FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2026
Miami, OK – Miami Public Schools is pleased to announce two leadership updates at Miami High School and Miami Junior High School. Brandon O’Field, who has led both campuses as interim principal since August, has been named principal. Longtime educator and coach Brian Mitchell will serve as interim dean of students, joining Dean of Students Rusty Mercer and Assistant Principal David Douthit on the MHS/MJHS administrative team.
O’Field Named Principal
Mr. O’Field joined Miami Public Schools at the start of the 2025-2026 school year as assistant principal for both schools. He brings about two decades of experience in education, leadership and student support. Before coming to Miami, he was Principal and Athletic Director at West Ridge Academy in Colorado and Dean of Students at Brighton Heritage Academy. Most recently he was District Administrator, Transportation Director and Co-Athletic Director at Salina Public Schools.
He holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Northern Colorado.
“Mr. O’Field has provided steady, dependable leadership to Miami High School and Miami Junior High School during a time of transition. We are grateful for his dedication to our students and staff, his commitment to our district, and his willingness to step into this important role,” said Superintendent Jill Douthit. “We look forward to the continued success of both schools under his leadership.”
Mitchell Named Interim Dean of Students
Mr. Mitchell will serve as interim dean of students alongside Dean of Students Rusty Mercer. He is in his 37th year in education and his fourth year at Miami Public Schools, where he has served as the Junior High Math Interventionist. He spent 32 years in Riverton, Kansas, as a teacher and coach, mostly teaching middle school and junior high math, before retiring and joining the Wardog family.
He has coached football, basketball, baseball and softball. His teams won a state championship in football and four state championships in softball, along with many top-four finishes.
Mitchell earned an associate degree from NEO, a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University.
Mitchell and his wife, Kim, have four grown children and three grandchildren. Their daughter Cheslyn McDonald also teaches for MPS at Washington Elementary. Outside school, he’s a big OU fan who loves time with his grandkids, going to sporting events, traveling and fishing.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. O’Field and welcoming Mr. Mitchell to his new role. Go Wardogs!