Meet Our Principals

Mrs. Erin Frizzell is the proud principal of the Deer Creek Intermediate School. She first joined the Antler Family to help open DC45 in 2020 as an assistant principal. In 2023, she took the helm as the head principal of DC45 and remains the current principal at DCIS.

Before becoming a principal, Mrs. Frizzell taught kindergarten, first grade, second grade and PE/Health, and also worked as a school counselor. Mrs. Frizzell graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with her bachelors degree and from the University of Central Oklahoma with masters degrees in counseling and educational leadership.

Mrs. Frizzell became an educator because she has a passion and enthusiasm for making others feel safe, valued and loved. She has been married for 28 years, and is the proud mom of two boys. Outside of school, Mrs. Frizzell enjoys entertaining friends in her home, spending time outside with family and friends, being involved with her church and watching her boys play baseball. She loves to tell jokes and is happiest when she is laughing with those she loves. There is no DIY craft she will not attempt, and firmly believes a can of gold spray paint can change the world. You might not find anyone that loves Deer Creek quite as much as Mrs. Frizzell, but she encourages you to try! 

Mr. Jon Belt joined the DCIS team at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Mr. Belt has been in education for 17 years, serving as a principal for six years. His background is in teaching English-Language Arts and Gifted & Talented. He is a graduate of Eastern New Mexico University, University of Oklahoma and Southern Nazarene University. He chose a career in education because, "I wanted to contribute positively to my community, and I believe that being an educator is one of the most effective ways to do so." Outside of work, Mr. Belt enjoys reading, playing with his dogs, walking/running, playing chess and spending time with his family. Fun fact about Mr. Belt: He was inducted into the Broken Arrow High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017! 

Dr. Makenzie Gurss is a career educator who joined the DCIS team at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

Prior to becoming a principal, she taught fifth grade, was a reading specialist and an instructional coach. Dr. Gurss holds degrees from Emporia State University, University of Central Missouri, Baker University and Kansas State University.

When asked why she chose a career in education, she said, "It was never a question for me. I enjoy working with students and for me, that meant working in education." Outside of school, she enjoys spending time doing creative activities with her daughter and watching sports with her son. 

Mrs. Heather Flinton joined the DCIS team at the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Mrs. Flinton has been an Antler for over 25 years. Prior to becoming an administrator, she taught special education for seven years and worked as a school counselor for 21 years. She is a proud graduate of Oklahoma State University and University of Central Oklahoma. When asked why she chose a career in education, she said "I love kids....They will never bore you, often amaze you, continuously make you laugh, teach you more than you ever thought you could learn, open your eyes to new ideas and experiences, and leave you with some special memories." Outside of school, Mrs. Flinton enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and traveling to the ocean.