The Okmulgee Public Schools Board convened on Aug. 13, to discuss various critical issues as the new school year approaches. Superintendent Clay Vinyard provided significant updates regarding the district’s financial standing, staffing status, and newly implemented policies that will impact both students and faculty.

— Financial Overview: Budget

OPS will host free physicals Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 3:305:30 p.m. at Brock Gym. Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Shortfall & Loan Considerations

Superintendent Vinyard outlined the district’s challenging financial situation, noting a much lower-than-expected carryover of $146,000, a stark contrast to the anticipated $600,000 to $800,000. This shortfall has prompted the district to consider borrowing funds to cover operational costs until tax revenues are received in early 2025. Despite these financial challenges, Vinyard assured the board that the budget for the 2024-25 school year is right-sized, with significant reductions made in salaries and benefits to mitigate the impact.

— Staffing: Fully Staffed but with Caution In a positive turn, Vinyard announced that the district is fully staffed, with all teaching and support staff positions filled for the upcoming school year. This accomplishment was particularly challenging due to the tight labor market, and Vinyard credited the hard work of assistant superintendents and principals in ensuring every classroom is ready. However, he cautioned that some overstaffing might require adjustments in the second semester.

— Key Approvals & Discussions

• Consent Agenda: The board approved the minutes of the August 6 special meeting and the monthly encumbrances/ expenditures as listed.

School Rentals and Fundraisers: The board approved a rental request from the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority to use the wrestling room twice a month, and a fundraiser by the OHS Spirit Store to sell concessions and spirit wear to students, faculty, and the community.

• Employment and Resignations: The board discussed and approved several employment positions, including Kayla Gryder as a Pre-K teacher, and four new bus drivers, among others. The resignation of Tyler Patteson and a Teacher Assistant at the primary school were also accepted, with the latter position not being refilled due to overstaffing.

• New Policies: The meeting also included the approval of several new and updated board policies:

• Cell Phone Policy: A new policy was introduced requiring students in grades Pre-K through 8 to keep their devices turned off and stored away during school hours. High school students are also required to store their devices during class periods. This policy aims to reduce distractions and address the increasing issue of bullying via social media and texting.

• Graduation Requirements: Senate Bill 93, passed in 2023, now mandates that all high school students complete the FAFSA before their last semester to graduate. This new requirement reflects a broader push to ensure students are prepared for post-secondary education.

— Recognitions & Upcoming Events

Okmulgee FFA was recognized for earning a National Three-Star Chapter award for the third consecutive year. The board also highlighted upcoming events, including the Open House on Aug. 21, and the Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 26.

Okmulgee Public Schools students will return to class on Aug. 22.

For further details on the meeting or upcoming events, please visit the Okmulgee Public Schools website or contact the district office.

— Agenda items approved:

• Employment of FY25 Temporary Certified Staff: Kayla Gryder, Pre-K teacher.

• FY25 Temporary Support Staff: five individuals, including four new bus drivers and a U.S. History teacher at the middle school (pending emergency certification).

• FY25 Emergency Certification applications for Erin Heck (4th Grade) and Kenneth Davis (U.S. History).

• Loan Agreement between the General Fund and Child Nutrition Program for FY25.

• Transfer of funds between various activity fund projects, including the Golf and All Sports accounts.

• Activity Fund Project Renaming the OHS Life Skills project to OHS Spirit Store.

• Plan Time Purchase for Candi Padfield at the Primary School.

-The board approved updates and new policies as listed:

• Graduation Requirements (BPOL #3015): Updated to reflect new requirements under Senate Bill 93.

• Student Possession of Wireless Telecommunication Devices (BPOL #4014): New policy restricting cell phone use during school hours for grades Pre-K through 8, and during class time for high school students.

• Suspension, Termination, and Non-renewal of Teachers (BPOL #5033): Updated policies on teacher conduct and consequences.

• Support Personnel Suspension, Demotion, Non-renewal, or Termination (BPOL #7002): Policy revisions regarding non-certified staff.

• Moment of Silence and Voluntary Private Prayer (BPOL #8001): Policy updates to comply with state requirements.

— New Policies

• BPOL #5036: Standards of Performance and Conduct for Teachers.

• BPOL #8016: Prohibition of Race and Sex Discrimination in Curriculum and Complaint Process.