October 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
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1. Call to Order
Discussion:
Dr. Toure called to order at 5:46 p.m.
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2. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum
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3. Moment of Silence, Pledge of Allegiance – Mission
Discussion:
Ms. Sandra Ramirez-Sanchez, Assistant Director of Enrollment and Student Services, called for a moment of silence, followed by leading the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Ramirez-Sanchez shared why she chose Metro Tech and recited the Mission Statement — "Metro Technology Centers prepares people for successful employment and life in a global society."
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4. Public Expressions
Rationale:
The public may comment only on any item appearing on this agenda, subject to the following restrictions: statements to the Board of Education by members of the public are limited to no more than three (3) minutes for each speaker unless altered by the presiding officer, with the approval of the board and, collectively, no more than 15 minutes are allowed for public expressions unless permitted by a majority vote of the board.
Discussion:
No publc expression
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5. Superintendent's Report
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5.A. District Update by Mr. Aaron Collins, Superintendent/CEO
Discussion:
Mr. David Martin, Deputy Superintendent, District Update:
The Metro Technology Center’s annual board retreat will be held Thursday, November 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the OKC Boathouse District’s River Sport Venues, facilitated by Dr. Jessica Rimmer of Solomon Strategies. The session will focus on board alignment and training, clarifying the roles of governance and operations, and aligning with district leadership to support the superintendent’s vision. Our district-wide accreditation visit with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (ODCTE) is set for October 21–23. ODCTE will conduct virtual interviews with about 130 individuals on October 21, followed by on-site reviews by 40 examiners at five campuses on October 22-23. Details and a five-page overview are included in your red folders. Special thanks to Dr. Robin Miller for leading accreditation preparations, and to Dr. Vuchai, Dr. Miller, Jeremy Calley, and their team for completing the district server relocation ahead of schedule. Appreciation also goes to Valerie Manuel and Director Joel Rogers for organizing today’s alternative board meeting site. Finally, gratitude is extended for the opportunity to serve in Mr. Collins’s place this evening. Madam Chair, that concludes the superintendent’s report. |
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5.B. Presentations/Recognitions
Discussion:
Mr. Zac Gleason, Site Director of the Business Technology Center, introduced Paula Arevelo and shared her inspiring journey with us. Paula is a graduate of Metro Technology’s culinary program and now works as a private chef for Voyage.
Dr. Toure expressed her gratitude for having Paula with us. Mr. Walke asked Paula what her favorite dish to cook. She likes to cook more of the Hispanic dishes and her favorite is ceviche and aguachile. Mr. Saul congratulated her and shared that he was happy for her. Jessica Martinez Brooks, Senior Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement, introduced this evening’s employee spotlight — Ms. Rhonda Wright. Coincidentally, they even dressed alike for the occasion. Rhonda represents the Wellness and Outreach Department and recently celebrated 25 years with Metro Tech. She began her career in Economic and Workforce Development as an Administrative Specialist, where she spent nearly two decades before joining Wellness and Outreach as a Project Manager under Valerie McMurray — who, fun fact, was on her original hiring committee. Known as the department’s "mother bear," Rhonda brings warmth, kindness, and joy to everyone she meets. Ms. Wright expressed her gratitude to the leadership and board for the opportunity to share her journey. Inspired by watching The Mary Tyler Moore Show as a teenager, she first discovered her passion for clerical work in an office skills class at Foster Estes Vo-Tech. In 2000, as a single mother of three, she began her Metro Tech career under the leadership of Elaine Stitt and later Steve Stopwell. Over 19 years in the EDC department, she advanced from Administrative Specialist to Office Manager, learning the values of hard work and resilience. Six years ago, she joined Wellness and Outreach, where she now manages projects that promote fitness, wellness, and balance for staff, students, and the community. Her nurturing leadership empowers others to grow and succeed. After 25 years, Rhonda proudly affirms, "Metro Technology Centers prepares people for successful employment and life in a global society — I am Metro Tech for Life." Mr. Walke asked: What's been your favorite part about the transition to health and wellness? Well, my favorite part has been how inspiring the department is. It really motivated me to begin my own wellness journey—which has helped me lose weight and start working out.it's also amazing to see others growing on their own wellness journeys and to be part of helping them achieve their goals. Ms. Jones, thank you so much for your twenty-five years of service at Metro Tech and for continuing to give back with such energy and passion. Your dedication and commitment are truly inspiring. Dr. Toure added, "I’d like to share that I often speak with participants in the community, and they have nothing but praise for the wellness program. They describe it as a mind, body, and soul experience. I’ve told them many times that I plan to join myself—I just need to find the time! The program is being talked about widely, and I want to applaud you all for making such a positive impact. Thank you." |
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5.C. Financial
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5.C.1. Treasurer's Report for the month of September 2025 — Jeremy Cowley, Associate Superintendent
Discussion:
Mr. Cowley provided the financial update, noting that the District remains in a strong financial position while continuing to monitor changes in the federal funds rate and any potential impacts of a government shutdown.
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5.D. Dates of Upcoming Events [Administration]
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5.E. Board Member Reports
Discussion:
Dr. Toure would like to congratulate Dr. Romel Muex-Pullen on her new role with the State Department of Education and the positive direction she’s helping to shape for students across our state. It’s great to have her voice at the table representing Metro Tech. I also want to commend our communications team for their outstanding community presence. Metro Tech is visible in every district—north, south, and downtown—which brings recognition and pride to our schools. The superintendent’s report noted that our enrollment is up, a true reflection of everyone’s teamwork and dedication. Additionally, the board supported creating a new Health Coordinator position to strengthen the department.
