Okmulgee Public School students will no longer be wearing uniforms, following an update made to the dress code policy during Tuesday’s meeting of the school board.

The Okmulgee Board of Education convened for a special meeting to discuss and make decisions regarding the new school year, with classes beginning on Aug. 22, with new district superintendent, Clay Vinyard, at the helm.

Supt. Vinyard addressed the board on the updated policy which was done to make it much easier for families and students.

“I realized that there was a lot of work that went into the previous (policy), but I do believe that right now, our biggest goal is to is to try to get as many kids enrolled in our school,” Vinyard said. “I do think that making our school as attractive as possible to patrons and students, we looked at the surrounding districts dress code. We had more of a uniform policy that required specific colors and specific pants. What we’ve done, what I propose in this is or take away the restrictions on colors and pants to allow kids to wear whatever they choose to wear. We also made a change in the shoes.”

Also, a modification was made to hoodies and lengths of shorts/skirts: “So the second change we made was the outer- wear just being allowed in class, understanding that the hoods will not be on the head. And the last change we made, … was the old policy said shorts, dress and skirts must be six inches above the knee. We’re changing that verbiage to mid thigh, because bodies are different shapes and sizes – six foot three, six inches above your knee looks a lot different than five foot and so we want our kids to to to be able to feel comfortable and happy… We also want them to be non distractions to their classmates.”

Any style of hair and length would be acceptable, as long as it is not distracting or could cause problems or danger when participating in athletics.

A representative of McDonald’s and Associates was present to discuss with the board two resolutions to help in moving forward with the recent bond projects for district improvements.

The first Resolution authorized the leasing of certain real property to the Okmulgee County Educational Facilities Authority, and the second item approved a Sublease Agreement where the Okmulgee County Educational Facilities Authority will sublease certain real property and improvements to the district.

This action allows the district to receive their funds to begin their projects up front, saving on costs in the future, along with working on the various projects at the same time.

Plans are to start all the improvement projects following the completion of the football season.

Other agenda items approved were:

•Using OSSBA Superintendent Evaluation for FY25.

•Employment of FY25 Temporary Certified Staff: Britni Stewart, Eric Carnes, Richard Wells

•Employment of FY25 Temporary Support Staff: Ariel Swanagan (pending Emergency certification); Kendra Hollingsworth (pending Adjunct certification); and Tina Smith (pending Emergency certification)

•Employment of FY25 Temporary Adjunct Teachers: Walker Taylor, Tyler Jackson, David Wilson, Cordell Love (serving also as Athletic Director), and Clifton Harris.

•Employment of FY25 Temporary Substitute Teachers: Christopher Redeau, Sheri McCarty-Williams, Skyleen Willingham, Rochelle Pearson, Hailee Nail, and Sarah McIntyre.

•Employment of FY25 Temporary Lay Coaches: Brittany Howard Girls’ Basketball Adrian Annan Girls’ Basketball Chris Redeau Cheerleading Michael Jamerson Boys’ Basketball Alex James – Boys’ Basketball The board also accepted three resignations. Vinyard stated that leaves four openings that need to be filled before the start of the school year.

An adjustment was made to the start and end times at the district sites to accommodate the bus routes and staff members who may also be drivers: Okmulgee Primary – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dunbar School 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Okmulgee High School – 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Supt. Vinyard thanked the community for their support for the district, including Okmulgee Main Street, Harlan Ford (paper drive), and Casey’s for the donation of 40 cases of water for the upcoming Band Camp.

– Be sure to read an interview with the new superintendent in next week’s edition of the Times.