The Morris School Board tackled a full agenda during its recent meeting, with members reviewing a clean annual audit, approving steps tied to district construction financing, and hearing updates on academics, enrollment, student activities and upcoming spring events.

A major portion of the meeting focused on the district’s audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. During a phone presentation, representatives from the auditing firm reported that Morris Public Schools received an unmodified, or “clean,” audit opinion, meaning the district’s financial statements were fairly stated. Auditors said they found no material weaknesses, no compliance issues, no federal funding problems and no unresolved findings from the prior year.

The auditors did, however, note one issue involving district purchasing procedures. They explained that some purchase orders connected to the school’s purchasing card program listed the bank card provider rather than the actual vendor supplying the goods or services. Auditors recommended revising that process so future purchase orders clearly identify the true vendor, improving transparency and strengthening the audit trail. District officials acknowledged the concern during the meeting and said they were already taking steps to correct it, including gathering W-9 forms and adjusting how those purchases are documented.

Board members also approved a resolution tied to the district’s lease purchase agreement, which will help move forward projects connected to the voter-approved bond issue. Financial advisor Jordan explained that the district received seven bids from four different banks for the lease purchase financing. The lowest bid came from RCB Bank at a fixed rate of 3.87 percent over 10 years. Jordan told the board the bids were competitive and said the district is in good shape as it prepares to close on the lease later this month.

Construction and bond-related work continues to move ahead. Superintendent Alexander said bids had been reopened on some projects after initial interest was limited, and additional responses had since come in. One of the district’s biggest near-term priorities is the gym floor project. According to the update, bids are being gathered for removing and replacing the floor, with a projected completion date of July 4, though officials noted delays are always possible once work begins. The district is also looking ahead to furniture purchases for classrooms as part of the broader building improvements.

In the financial report, administrators said the district’s general fund remains stable. The district currently has about $1.176 million in the general fund, along with $1.2 million invested to help cover summer payroll. Administrators said the district is projecting about a 12 percent carryover in the general fund by the end of the year. The building fund was also described as healthy, with officials noting available resources to support furnishing and preparing new classroom spaces. Child nutrition funds are being intentionally managed downward to avoid exceeding allowable carryover limits.

Enrollment numbers also brought encouraging news. District leaders reported Morris ended May 2025 with 889 students and is currently sitting at 903 students. The district’s Oct. 1 count was around 896 or 897, meaning enrollment is up by roughly 13 students at this point in the year. That matters because state funding will be based on either the Oct. 1 count or the district’s end-of-year total.

The board also approved several routine and operational items, including overnight trips, class capacity figures, substitute requests and activity fund transfers. Among the overnight trips approved were state competition travel for middle school and high school powerlifters, an academic trip to Chicago, and out-of-state trips for FFA students.

Personnel items included the resignation of central office employee Amy Ansley, who administrators said is stepping away in part because of the long drive from Krebs, and the retirement of Mr. Stone. Both positions have already been posted, according to the discussion.

Academic updates from campus leaders showed a district moving quickly through one of the busiest stretches of the school year. At the elementary level, staff used a professional development day to focus on testing preparation, a coming readathon fundraiser and reviewing state-required math screener options for next year.

At the middle school, administrators reported a strong showing from eighth graders during NAEP testing, saying outside testers were impressed with how seriously Morris students approached the exam, especially in math. Staff also reviewed IXL data and said student growth this year is giving them optimism heading into state testing.

At the high school, Principal Jason Gibbons outlined plans for an ACT boot camp aimed at juniors ahead of the state-required test. The two-day effort will focus on building confidence, sharpening test strategies and creating urgency around the exam. Teachers will lead focused sessions in English, reading, science and math. Gibbons said even if the boot camp only gives some students a few helpful strategies, it will be worthwhile.

The superintendent’s report also highlighted just how packed the spring schedule has become, with baseball underway, track beginning after spring break, cheer tryouts taking place, and Oklahoma Youth Expo activities starting as well.

The board also received a brief legislative update, with district leaders noting that several education bills remain active at the Capitol and that more movement is expected as deadlines approach.

Another point of discussion involved FEMA funding tied to storm sirens. Administrators said Morris is still waiting for a final answer related to the district’s application connected to storm event 4776. Officials were told the district should receive either approval or denial in late spring or early summer.

Before moving into executive session, board members took time to recognize longtime board member James Allred for 15 years of service. Though Allred was out of the country and unable to attend, members expressed appreciation for his service and even had a cake prepared in his honor.

The board also approved donated sick leave for two employees, Amanda Cook and Alicia Bean, who had exhausted their available leave while caring for sick children. In another action item, members approved 36 gym banners as surplus as the district prepares for future gym work. Officials said they may explore selling some of the banners, including those marking state championships, and stressed the importance of photographing each one before removal.

The meeting ended with the board entering executive session to discuss personnel matters, coaching assignments, teacher applications, superintendent contract items and superintendent goal setting.