The Okmulgee Public School Board held a special meeting on Monday, July 21, tackling a packed agenda in preparation for the new academic year. Superintendent LuVona Copeland and board members Mike James (President), Leroy Parker, Vickie Jones and Keith Baldridge were present for the session.

The board began with a moment of reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a quick approval of the consent agenda and financial items – including the purchase of Chromebooks funded through 515 School Improvement funds.

“These are coming out of the 515 school improvement money,” Copeland said. “Most of what we have doesn’t work anymore … some are six years old.” Older Chromebooks that still function will be surplused or offered to students and other schools. New units are expected to cost about $300 each.

Copeland reminded board members that the district has approximately $400,000 in school improvement funding, and noted the carryover budget for the new year stands at $700,000, calling it “hard-fought” and “much better than it has been.”

— Personnel Approvals Temporary Certified Staff

• Heath Miller, Band Director

• Dolphin Davis, High School

• Candis Goodnight-Gunn, Primary – 1st Grade — Coaching Staff

Approved athletic personnel included both paid and lay coaches:

• Rochelle Pearson, Cross Country (Lay Coach)

• D’Angelo Brown, Football

• Cornelius Coleman, Girl’s Basketball

• Ronnie Jones, Jr. – Boy’s Basketball

• Alex James – Boy’s Basketball (Lay Coach)

• Michael Jamerson, Boy’s Basketball — Emergency Certification

• Kylie Hushbeck, High School Art

• Randy Jackson, High School Intermediate Math

• Nathan Aguilar, Primary – 4th Grade

• Earl Heck, Primary P.E.

• Destiny Followill, Primary – 4th Grade

• Greg Adolph, High School English

• Mark (Zane) Farris, Dunbar Social Studies -The board approved Arrel Swanagan as an adjunct social studies teacher. Copeland confirmed she is in the process of obtaining full certification.

The board tabled a vote on extending the teacher pay scale beyond 25 years of service (through year 35), pending clarification from state officials.

Joanna Lobaugh was appointed as Deputy Treasurer of Okmulgee Public Schools. No additional pay is associated with the position.

Brooke Teague named Encumbrance Clerk, filling the vacancy left by recent resignation.

Teachers who will receive pay for teaching during their planning period due to high student demand include:

• Candi Padfield, Dunbar

• Courtney Norton, TSA Program, OHS

• Gage Allen, STEM, OHS These teachers will lead additional classes in lieu of their planning hour.

— Additional Approvals

The board approved an addendum to the district’s agreement with JJ Forecast Flow C for additional monthly services.

An agency agreement with Key Construction, LLC was approved, required as part of an ongoing project.

Already serving as a part-time bus driver, Cody Weller was also approved to take on custodial duties. “He wanted more to do,” Copeland noted. “I think he’ll be a good addition.”

— Harmon Field Now Open

Copeland shared major news during the announcements: Harmon Stadium’s track and football field are now complete and ready for use. “They handed the field over to us,” she said. “The football boys can start practicing in the morning – it’s very exciting and beautiful.”

A tour for board members is being scheduled. The meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m.