Gary Bishop gave an encouraging prayer.
Darrin Hill was recognized as starting another term on the Board. He did not have a challenger for his seat #1 on the Board last December.
The Board voted to keep their officers the same as this year with President- Karen Dyer, Vice President- Darrin Hill and Clerk- Sheila Stogsdill.
During my Audience with the Board I talked about current legislation for the state and two of the bills that could affect our school.
#1) Senate B 1481 would double the state's minimum requirement for recess from 20 minutes to 40 minutes for students in full-time kindergarten through fifth grade. The recess could be divided into two periods of 20 minutes. Students could not have recess taken away as a form of discipline.
It is looking like this bill is on track to become law for the 2026-27 school year.
#2) House Bill 3151 would extend extend Oklahoma's minimum school year by seven days and pledges $175 million to make it happen. If this becomes law, it would be for the school year starting with the '26-'27 term.
Superintendent Dodson said our schools already would be compliant with SB 1481. He had contacted the affected principals to gain that knowledge.
For HB 1351, the Teachers' Union is on board with this bill since it is funded.
Financial and Budget reports were given. (These are fully included in the agendas which are posted before the meetings.)
The Report of the Superintendent
An update on the wonderful renovations done to the Middle School gym was given by the Maintenance Dept.
The alarm system problems are being addressed with a new service company. A lot of equipment is having to replace outdated equipment but we are seeing a way forward now.
Several teens have been hired to help with summer maintenance. One of their projects will be power washing of the stands in the stadium.
Chris Brown (in uniform!) was introduced and welcomed as our new School Resource Officer. He is replacing Tracy Bloss who is retiring.
Board President, Karen dyer was asked for an update on the process for finding a new superintendent. She said there have been several interviews and more will be conducted this coming week. We should have a recommendation soon,.
Supt. Dodson asked for helpers for the Rotary Club Lobster Fest coming up on May 30th at the new Wolf Creek Expo. The Rotary gives $80,000 to our school every year and it would be wonderful to have ample number of volunteers to make it enjoyable for all.
Principals gave reports about the happenings in their buildings. One thing they had in common with each other is sharing their state their testing schedules. (Other items of interest can be found in the Agenda. It is always worth looking at.)
For the High School, Mr Kreutz introduced our Academic All-Stater, Kennedy Matthews. Also announced was that 100% of the Juniors took the ACT test. 100% taking the test is quite an accomplishment towards setting them up for life after graduation next year.
Chris Brown (in uniform!) was introduced and welcomed as our new School Resource Officer. He is replacing Tracy Bloss who is retiring.
Other Business
After the Executive Session , several people were hired for the coming school year. Also approved was directing the superintendent of schools to notify in writing the lists of 10-month Support Personnel, 12 month Support Personnel, Support Managers/Directors and Extra Duties that the board of education does presently intend to enter into a written contract of employment with each employee, on or after July 1, 2026 for the employment during the 2026-2027 school year.
There was one exception in the Extra Duties list. It was for the Boys' Basketball Coach. That person was not named. I learned later that the position is now open and posted for hire.
Thank you for reading. Pam Jarrett, Grove's Grandma With Grit
