Oklahoma Union Public Schools Logo

OKU taps Alfred Gaches as incoming superintendent

Launch the media gallery 1 player

01.28.26 update

Members of the Oklahoma Union Board of Education unanimously approved the hire of Alfred Gaches as the district’s next superintendent during a special board meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28.  

Oklahoma Union Board President Mark Huntington said Gaches rose to the top of the applicant pool, because he has proven to be a leader who is focused on practicing strong financial stewardship, creating positive community bonds, and being an active member of his community. 

“Alfred is a compassionate leader whose honesty and integrity inspire those around him,” Huntington said. “He brings large and small school district experience with proven success in academic performance, athletics, communication, collaboration and overall district success. 

“We are excited to welcome him to the district family this summer and the bright future ahead for Oklahoma Union.” 

With 30 years in education, Gaches began his career in Oklahoma and New Mexico classrooms. He gained extensive experience in Oklahoma as an administrator at both small and large school districts, serving as the superintendent at Mason, Seminole, Mounds, Wynnewood and Schulter Public Schools. 

He moved to Texas in 2021, where he served as the executive director of operational services at Little Elm Independent School District in Little Elm, Texas before retiring in 2024.  

After spending time with his new grandchild, Gaches said he is ready to return to education and to the mantle of superintendent. 

Before retiring in 2024, Gaches was instrumental in passing a $298 million bond package in 2022, as well as working with the community to create a long-term strategic plan for the district.  

“I grew up in a small district, taught, coached and was an administrator in small districts, and I think it's just a more personal, quality environment,” Gaches said. “I love the aspect of getting to know people and getting to know them on a personal basis. 

“Kids are more than just numbers, and so when the Oklahoma Union position opened, I knew they were exactly the type of school where I could become a member of the district and community family.” 

Throughout his tenure as an administrator in Oklahoma and Texas, Gaches advocated for his districts through open, transparent communication with his communities, which helped in the development and implementation of multiple bond projects and new opportunities for students. 

As a superintendent committed to community engagement, Gaches has served as a member of multiple chambers of commerce, Rotary Clubs and other civic organizations in the communities in which he served as an educator.

“I never want a student to leave my district and say, ‘I wish we had had that,’ ” Gaches said. “I want to give our kids the best educational opportunities, whether that be through technology, curriculum or facilities. That's our role as educators to provide them the opportunity and the very best opportunity we can to help them be successful.” 

Huntington said Gaches will spend time during the next 100 days talking with faculty and staff, and community members. He will also be involved in decisions impacting the 2026-27 school year. 

Huntington said the community survey, which took place at the beginning gof the search process, played a crucial role in the interviews. Many of the questions asked of candidates came directly from the survey. He credited the board of education for their hard work in completing the task of hiring a new superintendent.