James Bishop

The meeting's agenda covered several key areas. The consent agenda involved the approval of encumbrances for the General Fund and Building Fund for February 2026, an overview and transfer of Activity Funds for the same month, and approval of agreements with Great Plains Technology Center for FY27, including Memorandums of Understanding for high school academic credits and Biomedical Program Agreements. Discussion items included the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program Update, the auditor's report, and possible board action on a General Services Subcontract Agreement with American Water Enterprises, LLC. Further discussions involved the audit contract for FY26 and Estimate of Needs for FY27, the Frederick campus school calendar for 2026-2027, the purchase of new computer monitors and a badge printing station, changes to cost sheets for full-time programs for FY27, and a Business Development Center Lease Agreement. The board also planned to discuss entering a Memorandum of Understanding with education associations for positional memberships and addressed personnel matters in executive session, including the termination of an employee and the potential employment of part-time personnel.

Key discussion topics for the meeting included the approval of Financial Year 2026 General Fund and Building Fund Encumbrances and Change Orders for January 2026, the approval of specific Purchase Orders to Lawton Communications, and the presentation of the Activity Fund Overview and transfers for January 2026. Information-only items covered updates on Lawton campus roof repairs, a scholarship check presentation, and an Information Technology (IT) Department update. Action items involved possible board action on an updated FY2026 Part-Time Pay Scale, the addition of tests to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Career Tech Testing Center, agreements with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Memorial Health Systems of Southwest Oklahoma, and contracting with Clayco Industries Inc. (dba Ford Roofing & Sheet Metal Co.) for roof replacement on the Business Development Center. The board also planned for an executive session to discuss the employment of Administrative personnel for FY27, a candidate for Medical Building Secretary for FY26, and part-time personnel for FY26, with subsequent action items to vote on these employments.

The agenda for the meeting included several items under the Consent Agenda, such as the approval of financial encumbrances for the General Fund and Building Fund for December 2025, an Activity Fund overview, fund transfers, approval of a Purchase Order to Lawton Communications, and the review of Public Surplus items. Information items covered a Program Update on HVAC systems and reports from the Treasurer, Director of Finance, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Executive Directors of Instructional Development. Discussions involving possible board action included adding the Family Life Fund Policy to the manual and approving the 2026-2027 Great Plains Technology Center Lawton campus school calendar. The IT Director's report included discussion on the purchase of laptops, desktop computers, and Cisco A-flex Licenses. A proposed executive session was scheduled to discuss the Superintendent's annual evaluation, an employee resignation, and the employment of a Help Desk/Information Technology Technician and other part-time personnel. Open session action items mirrored the discussions planned for the executive session.

This strategic plan outlines the mission to prepare individuals for success in work and life and to serve as a driving force for economic development in Southwest Oklahoma. It envisions providing valuable career education and is guided by core values of community commitment, ethical accountability, and economic promotion. Key beliefs include the unity of school and community, the importance of lifelong learning, stakeholder integration, and the necessity of employability skills, technical competence, and academic rigor for student success. Strategic initiatives focus on integrating new technologies, fostering an inclusive organizational culture, incorporating effective instructional learning systems, and motivating high employee performance.

The board meeting included a program update on Aviation Maintenance, a discussion on Board Meeting dates for calendar year 2026, and a discussion on renewal of workers' compensation insurance. Also reviewed was an Emergency Management Plan revision to the suicide prevention steps of action, a Clinical Rotation Agreement assignment change from Southwestern Medical Center to Comanche County Hospital Authority, and a Clinical Rotation Agreement between Duncan Regional Hospital, Inc. and Great Plains Technology Center. An emergency purchase of a hot water circulating boiler pump for the Great Plains Technology Center Frederick campus was noted. The board discussed and took possible action on the purchase and installation of new flooring in the main hallway and entry area of Building 100. The board also discussed the resignation of an Adult Education Secretary, the employment of a candidate as Information Technology Asset and Support Specialist, and the employment of part-time personnel and part-time Workforce and Economic Development (WED) personnel.