The Personnel Committee met to approve the creation of a new position: Hospitality Coordinator. Dr. Toure tabled General Business Item 9. C |
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6. Board Reports for Review (no action required):
David Martin, Deputy Superintendent Jeremy Cowley, Associate Superintendent, Innovation & Knowledge Management Dr. Romel Muex-Pullen, Associate Superintendent, Quality & Strategy Management Dr. Robyn Miller, Senior Director, Operations Dr. Ronald Grant, Senior Director, Business & Finance Dr. Kayleen Wichert, Senior Director, Instructional Quality & Workforce Engagement Jessica Martinez-Brooks, Senior Director, Strategic Communication and Engagement
Discussion:
Dr. Toure liked to recognize the recent ribbon-cutting for the 911 Center—it was a well-attended, highly publicized event, and community feedback has been very positive. Thank you all for your continued efforts on behalf of Metro Tech. Ms. Jones thanked everyone as well.
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7. Motion, discussion and possible vote to approve or disapprove the Minutes of the September 9, 2025, Regular Board Meeting. [Administration]
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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8. Motion and possible vote to approve or disapprove the Consent Docket Item(s):
Rationale:
[The following matters may be approved in their entirety by the Board upon motion made, seconded and passed by a majority vote of the Board members. However, upon request by any Board member, any one or more of said matters will be removed from the consent docket and acted upon separately.]
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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8.A. Transfer of funds, in the amount of $138,539.26 from the Activity Fund to the General Fund account for the month of September 2025.
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9. Motion, discussion and possible vote to approve or disapprove the following General Business Item(s):
Discussion:
Dr. Toure tabled General Business Item 9.C
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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9.A. Approve the 2026 Schedule of Regular Board of Education Meetings. Unless otherwise indicated, all regular meetings of the Board of Education begin at 5:30 p.m. in Room K, District Center, 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73111. (Attached) [Administration]
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9.B. Resolution for school board elections for Board Office No. 2; Board Office, No. 5; and Board Office No. 7, as well as payment of all expenses related to school board elections as required by Oklahoma County Election Board, for a general election on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and, in the event of a primary election, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. (Attached) [Administration]
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9.C. Revised Policies for adoption (reviewed by the Board Policy Committee September 8, 2025). (Attached) [Administration]
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9.D. Memorandum of Understanding between Oklahoma Department of Career Technology and Education (ODCTE) and Metro Technology Centers for the Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) program to establish a process to provide career education and skills training to eligible recipients of the Department of Human Services (DHS) effective July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. [Student Affairs & Workforce Development]
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9.E. Declare a list of equipment as surplus and no longer of use to the District, and to instruct the Superintendent to dispose of this item in a legal manner.(Attached) [Operations]
Attachments:
()
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9.F. Certificate and Order to Oklahoma County Clerk and Asst. Treasurer for Ronald L. Grant Jr., Asst. Treasurer. [Business & Finance]
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10. Motion, discussion and possible vote to approve or disapprove Personnel Items [Human Resources]
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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10.A. Employment of the persons listed below:
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10.A.1. Probationary
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10.A.2. Regular Full-Time (employees completing probationary employment):
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10.A.3. Part-Time, Adjunct Faculty & Business & Industry Services Division: [Attached]
Attachments:
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10.B. Release/Resignation/Retirement of:
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10.C. Revised Job Titles and/or Job Descriptions [Reviewed by Personnel Committee 9-18-2025]
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11. Motion, discussion and possible vote to approve or disapprove the following Encumbrances and Purchasing Items:
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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11.A. FY2026 Encumbrances PO #2601555- PO #2602106
General Fund $ 709,887.45 Building Fund $ 892,905.84 Bond Fund $ 744.92 Register Total $ 1,603,538.21 [Business & Finance]
Attachments:
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11.B. Encumbrance to Krueger International (KI) in the amount of $47,749.00 for the purchase of chairs and tables for the STEM lobby. Contract # OT0036575 University of Oklahoma, p-22000-22, Quote # 25JLF-763982/C.[Instruction]
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11.C. Encumbrance to Durante Construction, Inc. in the amount of $ 27,973.45 for the additional scope of work headwall units and cabinets located in the Health Careers Center.[Instruction]
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11.D. Encumbrance to UDT for warranty, service and support, antivirus, and web filtering for network firewalls and switches, with a total amount of $187,346.27. These items will be purchased through Oklahoma State Contract # C-2502/OSRHE/OneNet.[IT]
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11.E. Encumbrance to NIDA Corporation in the amount of $52,599.00 for the purchase of six NIDA model 130St three-position electrical trainers and all accessories and licenses needed for student interactive training. These trainers are aligned with the trainers used in the full-time aviation programs at Southeast High School. Purchase is funded by the approved 2nd year funding of the Career Tech High Growth Grant program.[Instruction]
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11.F. Encumbrance to Harris Ellis Equipment Co. in the amount of $40, 519.61 for the purchase of an alignment and diagnostic system for use in the Automotive Service Program at South Bryant Campus. Purchase was funded through Perkins funding.[Instruction]
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11.G. Encumbrance to Banner Fire Equipment Inc. in the amount of $43,035.00 for the purchase of bunker gear for the Fire Service/EMT Program at South Bryant Campus. Purchase funded through Perkins funding.[Instruction]
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11.H. Renewal of PowerSchool license, our student information system (SIS) for the FY26 academic year in the amount of $29,966.23.[IT]
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12. New Business
Rationale:
[New Business is any matter not known about or which could not have been reasonably foreseen prior to the time of posting. 25 Okla. Stat. §311 (A) (9).]
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13. Adjournment
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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