The Okmulgee Public School Board of Education met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, officially naming Clayton Vinyard as the next superintendent of Okmulgee Public Schools. However, the bulk of the meeting focused on the district’s efforts in STEM education, particularly the Aviation Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) program.

In recent years, the district has taken steps toward enhancing its STEM education by approving the implementation of an advanced aerospace program. During the board meeting, Superintendent Renee Dove introduced Paula Kedy to speak more about these efforts.

Kedy, a former district administrator, serves as the Aerospace and Aviation Education Coordinator for the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and has been instrumental in advancing aerospace education in Oklahoma schools. She shared her journey from initiating aerospace programs in Ada to leading statewide efforts.

Kedy noted that Oklahoma is now the national leader in schools teaching the AOPA High School Aerospace and Aviation curriculum, with 116 schools participating. Of the 116, Okmulgee High School was recognized as one of five Aviation High Schools of Excellence in the state.

“I just want you to help hold on to that idea. Hold on to these teachers who want to move forward with this. And I thank you for the opportunity. And I’m hopeful to continue the partnership with Okmulgee Public Schools,” said Kedy.

Two Okmulgee instructors, Tyler Jackson and Anthony Snow, also attended the recent AOPA training. Jackson shared his thoughts on the experience in a subsequent Facebook post:

“I never really dreamed that I would have the opportunity to not only do what I love most but also share that love with my students, and I know that each and every one of Oklahoma’s AOPA educators share that with me.”

Later, the board approved two policy updates, including detailed guidelines for school visitations and the use of metal detectors on campus. They also reauthorized lease agreements and supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year and approved an unspecified change regarding retirement benefits.

Luvona Copeland was designated as the authorized signee for all federal programs for FY25. The board also approved the following FY25 staff changes:

Support Staff:

• Tyler Jackson
• Earl Heck
• Destiny Followhill
• Gregory Richardson

Temporary Child Nutrition Staff:

• Linda Dawson
• Jennifer Lone

Temporary Certified Staff:

• Sally Mae Potter
• Sally Stephens
• Kelly Berry

Resignations:

• Nate Lewis
• Jalen Bevan
• Scott Bevan
• Sandra Coleman

Lastly, in a grand show of support for the outgoing superintendent, the board moved to name the new multipurpose storm shelter in honor of Renee Dove, recognizing her contributions to the district.