A tied vote and a new face marked the latest Okmulgee Board of Education meeting held Tuesday at the John Barksdale Board Room.
Before the regular agenda began, Keith Baldridge was officially sworn in as the new board member representing Ward 5.
One of the evening’s major developments came after a lengthy executive session, where the board interviewed three candidates for the vacant Ward 4 seat. Following deliberations, the board appeared split between two candidates – Rod Wiemer and Sasha McIntosh. A 2-2 vote emerged, with members Vickie Jones and Board President Leroy Parker backing McIntosh, and Mike James and newly sworn-in Keith Baldridge supporting Wiemer.
Because the vote failed to result in a majority, no appointment was made. As a result, the board indicated a special election will be necessary to fill the Ward 4 position. No motions were made to consider two other applicants, Kevin Williams and Chase Nunn.
The board also underwent a leadership realignment per Oklahoma statute. Mike James was elected as President, Leroy Parker will now serve as Vice President, and Vickie Jones was named Clerk.
In other action, the board approved all items on the consent agenda, including minutes from previous meetings and various financial encumbrances. Additional approvals included:
• A permanent superintendent employment contract for LuVona Copeland for the 2025-2026 school year.
• A request for early graduation by students Marcus Raguse and Zaden Sampson.
• Travel for Dunbar TSA students to Nashville, Tennessee, for the National Conference in June.
• The district’s contract with CPA Bledsoe, Hewett & Gullenkson.
• The FY26 temporary appropriations application prepared by CPA Jay Jenkins.
• Adoption of new Board Policy #3035 – Flag Salute policy mandate by OSDE.
The board also accepted several resignations: Katelynn Pelky (Para), Chris Redau (Lay Coach) and Greg Richardson (Part-time Custodian).
The next steps will involve scheduling the special election for Ward, pending formal resolution and notification through the Okmulgee County Election Board. The special election could cost the district at least $6,000 if it is a standalone election.
– Superintendent Report As the school year approaches its final weeks, the district is bustling with activities and improvements. Upcoming events include prom April 19, kindergarten graduation on May 15, eighth-grade graduation on May 14 and high school graduation on May 17. It will be held at Brock Gymnasium due to the work underway at the stadium.
The district is experiencing significant construction progress, particularly at the Dunbar site, along with the Primary School, where contractors have excavated a notably deep foundation for the new gymnasium which will also be a shelter.
Special education programs have received exciting new resources, including wobble chairs, sensory lights and a dodge ball grant. Staff report these additions have already improved student behavior and engagement.
Athletic programs remain active, with baseball, track and tennis teams competing in various tournaments and matches. However, the district is currently seeking local candidates for football coaching positions.
The Primary School continues to innovate, hosting a book author event on April 10 and conducting a house assembly that celebrated student achievements through personalized teacher recognition.
State testing is ongoing, with staff across all buildings working diligently to prepare students for these important assessments.
