From the March 10, 2026 Grove School Board Meeting

The regular Board Meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of United States, Salute to the Oklahoma State Flag and a prayer by a local pastor.

In the first audience with the Board, a parent addressed what she and her husband believe to be a problem with the culture of the High School Basketball Program.

In the second audience, (mine), I asked for an update on the leaks found in new roofs and the situation with the malfunctioning alarm systems.  I also commented that a reduction on reliance of devices and screens could be beneficial for elementary students.  

I was later told that the leaks have been fixed and the situation with the alarms is being addressed to guarantee their proper functioning as soon as possible.  There were some matters that had to be taken of before work could begin.  

Reports were given by principals of the Grove Early Childhood Learning Center, Grove Lower Elementary School, Grove Upper Elementary School, Grove Middle School, and Grove High School.  You can find their reports and pictures in the Agenda for meeting but it is good to know the principals usually add some things of interest at the meetings.

A representative from the Grove Classroom Teachers Association presented their need for an additional SRO (School Resource Officer) and stated the facts about the additional taxes that had been approved by the public for that purpose.  

Delaware County Ray Thomas was in attendance and he talked about how an additional officer could be hired, from his point of view.  There was quite a bit of discussion that ended with my notes saying,"The Board is encouraged to investigate the situation." 

The Superintendent's Report 

The PAC had been used during a recent storm.  Several people had brought their pets.  While it is wonderful to have this facility for community use during a storm, there was quite a mess left behind when some pet owners did not clean up pet's urine and/or feces.  Community members are urged to be considerate to clean up and when possible bring the pet in a cage.  

There was quite a bit of damage to the baseball field during the storm that will need to be repaired.

The amount of money the school has paid to have free lunches to all students was mentioned.  I neglected to write that amount down.  It seems as if it was around $50,000 per quarter.  If I find it, I will post it here.  Remember this extra expense was put on the school and was not in the budget.  The school is having to make this up but will do what they can in the interest of the students. 

Several employees had their contracts renewed and there were some new employees hired.  

For the good of Grove,

Pam Jarrett