The Agenda has been posted at https://www.ridgerunners.net/
Do a search for School Board and then Agendas to find it.
Hope to see you there.
Pam Jarrett
This edition will contain some highlights from the meeting but not notes on everything that transpired.
You will find the full meeting notes in a draft on the next agenda. Sign up to receive agendas on the school website at www.ridgerunners.net/ . You will receive a notice of meetings automatically when you sign up.
First, I would like to highlight something that was later in the meeting but is important for future meetings.
The Regular Board Meetings will be held in various locations as follows:
September's meeting, moved to High School Library
October's meeting moved to Grove Middle School Library
November's meeting moved to Grove Upper Elementary Library
December's meeting moved to Grove Lower Elementary Library
January's meeting will be moved to Early Childhood Cafeteria.
Doug Brown Supt. led us in prayer, meeting was called to order and the pledges were said.
Superintendent's Report
The cash balance of our district is looking good.
The Back to School Celebration for teachers and staff was enhanced by $165,000 worth of donations from the community. This created an enthusiastic and uplifting atmosphere for our teachers and staff. There were more vendors than ever before.
There was a meeting with the bonding agent to see if we can use left over money from the roofing projects on other things the schools need. If the projects fall within the scope of bond, the extra money can be used for safety projects or other areas of need.
The staff number this year is 353.
Enrollment is up over last year and more students are enrolling every day.
Improvements over the summer to facilities were mentioned.
8 HVAC units were replaced and more will be replaced shortly.
The PAC fire alarm system was "fixed" but is now not working correctly. We are still on it!
The State of Oklahoma still has not released this years' appropriations.
Business
GH2 Architects LLC presented a lengthy evaluation of the proposed playground improvements funded by the 2024 bond. The bottom line is that bids came in much higher than expected so there will need to be some parts of the project deleted and done differently but still be effective improvements. (See New Business at the end of this post.)
The Consent Agenda was agreed to. One item in the Consent Agenda was the approval for the establishment of an activity account #969 Karen Haas Memorial Scholarship Fund. Mr Hass was present and told us he wanted to establish fund in memory of his wife for the purpose of training people wanting to become teachers.
The joint use of City of Grove, Cherokee Alliance, and the Grand Area Creative Alliance for the use of Ridgerunner Stadium to host the Grove Area PowWow on the tentative date of 5/15/2027 and consideration of a request to waive the associated district facility use fees was approved.
The Board approved moving the next five board meeting to various locations in the district. (See beginning of my post.)
Action to build a batting cage/bullpen at the Grove High School softball facility was approved. This project will not cost the school anything and is in accord with Title IX.
New Business
The board approved the playground equipment bid so the project can proceed . Other bids were rejected. (Note: the architects are still working to see what can be accomplished while staying within budget to provide safe and attractive areas for play as stipulated in the bond.)
Until next month,
Pam Jarrett
We said the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and the Salute to the Oklahoma State Flag. Marty Dyer led in prayer.
I gave comments about "Virtual Autism" which can be read in the post before this one.
The Superintendent Report
Supt Brown thanked everyone for the welcome he has received here.
He has done a survey and a listening tour with the teachers of our district.
We are fully staffed with teachers for the 26-27 school year.
The greenhouse at the High School was taken down. GHS will be looking into a USDA Grant opportunity to replace.
Carpeting of the High School hallways was to begin July 15th. Carpeting should reduce noise.
The fire alarm system at the PAC will be fixed as works starts on it Monday, July 20th.
Repairs to the field house have started.
HVAC across the district repairs are happening.
Ground keepers are improving the appearance of our campuses. The district is exploring a contract with a Landscape company to get caught up since we the grounds crew is short handed.
The Summer Academy had 40 students.
Title 1 funding has decreased by 1%. We are looking into ways of replacing that.
A literacy grant to upgrade libraries has been applied for.
Community meetings with the new Superintendent will be happening. (see flyer)
Business
The following people have been appointed to positions:
Diana Jeffries- District Treasurer/Minutes Clerk ; Lori Atkinson-District Encumbrance Clerk/Deputy Activity Account Custodian; Ryan Goza-District Payroll Clerk/Deputy Treasurer/Deputy Minutes Clerk; Brittany Harding-Activity Fund Custodian/Deputy Encumbrance Clerk; Rhonda Anderson-Deputy Payroll Clerk
Supt. Brown will negotiate with the teachers (instead of the Board). Goal is to have agreement by the August Board Meeting .
The Board approved the location for the Changing Our World (COW) project from '25-'26. The outdoor area will be located on the SW corner of High School Property. It will include a fenced area with Pickle Ball courts, Connect 4, Corn Hole, Basketball Goals, Outdoor Classroom, Benches and Picnic Tables.
The job description for the Federal Programs Director will be changed from a 10 month position to a 12 month position.
Child Nutrition Clerk Manager job description was changed to allow more flexibility in the hours worked. This was done at the request of the person holding this position who had requested less hours worked.
The Spec Ed Office Secretary/Ed Plan and/or Compliance Officer job description was changed from 211 days to 195 days at the request of the person holding that position.
The certified Employee Leave Policy was changed from 10 to 12 days.
The sport pass ticket prices were increased to $7 for adults but remained unchanged at $5 for students .
GH2 Architects gave a report on the bond issue playground project. Principals of the Early Childhood Center , The Lower Elementary School, and the Upper Elementary School were consulted to give their input. Bids for construction are due July 30th. The playground plans include rubberized mulch, extensive drainage work, removal of present equipment and a redesign of the playground areas. The architects hope to bring final plans to the August Board Meeting.
$2,000 per year will be added to certified employees' salary. Our legislature had passed $2000 increase for certified teachers but not administrators. Our Board approved the $2000 for ALL certified employees.
Until next month,
Pam Jarrett
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
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. 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.
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.
