Two South OKC Natives Run for School Board Seat

Natalie Roman and Galilea Martinez aim to represent Latino community on Oklahoma City school board.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:44am

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Two young Latina candidates, Natalie Roman and Galilea Martinez, are running for an Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) school board seat representing the south side of the city. Both candidates were raised in the area and are positioning themselves as advocates for the local Latino community, with issues like immigration enforcement and access to education being key focuses of their campaigns.

Why it matters

The school board seat has historically been uncontested, but the growing Latino population in south Oklahoma City has driven increased political engagement and a desire for better representation of their community's needs and perspectives within the local education system.

The details

Roman and Martinez, both in their 20s, are running against each other for the OKCPS school board seat. Roman is a proud public school graduate, while Martinez has experience working with immigrant families and advocating for greater resources and support for English language learners. Both candidates have made immigration enforcement and its impact on students a central part of their platforms, calling for the district to take a stronger stance against cooperation with ICE.

  • The school board election is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Natalie Roman

A young Latina candidate running for the OKCPS school board seat representing south Oklahoma City.

Galilea Martinez

A young Latina candidate also running for the OKCPS school board seat representing south Oklahoma City.

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What they’re saying

“Our community deserves leaders who understand the unique challenges we face and will fight for the resources and support our students need to succeed.”

— Natalie Roman, School Board Candidate

“As a product of these schools, I know firsthand the difference a caring teacher and a well-funded program can make. That's the kind of change I want to bring to OKCPS.”

— Galilea Martinez, School Board Candidate

What’s next

The school board election is scheduled for June 2026, and both Roman and Martinez are expected to continue campaigning and engaging with the local community in the lead-up to the vote.

The takeaway

The race for this OKCPS school board seat highlights the growing political influence of the Latino community in south Oklahoma City and their desire for greater representation and responsiveness to their unique educational needs and concerns.