Lawton Public Schools Superintendent Heim to retire at end of school year

Superintendent Heim announced on the district podcast that he will retire at the end of this school year, and said he made the decision to give the Board of Education time to conduct a search and ensure a smooth transition.

Heim said the timing was deliberate: announcing early allows the incoming leader to participate in decisions that typically fall in February and March for the next school year. “I truly have the best job. I I love my job,” he said during the podcast.

Heim told listeners he plans to spend more time with family, noting he has seven grandchildren and will be 62 in May. He said he told the board of his decision on June 30 and that he will remain available to the district by phone during the transition. He asked the board to use the time to perform a thorough search and to bring a successor up to speed on decisions that affect the 2026–27 school year.

The announcement was presented on the district's regular podcast rather than during an open board meeting; Heim described the timing as intended to allow the board and incoming superintendent input on spring decisions. He did not specify a last working date beyond “the end of this school year.”