Moore school superintendent, Deborah Arato, has been named Oklahoma’s 2009-10 Superintendent of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators, officials with the organization announced this week.

Arato — one of 20 finalists across the state — was recognized during the OASA awards banquet at the group’s annual Summer Conference last week in Oklahoma City, said Steven Crawford, executive director of the organization.

“We congratulate Superintendent Debbie Arato for being selected the top administrator in the state by her colleagues,” Crawford said. “She represents the finest in her profession as a dedicated educational leader. She has been an excellent role model for school administrators across the state as well as among educators, students and parents in Moore School District.”

Arato said she was honored by the award.

“What we know about student needs and how to support learning and construct meaning has changed dynamically in the past few years,” she said. “It is of critical importance to children, families, and our state as a whole that professional educators stay sharp and constantly review our practices for effectiveness. For years, CCOSA has encouraged school administrators to continuously improve their knowledge and skills by providing ongoing professional development opportunities as well as a forum for collaboration, always placing students’ best interests at the forefront.”

Arato has served as superintendent of Moore Public Schools for five years. She has more than 35 years of experience in education.

Before being named superintendent in 2004, she served as assistant superintendent of the district from 1997 to 2004. She also served as an administrator of elementary education and professional development, assistant superintendent (curriculum and instruction K-12), principal at Meadowbrook, Northmoor and Fisher Elementary Schools; coordinator of Special Services and Gifted Education, and teacher at Highland East Junior High. She began her career in teaching in 1973.

As superintendent, Arato’s responsibilities include leadership and oversight of 30 schools in a district with more than 21,000 students and 2200 staff members.

Arato said her focus has been school reform through collaborative efforts of staff and community; school safety; improved curriculum and instruction and district-wide facility improvements, including the completion of a third high school.

Arato is active in several professional associations and civic organizations including Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration, Oklahoma Association of School Administrators, National Association of School Administrators, and United Suburban Schools Association. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Curriculum Improvement Commission.

Crawford said Arato is eligible for the national Superintendent of the Year competition.

She will be recognized for her state award at the American Association of School Administrators Conference on Education in Phoenix next February.