The Okmulgee Board of Education met this week to address several key agenda items, including the approval of a new student transportation technology that will modernize bus routes and enhance student safety for families and staff alike.

— BusRight system brings modern tracking to student transportation One of the evening’s major highlights was the board’s unanimous approval of BusRight Student Transportation Technology, a digital platform designed to streamline daily bus operations and improve communication with parents.

Superintendent LuVona Copeland presented the recommendation, explaining that Transportation Director John Reed and staff member Tanya Doyle had researched and brought the program forward for consideration.

“BusRight will allow them to put the routes in,” Copeland said. “Every driver will have a tablet mounted, and if we end up being short a driver that day, Tanya can enter it, and it will automatically reroute the driver’s path to pick up the slack.”

The system’s most innovative feature will be the use of QR badges for students.

“Each student will scan in when they get on and scan off when they get off,” Copeland explained. “Parents are notified immediately – we’ll know exactly who is on every bus, morning and evening. It’s going to be huge for parents.”

The BusRight system replaces older software previously used for routing and allows administrators to monitor routes in real time. If a substitute driver fills in, the app instantly provides updated directions and schedules, reducing delays and confusion.

Board members expressed strong support, noting the added safety and accountability benefits for the district’s transportation program. The motion passed unanimously.

— Other Board Actions

In addition to the transportation upgrade, the board approved several other items during the meeting:

• Personnel: The resignation of Alicia Hernandez, a teacher’s aide at Okmulgee Primary School, was accepted due to family circumstances.

• Substitute Teachers: The board approved the hiring of Reana Brown, Georgia Edmonds, Brandiy Hammon and Brook McNac as substitute teachers, pending background checks.

• Early Graduation: Students Ragin Johnson and Preston Lynn were approved for early graduation after meeting all required academic standards.

• Board Schedule: The 2026 Board of Education meeting calendar was adopted, maintaining regular Tuesday meeting dates, with a slight adjustment in June.

• Policy Updates: The board approved a revision to Title IX Policy #1017 to reflect legal counsel’s recommendations and ensure compliance with federal law.

During her report, Superintendent Copeland invited School Nurse Shelli Byrd to update the board on compliance with Oklahoma House Bills 247 and 1801, known as the Amber’s Law and Chase Morris Act.

These state laws require school districts to have emergency response plans for allergic reactions and cardiac incidents.

Byrd outlined steps already taken, including staff training for epinephrine use and AED operation.

Each campus now maintains a binder of emergency action plans, and staff are completing certified training through the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Education. Byrd added that she’s researching grants to purchase additional AEDs, especially for areas like Harmon Field, where accessibility could be improved.

Supt. Copeland discussed the latest state school report cards, noting progress and ongoing challenges.

Both Dunbar Intermediate and Okmulgee Primary have shown improvement and successfully moved off the state’s targeted support list, maintaining a D grade.

The high school, however, remains an area of concern, primarily due to attendance rates, which significantly impact overall scores.

“It’s disheartening,” Coopeland said, “but we’ve been working since July to address these issues.”

The district has enlisted educational consultant Ken Grover to help identify strategies for improvement. Professional development days have been devoted to implementing new teaching methods, improving engagement, and creating a more positive school culture.

Efforts also include reassigning the ICAP (Individual Career Academic Plan) counselor to the high school to help students better understand how attendance and coursework connect to their future goals.

“Helping kids make that connection – understanding why they’re here and how their choices affect their future – is what will make the difference,” Lova said.

— Veterans Day Assemblies & Upcoming Events Superintendent Copeland closed the meeting by recognizing the district’s recent Veterans Day programs, held at the Primary, Dunbar, and High School campuses.

“Our own staff members who are veterans did an amazing job speaking at those assemblies,” she said. “We’re very proud of them.”

With football season concluded, Copeland noted that basketball season is now underway, with teams across the district preparing for their first home games.

The board discussed future plans for a training session with the Oklahoma State Department of Education to gain a deeper understanding of how school report card formulas are calculated. The goal is to better interpret performance data and communicate results to the public.

No new business was introduced, and the meeting adjourned with unanimous consent.

— Next Regular Meeting

The Okmulgee Board of Education will hold its next regular session in December at the Okmulgee Administration Building.