Rob Miller, Jenks, OK (2026)

04/02/2026

I am proud to share that my great friend and colleague, Robert Franklin, has officially entered the race for Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Education. He has my full and enthusiastic support.

For those of us who have spent our lives in the hallways of our schools, we know leadership is not about a title. It is about a deep understanding of the students, teachers, and families we serve. Robert is the definition of a consummate professional.

With 44 years in education, he has seen our system from every angle. He has served as a classroom teacher, a high school principal, an assistant superintendent in Sand Springs, and associate superintendent at Tulsa Tech. He is also a recent inductee into the Oklahoma Educators’ Hall of Fame, an honor that has only been bestowed on 111 educators since its inception in 1984.

What sets Robert apart is his heart for students, especially those who need us the most. More than 40 years ago, he co-founded the Make Promises Happen Foundation, which continues to provide life-changing experiences for individuals with special needs. That is not a campaign talking point. It is a lifelong commitment to making sure every student has a place to belong and a chance to thrive.

His leadership as chair of the Oklahoma Virtual Charter School Board, especially during some very challenging moments, showed that he is steady, thoughtful, and grounded in accountability and excellence.

There is real urgency right now. We need a superintendent who does not need a learning curve. We need someone who already has the experience and judgment to lead the Oklahoma State Department of Education on day one.

I encourage you to visit voterobertfranklin.com, do your own research, and take a close look at his career. You can also follow his campaign page, Vote Robert Franklin, for updates and positions on key education issues.

If you want a leader who will put the focus back where it belongs, on our kids and the professionals who serve them, I ask you to join me in supporting Robert Franklin.

Our students only get one shot at a great education.

Let’s not waste it.

02/25/2026

Exactly one year ago today, I traveled to the State Capitol to begin a journey I believed would lead to serving Oklahoma as State Superintendent. I could not have imagined then how much life would change in twelve short months. Sadly, today I am announcing that I am ending my campaign.

In the few weeks since Anna’s passing, I have been surrounded by extraordinary love and encouragement. I am deeply grateful for the many friends and supporters who have reached out with kindness, prayers, and support.

However, I know in my heart that I cannot refocus the energy and attention that a demanding statewide campaign requires while my family and I are still navigating such a profound and sudden loss.

This is not an easy decision. I know many of you believed in this effort, invested in it, prayed over it, and were ready to walk this road with me. I will always be grateful for that trust. Oklahoma’s children matter too much to make this decision lightly.

Life has a way of turning us onto paths we did not expect. Right now, my path is one of healing - tending to my spirit, caring for my family, and finding steady ground again.

But hear this clearly: I am not stepping away from public education.

I will continue to advocate for strong public schools. I will continue to speak for teachers and students. I will continue to stand for leadership that puts kids over politics. That calling did not end with this campaign.

Regarding the campaign’s next steps, all funds and obligations will be handled in strict accordance with Oklahoma ethics guidelines. This includes settling all campaign debts and, where possible, returning surplus funds.

For now, I need time - time to grieve well, time to heal fully, and time to ensure that whatever comes next is entered with clarity, strength, and purpose.

Thank you for your belief in me. Thank you for your grace and kindness during these weeks. And thank you for continuing to care about our children's future.

With gratitude,

Rob

02/15/2026

It’s hard to believe it has been two weeks since Anna passed away. These have been some of the heaviest days of my life. Grief comes in waves - sometimes quietly, sometimes all at once - and I’m learning to navigate this loss one day at a time.

I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for the incredible outpouring of support, prayers, messages, and encouragement I’ve received. I have read more notes, cards, notifications, and texts than I could ever respond to individually, and I want you to know how much they have meant to me. Your kindness has reminded me how blessed I am to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and supporters.

I am okay, not because this is easy or because the sadness is gone, but because of faith, friendship, and the steady presence of people who care. There are moments of deep sorrow, but also moments of peace and gratitude for the years Anna and I shared together.

One verse that continues to give me comfort is Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Thank you for continuing to keep me in your prayers. I am taking things slowly, focusing on healing, and trusting God to guide the next steps when the time is right.

Gratefully,

Rob

02/02/2026

Friends, it is with a shattered heart that I share that my beloved wife of 32 years, Anna, passed away suddenly last night at home from an apparent heart attack.

We are still trying to find our footing after this unexpected loss. I am surrounded by family and grateful for their love and support. Anna (Mimi) was deeply loved, and our family is thankful for your prayers and kindness during this difficult time.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we begin this journey of grief.

