Shawnee Public Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of two key administrators following Monday’s Board of Education meeting. Dr. Stephen Haynes has been named the new principal for Sequoyah Elementary, and Amanda Teape Johnson has been appointed as the director of public relations.
Dr. Stephen Haynes - Principal, Sequoyah Elementary
Dr. Stephen Haynes, a distinguished educator with a comprehensive background in administration and leadership, brings a wealth of experience to Sequoyah Elementary.
“Dr. Haynes’s commitment to creating embedded community engagement opportunities, expanding shared leadership opportunities for staff, and strengthening family and school collaboration showed us he was an excellent choice to lead Sequoyah Elementary,” said Dr. Aaron Espolt, SPS superintendent.
Dr. Haynes graduated from Beggs Public Schools in 1997 and married his high school sweetheart, Sarah, in December 1999. He earned his bachelor of science in education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah in the winter of 2013 and began his teaching career with 5th and 6th grade students at Beggs Public Schools.
While teaching, Dr. Haynes pursued further education, obtaining his master of education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford. In the fall of 2018, he took on the role of PK-12 principal at Billings Public Schools. During his tenure at Billings, Dr. Haynes earned his doctor of education administration and leadership degree from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany in 2021. Most recently, he served as the middle school principal at Okemah Public Schools, where he relocated with his family in the summer of 2022.
Dr. Haynes and his family, which includes his son Ty, who graduated from Okemah High School in 2024 and will attend Oklahoma Baptist University this fall, are excited to join the Shawnee Public Schools community.
Amanda Teape Johnson - Director of Public Relations
Amanda Teape Johnson, a native of Shawnee, brings a strong commitment to community engagement and strategic communication to her new role as director of public relations.
“Amanda has been an essential community partner with Shawnee Public Schools for several years,” Dr. Espolt said. “She is committed to making our community the choice for families to live, work, and thrive. Her wealth of experience and love of Shawnee make her an excellent addition to the SPS family.”
Johnson returned to Shawnee to attend Oklahoma Baptist University, where she graduated with a degree in strategic communications in 2010. Over the past five years, she has been a key player at First United Bank of Shawnee, where she built connections with local businesses, individuals, and non-profits through various organizations and campaigns.
Johnson is deeply passionate about the Shawnee community, evidenced by her involvement as vice chair for the Community Market of Pottawatomie County, co-chair for the Pottawatomie Go’s Built Environment Committee, and as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Shawnee. Her dedication has been recognized with accolades such as The Journal Record’s 50 Women Making a Difference, the Shawnee Forward Pierre Taron, Jr., Leadership Award, and an OBU Alumni Profile in Excellence.
Shawnee Public Schools is thrilled to welcome Dr. Stephen Haynes and Amanda Teape Johnson to their new positions and looks forward to their contributions in fostering a thriving educational environment and strengthening community ties.