Facility usage policy changes discussed
Okmulgee School board held a special meeting on Tuesday, where they heard comments from the public regarding Facility Usage Policy #2008. The policy, last updated in June 2017, shows an increase in rent prices for campus facilities like Harmon Stadium, Bateman Park, the high school auditorium, as well as school dining areas, and classrooms.
There were 21 minutes allotted for public speaking, with each person having no more than three minutes to speak. Two community members, Collis Jones and RaeAnn Wilson, each spoke in defense of the existing “partnership” between the school and the Okmulgee Junior Football (OJF) program. A partnership that Collis says has existed for 32 years.
“If the policy is a hindrance,” Jones said, “then I would ask that the board reconsider.”
OPS Board President Rod Wiemer assured them both that the OJF program’s 501c3 status means that the rate changes would not affect the OJF program, saying, “You understand that because OJF is a 501c3, the changes to the policy do not affect OJF.”
The policy itself also states that “The superintendent and school board reserve the right to allow groups or organizations to use facilities at no cost.”
Also at the meeting: The board approved the employment of teachers and staff for the summer, as well as for the new fiscal year. They also approved the resignations and retirements of a number of certified and support staff.
During this, board member Vickie Jones inquired about the recent shifts in teacher placements across Okmulgee campuses. She asked if there would be a separate vote to approve where newly hired teachers and staff would be placed.
“No,” Superintendent Dove said in response. “That’s [the] day-to-day operations of the superintendent.”
“We just do the hiring, she does the assignment,” Wiemer said.
Jones went on to vocalize her concerns about students being in classrooms with uncertified teachers, saying “If you are going to be in that position, then you need to be qualified for that position.”
Superintendent Dove mentioned the nationwide teacher shortage was a contributing factor. She also said that many of the open positions are listed online, with more to be posted in the coming days.
“I will however do my very best to put certified staff in every classroom,” she said. “The State knows this, that’s why they’ve given us emergency certification. They’ve also given us adjunct [certification].”
Near the end of the meeting, Superintendent Dove gave an update on a few of the summer activities. She mentioned that the summer food program has already been feeding over 250 kids per day, and buildings are being cleaned out in preparation for the new school year.
The meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.
