The Okmulgee Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 5:30 p.m. in the John Barksdale Board Room to address staffing, facility use and public comment procedures. Superintendent Lu-Vona Copeland presided.
— Consent agenda approved The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the Oct. 7 special meeting and Oct. 14 regular meeting, along with monthly expenditures from the district’s General Fund, Building Fund and Child Nutrition Fund. No requisitions were listed for the Bond or Sinking Funds.
— Transportation staffing strengthened
Two new temporary bus drivers – Ronnie Sanford and Katelyn McKinney – were approved for employment for Fiscal Year 2026. Superintendent Copeland explained that both candidates are completing the final stages of their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) certification and will soon be able to drive routes once cleared.
The board also accepted the resignation of bus driver Alyssa Becker, who relocated out of state.
— Student services support expanded
The board approved an update to the role of Amanda Duke, who already serves as a contracted case manager. The decision allows her to work directly with students served by special services at the secondary level once her background check is completed. Copeland emphasized that this change will not incur additional cost to the district.
— Cheerleading program gains new coach Lanita Parks was approved for part-time employment as Dunbar Intermediate School Spirit Leader Coach, pending a clear background check. Parks will lead the school’s cheerleading program during the basketball season.
— Facility use request approved A rental request from the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department was approved for use of the Okmulgee High School wrestling room for tactical training. The dates were adjusted to Nov. 10-13, per the department’s revised schedule.
— Public comment policy set The board formally adopted a 30-minute total time limit for public comments at future meetings, with each speaker allotted three minutes. Copeland and members discussed ensuring equitable participation when multiple speakers wish to address the same issue and noted that a timer will be used to maintain order and fairness.
— Recognition of 1975 State Football Champions planned During announcements, Copeland shared that Okmulgee alumni are planning to honor the 1975 Okmulgee High School State Football Championship team. The tentative celebration is set for Dec. 5, in coordination with alumni Patrick Ford and Kendrick Cunningham.
Board members expressed support for making the event memorable and discussed possible fundraising or partnership opportunities with local churches.
— Meeting Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be announced by the district and posted publicly according to Oklahoma Open Meeting Act requirements.
