The spotlight was Okmulgee High School Principal Amanda Thomas at Tuesday’s regular school board meeting, as she highlighted the achievements and school spirit of her students and staff.
Principal Thomas, along with high school students Juelz Ross, Emma Mitchell, Brylee Edlin, Talia Rice and LeAundre Delonia, shared (via video message) positive experiences from the first semester.
Ross was commended for his consistent hard work and success in the school’s work-study program. Mitchell and Edwin spoke about football games, pep rallies, and softball events. Rice highlighted the strong sense of community and school pride at OHS, emphasizing the dedication of staff and their positive impact on students. Delonia shared his journey of overcoming personal challenges, his faith and his involvement in organizations like the academic team, student council and FFA as foundations for his future success.
Margaret Hess, President of the Okmulgee Education Foundation (OEF), also provided updates on the nonprofit’s initiatives. She highlighted the OEF’s PAWS mentoring program, which partners with the local YMCA’s GO program to connect community volunteers with elementary students. Hess announced plans to pair 75 volunteers with 75 students and encouraged community members to volunteer.
Hess added that the OEF has awarded $21,000 in classroom teacher grants this school year. She also promoted the 6th Annual DodgeBrawl Tournament hosted by Neal’s Furniture. The event, set for Saturday from 5-9 p.m. at the Brock Gymnasium, continues to help provide beneficial resources to teachers and staff.
Also, the board approved all consent agenda items, including monthly expenditures and minutes from the Oct. 8 and Nov. 6 meetings.
A rental request by the Okmulgee Junior Football Association for use of the Dunbar School cafeteria for their annual banquet on Nov. 23 was approved on the condition that either a paid child nutrition worker is present or a qualified employee volunteers to cover the shift.
Three fundraising activities were also approved: Spirit posters for the OHS Yearbook, a raffle for the Tipin Club, and a Snow Ball dance organized by the OHS Student Council. Additionally, the board approved early graduation for two seniors.
The board discussed an offer to surplus a property commonly referred to as the Emerson Building. After considering an initial $30,000 bid, board members decided to list the property on a commercial real estate platform for 90 days to attract more competitive offers.
An agreement with CREOKS, an organization providing behavioral support services, was approved. This partnership will place a behavioral specialist at Okmulgee Elementary School.
In employee matters, adjunct teacher certifications for Steven Lobaugh (Anatomy) and Cordell Love (OK History and Government) were approved. The purchase of plan time for Dunbar employee Courtney Norton was also approved, allowing her to focus on her responsibilities as the Gifted and Talented coordinator during the 7th period.
The resignation of Jennifer Lone was accepted.
Following an executive session to discuss Superintendent Clay Vinyard’s employment, the board reconvened and approved the matters discussed.
An upcoming college and career fair was announced for Dec. 4 at Okmulgee High School. Organized by the Business Professionals of America club, the fair will host representatives from over 17 colleges and 15 local employers, aiming to connect students with higher education and career opportunities.
The meeting concluded with Board member Vickie Jones requesting to place a discussion of the school’s athletic department on the next agenda.
