Shawnee Public Schools is proud to announce Levi Dobrinski as the new principal of Shawnee Middle School. A dedicated educational leader and proud third-generation Oklahoma educator, Dobrinski brings a passion for student growth, leadership, and innovative learning opportunities to the role.
Dobrinski began his career in the Putnam City School District as an orchestra teacher, where he quickly established himself as an innovative educator and leader in music education. In 2013, he was recognized as the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Young Music Educator of the Year. His commitment to educational excellence continued through his service on the Oklahoma State Department of Education executive committee that developed the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Fine Arts: Music in 2018.
Throughout his career, Dobrinski has contributed to statewide conversations surrounding teacher-leader effectiveness through advisory work with the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Most recently, he completed the Oklahoma Principal Leadership Institute through CCOSA as a member of the 2026 cohort.
For the past four years, Dobrinski has served as assistant principal at Shawnee Middle School, where he has played a key role in supporting students, staff, and families while helping expand opportunities for student success. One of those opportunities includes the ASPIRE program, an expanded learning program designed to support Shawnee students identified as Gifted and Talented.
“Levi has demonstrated a deep commitment to the students and families of Shawnee Public Schools,” said Dr. Jason James, Superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools. “His leadership, vision for student achievement, and dedication to building a positive school culture make him an excellent choice to lead Shawnee Middle School.”
Dobrinski’s leadership philosophy centers on fostering student achievement, building strong school culture, and creating innovative pathways for learning that prepare students for future success.
Outside of school leadership, Dobrinski remains connected to the Shawnee community. He and his wife are proud Shawnee residents and parents of two daughters who attend Shawnee Public Schools. He also enjoys performing music with the Shawnee Community Orchestra and previously taught in the Preparatory Department at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Dobrinski earned a Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to continue serving the students, staff, and families of Shawnee Middle School in this new role,” said Dobrinski. “As a proud Shawnee resident and a parent with two daughters in SPS, I look forward to continuing the work of building a culture of success for all students at SMS. They are the future of our community. Go Wolves!”