VYPE: When did you step into the role of Superintendent at Catoosa Public Schools?

Schornick:  I began this journey in the fall of 2021. It has truly been a great ride so far, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Catoosa Public Schools.

VYPE: What positions did you hold before becoming Superintendent?

Schornick:  Prior to joining Catoosa Public Schools, I served as an Area Superintendent for Tulsa Public Schools. Before that, I was the high school principal at Oologah, a role that helped shape my passion for school leadership and student success.

VYPE: What do you find most fulfilling about serving as Superintendent of Catoosa Public Schools?

Schornick:  I am amazed daily by the genuine transformation taking place across our district. While there are still areas for growth within our Continuous Strategic Improvement Plan, we are making steady, meaningful progress in providing first-class opportunities for our students, and that is incredibly fulfilling.

VYPE: Was there a mentor or influential person who guided you throughout your career?

Schornick:  Absolutely. One individual who often comes to mind is the late Keith Ballard. He served relentlessly and always cared about what mattered most – people. My father-in-law has also been a tremendous mentor. After serving as a superintendent for 32 years, his insight and wisdom in district leadership have been invaluable. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention Rick Thomas, retired superintendent from Skiatook. His trust in me to take the helm at Oologah High School is something I will never forget.

VYPE: What do you consider the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Schornick:  I operate from a “GET TO” mentality, not an “I HAVE TO” mentality. I get to work alongside some truly amazing educators and leaders at Catoosa Public Schools. We are collectively striving to enhance teaching and learning for our students, and doing that work together as a team makes this role incredibly rewarding.

VYPE: What message would you like to share with the students at Catoosa High School?

Schornick:  First, bet on you. Throughout your life, you’ll encounter experiences and people that may cause you to second-guess yourself. Trust that the people who have supported you – your parents, family, loved ones, and teachers have prepared you well for the world. Trust yourself, stay grounded in who you are, and bet on yourself every time. Next, have a plan. There’s no ICAP for life, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan ahead. You don’t need to map out the next 50 years, but think about where you want to be in five years, create a plan, and then plan the next five when you get there. Lastly, Pay it forward. Find ways to pass on all the time, care, and love that was invested in you. Be a force for good. Be someone others can count on. Be the person who continues to make Catoosa Public Schools proud long after you cross the stage.

VYPE: How do you envision the future of education at Catoosa Public Schools?

Schornick:  Catoosa Public Schools is truly a hidden jewel in Northeast Oklahoma, and I wholeheartedly believe we are on the right path toward even greater success. Our students are given countless opportunities to thrive both while they’re in school and long after they walk across that stage. I’ve witnessed some of the most remarkably resilient learners and educators at CPS, and I know that will continue. Our transformation is very much a work in progress, but we are leaning into it – learning, growing, and steadily strengthening our culture across academics, athletics, and the arts. The sky truly is the limit.

VYPE: When did you step into the role of Superintendent at Catoosa Public Schools?

Schornick:  I began this journey in the fall of 2021. It has truly been a great ride so far, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Catoosa Public Schools.

VYPE: What positions did you hold before becoming Superintendent?

Schornick:  Prior to joining Catoosa Public Schools, I served as an Area Superintendent for Tulsa Public Schools. Before that, I was the high school principal at Oologah, a role that helped shape my passion for school leadership and student success.

VYPE: What do you find most fulfilling about serving as Superintendent of Catoosa Public Schools?

Schornick:  I am amazed daily by the genuine transformation taking place across our district. While there are still areas for growth within our Continuous Strategic Improvement Plan, we are making steady, meaningful progress in providing first-class opportunities for our students, and that is incredibly fulfilling.

VYPE: Was there a mentor or influential person who guided you throughout your career?

Schornick:  Absolutely. One individual who often comes to mind is the late Keith Ballard. He served relentlessly and always cared about what mattered most – people. My father-in-law has also been a tremendous mentor. After serving as a superintendent for 32 years, his insight and wisdom in district leadership have been invaluable. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention Rick Thomas, retired superintendent from Skiatook. His trust in me to take the helm at Oologah High School is something I will never forget.

VYPE: What do you consider the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Schornick:  I operate from a “GET TO” mentality, not an “I HAVE TO” mentality. I get to work alongside some truly amazing educators and leaders at Catoosa Public Schools. We are collectively striving to enhance teaching and learning for our students, and doing that work together as a team makes this role incredibly rewarding.

VYPE: What message would you like to share with the students at Catoosa High School?

Schornick:  First, bet on you. Throughout your life, you’ll encounter experiences and people that may cause you to second-guess yourself. Trust that the people who have supported you – your parents, family, loved ones, and teachers have prepared you well for the world. Trust yourself, stay grounded in who you are, and bet on yourself every time. Next, have a plan. There’s no ICAP for life, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan ahead. You don’t need to map out the next 50 years, but think about where you want to be in five years, create a plan, and then plan the next five when you get there. Lastly, Pay it forward. Find ways to pass on all the time, care, and love that was invested in you. Be a force for good. Be someone others can count on. Be the person who continues to make Catoosa Public Schools proud long after you cross the stage.

VYPE: How do you envision the future of education at Catoosa Public Schools?

Schornick:  Catoosa Public Schools is truly a hidden jewel in Northeast Oklahoma, and I wholeheartedly believe we are on the right path toward even greater success. Our students are given countless opportunities to thrive both while they’re in school and long after they walk across that stage. I’ve witnessed some of the most remarkably resilient learners and educators at CPS, and I know that will continue. Our transformation is very much a work in progress, but we are leaning into it – learning, growing, and steadily strengthening our culture across academics, athletics, and the arts. The sky truly is the limit.