The superintendent of a network of rural charter schools that has a campus in Seminole was arrested over the weekend in Oklahoma County. According to Jailbirds magazine, Wren Hawthorne, 52, was arrested Saturday, May 31 on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. Hawthorne is Superintendent of the Academies of Oklahoma, which includes the Academy of Seminole (TAOS).

Hawthorne’s record with the Oklahoma State Courts Network includes multiple traffic-related offenses, including one last year that resulted in a bench warrant for his arrest. On May 3, 2024, Hawthorne was cited for running a red light on NW Expressway in Oklahoma City. The warrant was issued May 24, 2024 after he failed to appear in court. The court sought to have Hawthorne’s license suspended, but the case was ultimately listed as “disposed” with Hawthorne entering a plea of Nolo Contendere last August.

Hawthorne was named TAOS Head of School in May 2017 and became superintendent of the Academies of Oklahoma as the network of schools grew to include sites in Okmulgee and Blanchard. Prior to taking the position in Seminole, Hawthorne was Head of School at Stonebridge Academy, a private, independent academy he helped found in 2010.

The Academy of Seminole, founded by Paul Campbell, former CEO of Enviro, was approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Education in January 2017 and focused on classical and STEM education.