The Okmulgee Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, with all members present. Board members approved the Nov. 11 meeting minutes, monthly encumbrances across district funds and one facility rental request for the Okmulgee Junior League Football organization to use the Dunbar Cafeteria on Dec. 13.
— Fundraiser Requests
Several fundraiser proposals were introduced, including:
• Spirit leaders selling t-shirts during home basketball games
• A mini cheer camp for primary – 5th grade students
• A Johnson O’Malley-related fundraiser request held for later coordination These fundraisers were approved.
— Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent LuVona Copeland delivered updates on district facilities and academic initiatives.
She presented a construction video provided by Key Construction showing progress on district projects. Brickwork on the new gym is nearly finished, and floor installation has begun. Copeland described the ongoing work as “beautiful” and emphasized the community will be pleased with the final result.
Copeland also highlighted the district’s continued focus on improving its state report card scores, especially at the high school. She reported that Okmulgee’s OGF board is fully supportive and that a January training session is being organized so board members can better understand and interpret accountability data.
— Academic Consultant Update Educational consultant Ken Grover shared an overview of current academic-improvement strategies. He pointed out that absenteeism and low student engagement with state assessments remain major barriers, noting that many older students do not see the personal relevance of the required tests.
Grover emphasized:
• Strengthening attendance
• Boosting student motivation
• Increasing teacher support and instructional feedback
• Creating intentional structures around test readiness He expressed optimism, stating that with January approaching, the district has “a brand new school year” within the school year to implement meaningful changes that could improve outcomes over the next one to two years.
Copeland also noted the success of the district’s recent wrestling tournament, which brought in 44 teams and large crowds over two days.
— Action Items: Staffing Decisions & Program Updates The board approved renaming Activity Account 808 (a long-dormant junior high account) to the Johnson O’Malley Program Activity Account. The existing 18cent balance will be transferred to the newly designated account, allowing the parent-run JOM committee to raise funds and support Native American students with school supplies, graduation regalia, incentives, dues, and activities.
Two primary teachers – Erin Heck and Candis Goodknight-Gunn – submitted resignations and the board accepted both.
Jamie Smith, a certified mild/ moderate special education teacher, was approved for employment.
Grant Underwood was approved as a lay coach supporting band, color guard and winter guard, pending a cleared background check. — OSUIT Education Partnership The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with OSUIT’s Pre-Education Associate in Science Program, allowing OSUIT students to complete observation and shadowing hours within the district. Copeland said the partnership may help attract future educators back to Okmulgee after finishing their degrees.
— SoonerCare Claiming Contract The board approved a contract with Public Consulting Group, LLC (PCG) to manage Sooner-Care billing for health-related school services. Board members discussed the importance of parent notification and ensuring that school billing does not interfere with families seeking outside services.
— Executive Session
The board voted at 5:57 p.m. to enter executive session to discuss Superintendent Copeland’s employment for the 2026-27 school year.
Community members may contact Okmulgee Public Schools directly for clarification or updates regarding any action taken after the executive session.
– The Okmulgee Board of Education meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. inside the Board of Education building.
