Audience with the Board July 14, 2026

 

I am sharing what I said during the audience time at the July 14th School Board Meeting outside of the usual notes because it is a great concern to me.  It is becoming something to be aware of in our society and schools.  I hope you will agree.

Last month I asked if there could be a public forum to discuss the use of technology in our classrooms, especially with younger students.  Since then, I have learned about something called "virtual autism." 

Children are spending more time than ever in front of screens. Although technology can offer educational benefits, excessive screen exposure during critical developmental years may lead to “virtual autism.”

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/virtual-autism#causes

“Virtual autism”, which is not a real medical term, refers to a set of developmental symptoms that resemble ASD but stem primarily from excessive screen exposure rather than genetic or neurological factors. The term describes children who display autism-like behaviors that develop after significant exposure to digital screens during their formative years.

Unlike ASD, virtual autism is thought to be environmentally induced, specifically by prolonged exposure to television, tablets, smartphones, and other digital devices.

The condition typically affects children under 3, when brain development is most active and susceptible to environmental influences. During this critical period, real-world interactions are essential for developing communication skills, emotional regulation, and social understanding.

Children experiencing virtual autism may display

1 Communication difficulties: Delayed speech development, limited vocabulary, difficulty expressing needs, or regression in previously acquired language skills. Children may prefer non-verbal communication or show little interest in verbal interaction.

2 Social withdrawal: Reduced interest in interacting with others. Children may appear disconnected, avoid eye contact, or seem unengaged with social interactions.

3 Attention problems: Difficulty focusing on activities unrelated to screens, short attention span for real-world tasks, or hyperactivity when not engaged with devices.

4 Repetitive behaviors: Engaging in repetitive movements, fixating on specific objects or activities, or displaying rigid adherence to routines.

5 Emotional dysregulation: Frequent tantrums, especially with screen removal, difficulty managing emotions, or appearing emotionally flat during non-screen activities.

6 Sensory sensitivities: Heightened reactions to sounds, textures, or lights, or conversely, appearing under-responsive to environmental stimuli.

There is much more information that can be found but the good news is that virtual autism symptoms may be temporary and improve or resolve completely when screen time reduces and is replaced with enriching interactions.

As far as our students in the upper grades, I saw a testimonial of a High School English and Advanced Placement Literature teacher in MN that took away Chromebooks for her students.  She had realized many students could use AI to write book reports and she wanted to see what her students thought about what they read.  She told parents what she wanted to do.  They asked what they could do to help.  "Give me paper," was her reply and she was overwhelmed with volume of paper given to her. 

Students would read the literature selection and then write their book reports with paper and pencil.  After they became used to the process, the kids loved it!  It was their own words and thoughts submitted.

There are beginning to be schools in our area that are doing away with Chromebooks.  Welch Public Schools' school board unanimously agreed to eliminate Chromebooks to create a more focused classroom environment.  Chromebooks will still be available as a resource for Welch School, however they will be on carts and only used if the teacher feels the need to use them.  This is from article dated April 26, 2026.    

"Supt. Ramsey says school districts across the state have reached out to him to ask about how they implemented this."  I maintain that we could ask also.

To drastically reduce technology and engage our students in their own learning is a decision that will need to be made and worked out by you.  I have no doubt that it will seem like a daunting task at first.  Should you proceed, you will need the support and cooperation of this community. 

Thank you for listening.

Pam Jarrett

 

 

 

 

June 16, 2026 Grove School Board Meeting

 

Today's report will include the script of my audience with the Board.  This is something I am deeply concerned about as a grandmother noticing an issue currently affecting our young people. 

Notes from the meeting.

Those who attended the meeting  were treated (before the meeting) to some delightful refreshments to celebrate the retirement for Superintendent Dodson and Gayle Cannon, Treasurer and Administrative Secretary.  It was wonderful to meet our new Superintendent, Doug Brown, also in attendance. 

 

After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and  the Salute to the Oklahoma State Flag, Pastor Marty Dyer led us in a prayer.

 

Karen Dyer administered the Oath of Office to Dianna Jeffries , the newly selected District Treasurer of Grove Public Schools. 

 

I then presented my audience speech:

This evening I want to thank you again for including the full financial reports in the agenda.  This is important so everyone can see exactly where our taxes go.  Being transparent in this way is very valuable to our community.

The subject for my comments tonight addresses the amount of technology that is used by our students, especially the younger ones.  More people are becoming aware of the negative result when children use technology too extensively and are not encouraged to think, reason, and interact positively with others.

I wonder if there would be opportunity for a community dialogue with the administration and school board so parents can be heard on this matter.  I do not know if decisions regarding technology usage are left to individual teachers or are decided by the principals.  Perhaps the school board gives direction in these matters.

I remember when the cell phone (and other devices) policy was put into play.  You took that step a year before our Oklahoma legislature made it mandatory.  I believe your action to set a policy on technology use in the classroom for our younger students could be very important as well. 

