Lawton Schools Appoint 29-Year-Old Banker David Madigan III to Area 4 Board Seat

The Lawton Public Schools Board of Education has a new member, and he’s bringing a fresh perspective to the table. David Madigan III, a 29-year-old vice president at Sovereign Bank and a lifetime Lawton resident, was appointed to the Area 4 seat by a 4-0 vote. He fills the vacancy left when former board vice president Amanda McBride resigned unexpectedly last month.

Madigan isn’t viewing this as a short-term gig. He’ll serve until April 2027 but has already announced plans to run in the February 9 primary, with an April 6 runoff if needed. The winner would complete the remainder of McBride’s five-year term through early 2029. His connection to the district runs deep: his mother taught in Lawton Public Schools for 37 years, and he graduated from the system himself before earning his degree from Cameron University in 2020.

In the same meeting, the board approved one-time bonuses for district employees, up to $2,500 for certified staff and $1,750 for non-certified staff, totaling roughly $5.2 million. The board also set its 2027 meeting calendar, with all meetings on Mondays beginning January 11. What qualities do you want to see in the people making decisions about our local schools? Let us know in the comments.