Wayne Schools welcomed  eight new staffers when the school opened for the 2026-27 school term.

New to Wayne this year are Stephanie Blankenship,  Sierra Ralls, Amber White, Joshua Ridgway, Mark Barrett, Joy Williams, Kim Bryant and Michael Olney.

Blankenship, who will be a paraprofessional, and her husband, Caleb, have three children.

“I have always enjoyed helping others,” Mrs. Blankenship said. “I want the opportunity to be able to teach and push the next generation to be the best they can be.”

Mrs. Blankenship raises Nigerian Dwarf Goats for dairy and showing.

Ralls is a Washington grad who earned a degree from Oklahoma State University.

She will teach Ag Ed in grades eight through 12.

“I want to make a difference in student’s lives,” Ralls said.

White and her husband, Jared, have three children.

She will teach high school science and has previously taught at Pauls Valley High School.

She is a graduate of Elmore City-Pernell and East Central University.

“We wanted a more tight knit community and a smaller school for our kids,” Mrs. White said.

Ridgway will teach algebra 2 and geometry.

He has earned degrees from both Tulsa University and the University of Oklahoma.

“I have a desire to explore new frontiers and instruct a new generation.

The Olneys have four children and a grandchild.

He will be in maintenance for the district and is a Preacher at the Wayne Church of Christ.

“I chose the position because the people I know who work with the school are great,” Olney said. “This job gives me the flexibility I need to continue preaching.”

Barrett is a former Wayne employee that has also coached and taught at Mooreland, Thackerville, Healdton and others.

He has three children and two deceased children.

He is a graduate of Weleetka Public Schools, who retired after 40 years in education.

He has taken a 1/2 a day position.

Williams and her husband have two grown sons.

She has 20 years of experience working with special education students.

She is a graduate of Castleberry High School in Texas and WGU.

Previously she taught childhood special education in Godley, Tex.

“I moved here in January to return to a small town experience my husband and I had as children. I’m super glad to be here,” she said.

Bryant and her husband, Doug, have two married children.

A graduate of Paoli High School and ECU, Bryant will teach elementary special education.

She has previously taught special ed and been a special ed director.

“After serving as both a director and teacher in my previous district, and after much prayer and reflection, I chose to return to full-time teaching so I could focus more directly on my students and the part of education I love most,” Bryant said.

“I have several friends who already work at Wayne who assured me it is a great place to work, which made the decision much easier.

“An added bonus is that this  position will allow me to spend more time with my family,” she concluded.