Okmulgee High School students will begin classes on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the C.A.A.T. (formerly Eastside Elementary) campus after structural issues at the historic OHS building prompted an urgent relocation plan. The move comes after engineering inspections identified significant deterioration in the high school’s structure, including loose masonry, cracked brick veneer, roof damage and failing support elements – some posing immediate safety concerns.
The engineering report, conducted by Connect Structural Engineering, Inc., concluded that the OHS building, constructed in phases between 1909 and 1919 with later renovations, has exceeded its design life span and will continue to deteriorate without substantial intervention. Observations included loose and falling brick on the west wing façade, visible deflection of windows, cracks in multiple areas, spalling concrete and exposed reinforcement under the auditorium stage. While not all issues posed immediate structural danger, the report stressed the importance of ongoing monitoring and repairs to ensure occupant safety.
— A Swift Transition Plan
Superintendent LuVona Copeland told the school board that the district had acted quickly to secure classroom space for all high school courses at the C.A.A.T. building.
“We are able to get high school in the C.A.A.T. building, of course, except for band, which will remain in the band building, and Ag at the Ag campus,” Copeland explained. Green Country Technology Center, which occupies part of the facility, worked cooperatively to accommodate the relocation.
In speaking with the Times, Copeland added that the decision to relocate was done to ensure safety for all staff and students, even though parts of the building could have been used.
Moving crews, including volunteers and staff, began transporting equipment and materials this week. Teachers identified needed items, which were staged for easy loading.
Copeland reached out to John Neal at Neal’s Homestore, who offered assistance in getting the school moved. The district aims to have classrooms set up in time for a special high school open house on Monday, Aug. 18, the night before students arrive.
The superintendent also updated board members about the professional development that has been going on as teachers reported back in anticipation of the start of school.
— OPS board approves items
During the August meeting, the board approved multiple staffing items for the 2025-26 school year:
• Emergency Certification – Addison Merideth to teach mid-level language arts at Dunbar; Shannan Smith to teach physical science.
• Adjunct Certification – Tyler Young to teach keyboarding and aviation at Dunbar.
• Purchase of Plan Periods – Tissa Carter (8th grade science), Madison Pierce (5th grade math), Tracy Williams (6th-7th grade science), Justin Cline (7th-8th grade language arts), and Stormy Howell (junior/senior English, Speech and Debate).
• The board approved the resignation of Hillary Huddleston.
Due to high enrollment in some grades – such as 89 students in fifth grade – the district will purchase certain teachers’ planning periods so they can teach additional classes, a move administrators said is more cost-effective than hiring new staff.
Board members also approved a contract with Salt Creek LLC for special education case management services. While some members raised concerns about relying on outside providers rather than certified in-district special education teachers, administrators cited a statewide shortage and the significant paperwork burden as factors necessitating the arrangement.
Also approved was Marla O’Nesky for Professional Services in Special Education Caseload Management for the school year.
Students at Okmulgee Primary and Dunbar started Thursday, while high school students begin Tuesday.
Other agenda items approved were School Rental Request for Okmulgee Junior Football, effective Sept. 1. However, due to ongoing work on Harmon Stadium, the group may not be able to hold their games at the facility if improvements are not completed in time.
There are no home games planned for the OHS Bulldogs until Sept. 19, allowing time to complete the renovations.
Also approved were:
• Fundraisers for Softball
• CCOSA District Level Services Program Agreement for FY26
• Salary and Fringe Benefit Schedule that adds an additional 10 years to the schedule (for certified teachers only).
• Oklahoma Department of Career and Technical Education Programs for the school year.
• Application to Oklahoma State Department of Education for a deregulation for the Librarian position for Dunbar Intermediate and Okmulgee High School. The library media specialist is currently obtaining additional certification and will be used at both high school and Dunbar School.
• Updated board policy number 4014: Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices. Cellular devices are not allowed for using during class periods. The state mandate is only for one year.
• Surplus of athletic uniforms/ equipment as listed.
— Engineering report urges caution The Connect Structural Engineering assessment recommended permanent shoring of a spalling pan joist below the auditorium stage as soon as possible, case-by-case removal of loose brick veneer, and ongoing monitoring of the building’s condition. Past repairs, including the installation of remedial piers in 1985 and façade work in 2011-2013, have not halted the building’s decline. The report emphasized that the OHS structure has surpassed its intended lifespan and will continue to face issues affecting safety, comfort, and aesthetics without major restoration.
— Looking Ahead
While the sudden move to C.A.A.T. presents logistical challenges, district leaders expressed optimism. “Even though we’re facing a challenge here with this building and having to move over there, I really feel like we are off to a good start, and this year can be a really good year for us,” Copeland told the board.
The district plans to closely monitor the OHS building’s condition while ensuring that students and staff have safe, functional learning spaces for the 2025-26 school year.
