June 14, 2021 at 5:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Mrs. Rhoades announced with sadness that this was Bret Rider's last school board meeting with his retirement at the end of the month.  She also recognized Julie Edenborough for her great job on planning the Leadership Retreat.
Mrs. Rhoades also stated that there are lots of summer maintenance projects happening now including mowing and repairs.  The chiller has been down at the high school as well.  We have hired some summer crews to help with the work.
Summer Pride workouts have been very well attended by students with a record attendance this year.  We are also providing transportation for students and are working on providing meals for them.
Summer Academy is going well.  449 students are currently enrolled in K-6th grades.  Jackie Morales spoke about the class she is teaching.  Some of the activities they have done include glow in the dark slime, making ice cream, and a secret message project.  Each activity has taught the students about reactions (physical and chemical).
Enrollment through Wengage is going well.  Karina Favila with the Enrollment Center spoke to the Board of Education.  She stated that half of our district's students have updated their info for next year.  They will start calling and emailing parents soon.  They also plan to go to Seaboard to help parents there get their children enrolled.
Dixie Purdy spoke about the Leadership Retreat in Norman.  For a team building exercise, they worked together to escape at an Escape Room. They also had workplace management training and customer service training.  All seemed to enjoy the retreat.
Dixie Purdy also talked about the Safe School trainings that will need to be completed.  Certified staff will have 16 required trainings and support staff will have 11 required trainings.  We will push out the trainings next week so staff that would like to work on them over summer break can, but they will not be required to do so until school resumes in August.  
Dixie Purdy also spoke to the Board about our current job openings.  We still have 16 open certified positions to fill.  Administration is hopeful to get these all filled.
Julie Edenborough spoke to the Board of Education regarding the Return to Learn Plan.  This plan must be on our website by June 22nd.  It was originally adopted last year, but has been recently updated and will continue to be updated every 6 months as required.

Discussion:  Kari Montgomery spoke to the Board of Education regarding the school finances.  She stated that they are currently recoding expenses for federal program purposes.  Finishing payroll and closing out purchase orders for the remainder of the year are also projects happening.  Our carryover is a bit lower than last year, but that does not include the ESSER II funds or the ARP funds that the school district will receive.

Discussion:  The board entered into executive session at 6:28 pm to discuss the employment, hiring, appointment, or resignation of employees listed in Appendix A, pursuant to 25 O.S. Section 307(B)(1); to conduct the Superintendent's evaluation, pursuant to 25 O.S. Section 307(B)(1); and to discuss confidential communications between the board of education and its attorney concerning the pending claim and potential litigation between Tamra French, et al., Plaintiffs, and the School District (the "French Claim"), the board having been advised by its attorney that disclosure will seriously impair the ability of the board to process the possible claim and litigation in the public interest, pursuant to 25 O.S. Section 307(B)(4).  Those present in executive session were Sally Hawkins, Elvia Hernandez, Vickie McKinnon, Mike Ray and Superintendent Angela Rhoades.  No action was taken by the board of education.