Rob

Update 2/4: Thank you all for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and support over the last few days. While I am unable to respond to every message personally right now, please know that I have read every one. Your words have been a source of great comfort to our family during this time of profound grief.

02/01/2026

It was a long week of snow and distance learning in Oklahoma. But if one thing is certain, it’s that our teachers don’t stop just because the school doors are closed. They are the heart of our communities - guiding our kids through the storms and celebrating with them when the sun returns.

Inspired by Paul Harvey’s iconic "God Made a Farmer," I’d like to share this tribute to the shepherds of our classrooms. Special thanks to my friend Wesley Richardson (bigrichcontent) for the technical assistance.

To our educators: We see you. Tag a teacher who has made a difference in your life! 🙏

01/27/2026

What a gift today was - a full snow day with our grandkids filled with sledding, games, baking, and arts and crafts. ❄️🎨🛷

Since they have distance learning tomorrow, we’re lucky enough to get another day together.

Stay safe, enjoy these moments, and make the memories count… and be glad you’re not walking to school the way I had to.

Whenever I tell the grandkids that I used to walk to school uphill both ways, in a blizzard, while being stalked by a saber-tooth tiger, they just laugh and say, “Sure you did, Poppie…”

So I had to dig up a little “proof” to show them. 😄

Your turn. What’s the funniest “back in my day” story your grandparents ever told you? I’d love to hear it in the comments.

01/23/2026

Last night, I was deeply honored and humbled to have been named the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA) Administrator of the Year for 2025-2026.

While my name is on this plaque, this recognition is truly a testament to the incredible Fine Arts team at Bixby Public Schools. As many of my colleagues know, I don’t possess much measurable musical talent myself - I’m much better at "shaking a cowbell" than keeping a complex beat! But you don’t have to be a virtuoso to be inspired by the power of music.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve found that my greatest fulfillment comes from watching the joy on the faces of our students when they perform. Music gives our children a way to find their voice, build community, and experience a level of connection that we need now more than ever.

In every corner of Oklahoma, from our smallest towns to our largest districts, supporting fine arts is not an "extra," it is essential. These programs are where many students find their "why."

To the thousands of music educators across our state: thank you for the long hours, the bus rides, the rehearsals, and for bringing so much joy to our world. I am proud to be your advocate.

(Image: Proud to stand with my former Bixby colleagues L-R: Melissa Kannady, North Elem; Jeremy Parker, Director of Bands and Fine Arts; Brent Baldwin, Bixby MS and HS Band Director; and Pam Stevenson, East Elem)

01/20/2026

What are we actually preparing our kids for? 🤔

The truth is, many of the jobs our students will have in ten years haven't even been invented yet. If we only teach them how to pass a specific test or get into a specific college, we’ve only done half the job.

I believe the "best education" is one that leaves a student hungry for more knowledge. When we teach students how to learn, we give them a tool that never expires.

01/19/2026

Preparing students to think for themselves and lead with integrity is how we secure Oklahoma’s future.

01/17/2026

Saturday mornings are a good time to reflect.

This photo was taken at the summit of Mt. Katahdin, the northern end of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. It wasn’t easy to get there - and that’s kind of the point. I’ve always been drawn to challenges, the outdoors, and experiences that create lasting memories.

Education leadership is a lot like hiking on the AT. The climb can be steep. The weather isn’t always predictable. And progress doesn’t come from shortcuts, it comes from preparation, perseverance, and putting one foot in front of the other.

I believe Oklahoma’s schools deserve steady, experienced leadership that understands the long climb and stays focused on the summit: doing what’s best for kids.

Wishing you a great Saturday.

01/15/2026

January is National School Board Appreciation Month, and I find myself reflecting on my seven years as Superintendent at Bixby. I was incredibly blessed to work alongside dedicated and knowledgeable board members who truly understood their roles as community stewards.

These individuals are unpaid volunteers, yet they carry the weight of their community’s future on their shoulders. I saw them as true partners in building a vision rooted in high expectations, trust, and consistency. Most importantly, they remained relentlessly student-centered in every decision.

To all past and present school board members: Thank you for your service, your late nights, and your unwavering commitment to our children. Our schools are stronger because of you. 🍎✨

I encourage you to take a moment this month to reach out to your local school board members. Whether it’s a quick email, a note of thanks, or a shout-out here, let’s make sure these community servants know how much we appreciate their dedication to our students.

Rob Miller

04/02/2026

02/25/2026

02/15/2026

02/02/2026

02/01/2026

01/27/2026

01/23/2026

01/20/2026

01/19/2026

01/17/2026

01/15/2026

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