Won't you think about taking the pulse of the parents and community in a public meeting with this matter?  Within the last few weeks, a parent told me she was considering some other form of schooling for her child who was too captivated with using the Chromebook.  Perhaps there are others out there that feel the same.

Thank you for listening.

Pam Jarrett

Financial and Budget Reports were given.  Note: these reports are given in full in the agenda.  You may have the agenda emailed to you.  Take this link and you will see where to sign up for the Agenda.  https://meeting.assemblemeetings.com/Public/Organization/Grove 

Report of the Superintendent

Gayle Cannon was recognized for 25 years of service and Superintendent Dodson thanked those who gave him recognition at a party.  One of his favorite things was his 3 year old granddaughter singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame. 

Graduation was held for 198 Seniors.

Resignations were announced. 

Board President Karen Dyer presented Gayle and Pat each a gift from the Board. 

Doug Brown, our new Superintendent,  was introduced  to the audience.  Superintendent Dodson remarked that the Board had made a wise choice in hiring him.

The Consent Agenda was approved by the Board.  Part of this was a short report from Kevin Brown stating that the school insurance costs had gone down slightly.  

Andre Jones, choral director for Middle School and High School addressed his request for High School Choir students to attend the choral clinic at the University of San Antonio in April 2027 .  The trip was approved.  Students will travel by Charter Bus to and from San Antonio.

Other approvals were for the EGrove and site student handbooks, the agreement with Apptegy (Parent/Teacher/Student communication platform) for the 2026-2027 school year, and the Communication Specialist job descriptions for Certified and Support.  

No Executive Session was held.

The Board voted to employ many people individually by name and position.  

Also approved was the Superintendent's contract for the 2026-2027 school year and the June 2026 Co-Superintendent contract.  (My note: the June 2026 contract was necessary since Doug Brown is already here working to make the transition to Superintendent on July 1 seamless.)

No New Business.

Meeting adjourned at 7:43 PM. 

 

 

 

 

Special School Board Meeting May 12, 2026 6:30 PM

The Special School Board Meeting on May 12th was for the purpose of approving the sale of bonds to fund another phase of school improvements.  Your best specific information can be found in today's issue of the Grove Sun, May 19th.  I appreciate Carolyn Ashfor Boothe's reporting on details you would find helpful.

 

Pam Jarrett 

 

 

 

Regular Board Meeting Tuesday May 12, 2026

 

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and Salute to the Oklahoma State Flag.  Mike Whitney from the COS church gave a prayer.

 

Superintendents' Report

Friday, May 15th is the last day of school. 

Graduation is on May 22nd. 

Rotary Club's Lobsterfest is May 30th and volunteers to help serve are still needed.  Lobsterfest will held at the new Wolf Creek Expo Center.  All proceeds supporting the Grand Lake community through charitable grants and 12 college and 4 Vo-Tech scholarships.

The June School Board Meeting will be Tuesday, June 16th, the third Tuesday.

 

Principals gave reports of happenings, some of which had not been contained in the reports to the Board not displayed in the Agenda.

Early Childhood Center--

Allie Cole talked about events with ECC students.  They included enjoyable field trips, promotion for the Kindergartners, lunch at Rancho Viejo,and an ABC Parade.  72 students mastered the sight word list in preparation for reading next year as first graders  The principal thanked the volunteers that put together the Teacher Appreciation Week treats  They were enjoyed by the staff.

Lower Elementary 

 Dottie Smith included a thank you for the Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations.  She mentioned the Spring music programs which were enjoyed by all.  Dottie gave a shout out to maintenance people who noticed a corner needing clean-up and went ahead with clean-up without being asked.  The library had 19,700 books checked out this school year .And last but not least, the third graders were observed working on their cursive handwriting.  Cursive handwriting will be started in second grade next school year. 

Upper Elementary 

  Charla Matthews began with a thank you to the community for support during the recent tough situation in their building.  The students will be celebrating the end of the year with their "House" parties.  Many awards for reading were given at the awards program.  The "millions of words read" had increased significantly over last year. The staff thoroughly appreciated the Teachers' Appreciation Week treats brought in.

HS

  Mr Kreutz introduced Jedd Patitaz.  Jedd is a  Sophmore student who achieved a perfect score on his ACT. The Changing Our World amount raised has risen to around $240,000 and will be used for an outdoor recreation area for abled and disabled students at the High School. 

Athletics students were recognized for their sports successes by the Athletic Director.

   David Poindexter requested a representative from the Board be selected for the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District .  Lacy Berryman will fill that position.

 

The Board approved a contract with Barlow Education Management Services LLC to plan, prepare and submit an Innovative Approaches to Literacy Grant.  It was reported that when Tahlequah, OK  was awarded this grant, they received $750,000 every year for five years to use in various ways to promote reading in their schools.

 

The Board went into Executive session to discuss who to hire for various positions next year.  When they came out of session they approved many new hires.  Several people who worked in the schools already resigned so they could take another position.  It was a little like musical employees! 

 

 Pam Jarrett 

 

 

 

 

From the April 14th , 2026 Board Meeting

 

The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and the Salute to the Oklahoma State Flag were given.  

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