Amanda Bullard

The key topics discussed included the approval of Purchase Orders across General, Activity, and Building Funds, and travel expenses. The agenda also covered reports on revenue collections and expenditures, as well as the Principal's Report. Significant discussion and potential votes involved granting an easement for roadways and utilities to the town of Inola and related entities, and the approval of the 2025-2026 Audit Contract and Engagement Letter with Bledsoe, Hewett & Gullekson. An annual review of the Reading Sufficiency Plan, Dropout Report, and College Remediation Report was also scheduled. Furthermore, the Board planned to discuss and vote on Activity Fund changes related to Child Nutrition accounts. A significant portion of the meeting involved an executive session to discuss the contract renewals for several key administrative positions, including the Elementary Principal, Middle School Principal, High School Principal, Special Education Director, and the Superintendent's revised contract, as well as the hiring of the Head Football Coach.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, followed by a change in the agenda to move the principal's report forward. Recognition was given to a student for organizing the 'Rustic Rumble Show,' which raised $4,000 for the special education department. The Literacy Specialist from the state department of education presented on the Heroes Literacy Team pilot program, discussing the implementation of the Amamira universal screener, resulting data showing student progress, and curriculum support efforts including handwriting and phonics. A presentation highlighted a Super Bowl themed math and reading day at the elementary level. The high school principal reported on successful events including speech and debate, technology interviews, and STEM competitions where two groups won first and third place in a challenge. The middle school principal discussed sickness issues, upcoming dates for STEM competitions, academic team participation, and the success of the middle school musical, 'Beauty and the Beast,' noting the challenges of condensing the performance for limited rehearsal time. Athletic achievements were also noted, including an undefeated eighth-grade boys' basketball team and a conference champion wrestler.

The meeting involved action on a resolution authorizing the calling and holding of a Special Election regarding the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, presented as two propositions concerning construction, renovation, and equipment upgrades for elementary classrooms, including storm shelters. The Board convened into executive session to discuss the Head Football coaching vacancy and later returned to open session where no action was taken regarding the vacancy.

The meeting commenced with standard opening procedures. Under the consent agenda, the Board approved multiple purchase orders for the General Fund, Activity Fund, Building Fund, and Bond Fund, as well as travel expenses and fundraisers. Key reports included a positive update on revenue collections and expenditures, noting that January 2027 is projected to be the most challenging month financially. The Elementary Principal reported a good start to the year, successful literacy night, and an upcoming benchmark testing. The MS/HS report highlighted athletic achievements, including a state championship win in E Sports and strong seeding for wrestling and basketball teams. The Board received the 2024-2025 Audit, which resulted in no exceptions. Furthermore, the Board discussed and subsequently approved a comprehensive list of Board Policies covering areas such as the Open Records Act, due process for administrators, ethics, executive sessions, threat assessment, AI use, and employment standards for teachers. A motion was approved for the Jr. Varsity and Varsity Academic Teams to attend the National Championship in Birmingham, Alabama, in June 2026. Following discussions in executive session regarding the Superintendent's contract, a coaching resignation, and employment details for several staff members for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, the Board reconvened and approved the extension of the Superintendent's contract, accepted the head football coach's resignation, and approved specific staff employment motions. New business included the approval of a Purchase Order for an electric pole.

The board meeting covered several key agenda items, including approval of a consent agenda, a report on revenue collections and expenditures showing positive year-over-year financial performance, and a principal's report detailing strong attendance and the success of a recent literacy night. The athletics report highlighted the achievements of the Esports team, with a student winning the state title for Madden, and provided updates on winter sports. A significant discussion involved the Superintendent's upcoming resignation from the football position for health reasons, while confirming he would remain as Athletic Director. The board also heard updates on the Special Olympics bingo night fundraiser. Finally, an audit presentation was reviewed, noting an adverse opinion due to state-mandated financial statement presentation format, but confirming no material findings in internal controls, compliance, or federal fund usage. The audit indicated positive financial health with the general fund exceeding revenues over expenditures and a healthy building fund balance bolstered by T-Mobile funds.