom Teacher-3rd Grade

King Cove Schools
08.2018 - 06.2019

State and Federal Programs Project Director/District Test Coordinator/Instructional Coach/School Counselor

Maryetta Public School
01.2013 - 08.2018

Principal/School Counselor

Greasy Elementary School
08.2012 - 12.2012

Superintendent of Sequoyah Schools

Cherokee Nation
09.2009 - 06.2012

Director of Education Services

Cherokee Nation
02.2008 - 09.2009

Principal

Maryetta Elementary School
01.2007 - 01.2008

Superintendent

Watts Public Schools
01.2000 - 12.2006

Administrator/School Counselor/ Teacher

Watts Alternative Education Academy
10.1996 - 06.2000

School Counselor K-12

Watts Public Schools
01.1995 - 06.2000

Self-contained Classroom Teacher-3rd grade

Watts Public Schools
08.1990 - 06.1994

Classroom Teacher K-8/Chapter 1 Math and Reading Teacher/Title IV Education Language Arts Teacher/Physical Education Teacher/Testing Coordinator

Maryetta Elementary School
01.1980 - 12.1990

Certification for Superintendent -

Northeastern State University

Certification for Secondary Principal -

Northeastern State University

Certification for Elementary Principal -

Northeastern State University

Masters of Science - School Counseling K-12

Northeastern State University

Bachelor of Science - Elementary and Business Education

Northeastern State University

Associate of Science -

Seminole Junior College

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Rita Bunch