The Morris Board of Education met Nov. 17 for a Special Board Meeting that featured major updates on district finances, academic improvements, bond-issue preparations and staffing decisions. Superintendent Becky Alexander and campus leaders delivered extensive reports, while the board moved forward on multiple action items related to the district’s next phase of facility upgrades.

Board President Robert Frost called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. with all members present. After a brief correction to the October board minutes, the board voted unanimously to approve the full consent agenda, including October meeting minutes (as corrected), financial reports, transfers, new activity accounts, resignations, and the current substitute list.

— Financial Reports

District Treasurer and Superintendent Alexander reviewed a detailed set of encumbrances across General Fund 11, Building Fund 21, Child Nutrition 22 and Building Bond Fund 33.

— General Fund Highlights

• PO #288 covered expenses from October’s bond election.

• PO #306 supported the Middle School’s STEMbased Thunder basketball field trip, which allowed students to participate on the court.

• PO #323 reflects the district’s move toward paperless purchase orders, with the central office piloting an online PO-submission process that will eventually expand districtwide.

Board members also discussed new handheld vape-detection wands that have been ordered for bathrooms. Administrators noted these will provide an additional enforcement layer to help address vaping on campus. The devices are expected to arrive this week.

— Building Fund Highlights

• PO #72 funded annual ryegrass seed for the baseball field, which has been kept in excellent playing condition.

• PO #73 covered substantial repairs to a 25-30-year-old Kubota tractor.

• PO #74 addressed gym-floor maintenance and refinishing.

A major portion of the discussion centered on damage caused when a wide-load vehicle struck a power line, knocking out internet and damaging dozens of lights and heaters at the elementary campus. In total, 72 fixtures and heating units had to be replaced. An insurance claim is currently underway, with initial estimates around $20,000.

Bond Fund and Technology The district has begun replacing aging desktop computers after IT Director confirmed that many systems still run Windows 10, which no longer receives security updates. Remaining bond funds will cover new devices.

— Financial Outlook

The district’s cash position remains strong:

• General Fund balance has increased from $544,000 last year to $1.2 million at the same point this year.

• Increased state aid due to a higher weighted ADM (Average Daily Membership) contributed to the improvement.

• Impact Aid is delayed due to the federal government shutdown but is expected soon after agencies resume full operations.

Alexander noted that Morris is maintaining a stable enrollment of 900 students, up slightly from last year’s 889.

— Activity Accounts, Transfers & Personnel Two new accounts were approved:

• Middle School Special Education Activity Account (#888) to support T-shirt production, soda-shop sales and student-run projects.

• Cafeteria Activity Account (#889) for staff and student incentives.

— Approved Transfers

• $58.50 from High School Activity #833 to NHS #828 for leftover Fall Carnival beverages.

• $357 from Special Services #834 to Middle School SPED #888.

• $365.50 from Administration Public Relations #855 to Cafeteria Activity #889.

— Staffing

The board approved two new substitute candidates pending background checks:

• Harlie Smith

• Mayah Cagle A resignation was accepted for paraprofessional Kristy Lemmings.

— Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Alexander delivered an extensive update on district operations.

The district’s Fall Carnival raised $22,830, up $2,000 from last year – a figure praised by administrators and board members. Seniors earned $1,700 through their booth, and juniors brought in $8,000 from bingo alone.

— Campus Reports

All three principals presented detailed updates: Elementary School

New principal Nancy McCune highlighted:

• Daily PE and structured recess for all grades.

• Restoration of full-grade recess interaction rather than isolated play areas.

• Improved Pre-K planning periods by adjusting schedules.

• Newly installed door scanners and secure-entry screens using safety funds.

• A renewed focus on consistent discipline paired with positive reinforcement.

Middle School

Principal/Athletic Director Jimmy Whitlock reported: • Completion of football and softball seasons with constant improvement.

• First-ever Middle School Cheer competition appearance.

• Strong early starts to archery and basketball seasons.

• Attendance increases and expanded use of the IXL program, which contributed to a 7.5% improvement in math scores.

• A successful field trip to ORU women’s basketball, where Morris students participated in oncourt activities.

• Cultural enrichment via a Native American dance assembly.

Whitlock also shared that he was appointed to the Oklahoma Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA) board, giving Morris a stronger statewide voice in athletics.

High School

High School Principal Jake Box reported:

• A successful ACT administration day with nearly perfect attendance.

• All juniors will take the ACT twice this school year – fall (district-funded) and spring (state-funded).

• A significant 28% overall increase in academic performance last year, including:

• +24% in ELA

• +7.9% in Math

• +14.3% in Science

• +13.5% improvement in chronic absenteeism

• Growth in ParentSquare usage, with the district pushing toward a single communication platform for all parents and students.

— Upcoming Events

• Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 25-29

• Basketball Season Opener: Dec. 2

• First Poultry Show: Dec. 6 at the fairgrounds

• Winter Band Concerts: Middle School (Dec. 9) and High School (Dec. 11) — Bond Information & Project Timeline

The district has begun securing land survey quotes for upcoming bond projects. Administrators and board members discussed:

• Conducting a full-campus land survey to identify drainage or site issues.

• Coordinating with Tri-State Floor Company for gym-floor assessment history.

• Gym floor replacement, immediately after basketball season.

• Demolition of the old elementary building during a period when no staff or students are present.

The first bond sale is expected in February, with project bidding to follow quickly.

— Five-Year Strategic Plan

Alexander announced progress on the district’s multi-year improvement plan:

• The district has achieved approximately 80% of its existing goals.

• A new five-year strategic plan will be developed with input from district committees and students.

• Topics include academics, safety, communication, enrollment strategy and long-term facility planning.

— Board Actions

The board approved its meeting dates for 2026, continuing with monthly Monday sessions.

With the December bond sale approaching:

• Kendall Warren was appointed Acting Clerk for official bond sale documentation.

• The board set the bond sale for Monday, Dec. 9, at 12 p.m. in the boardroom.

— Gifted & Talented Plan

The FY26 G/T Plan was unanimously approved. ParentSquare Professional Development Stipends A one-time $25 stipend was approved for:

• Sara Stoffels

• Nathan Leithead

• Malinda Perry These educators will prepare a January PD training session to help transition more staff to ParentSquare.

— Virtual Instruction Plan (FY27)

Under SB 758, each district must file a virtual plan. Morris will continue using up to two virtual days for professional development with simple assignments for students. The board approved the plan unanimously.

— Executive Session & Personnel Action

The board entered executive session under 25 O.S. §307(B)(1) to discuss employment matters.

Upon returning to open session, the board approved: • Hiring Bridget Shrum as paraprofessional for FY26.

• Hiring Ricardo Pineda as Extra Duty Lay Coach for Middle School Archery.

The meeting adjourned shortly after.