Misty Blunt

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance led by students Everly Fiser and Jack Deon. A major agenda item involved honoring educators through the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program (OTEP), detailing the program's structure, stipends ranging from \$3,000 to \$10,000, and the additional award for teachers in high-poverty schools, noting that 30 teachers from Talpaw Public Schools were approved for the program. The board also discussed the monthly financial reports for January, including general fund, building fund, and sinking fund balances, as well as utility expenses showing increases in electric and gas costs compared to the previous year. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to professional development updates, covering state-required online training modules tracked via MyVideoSpot, a review of the 2025 Summer PD titled 'Elevate Your Skills,' and plans for 2026 professional development initiatives. Instructional coaches' roles in supporting teachers, especially first-year and alternatively certified staff, were highlighted. Furthermore, updates were provided on the curriculum audit for middle and high schools conducted by Cognia (formerly AdvancED), with findings expected in April.

The meeting commenced with the recognition of two students and acknowledgment of appreciation month for board members, emphasizing their commitment to the students and teachers. Key discussion points included approving the minutes for the December 16th meeting and taking action on resolutions authorizing the leasing of real properties to the Cherokee County Economic Development Authority and accepting a sublease agreement related to that property. Financial updates covered fund balances as of December 31st and total receipts for December. Technology updates focused on cybersecurity, noting increased phishing attempts and the implementation of mandatory, free staff training, including simulations, with incentives. Enrollment figures for the current period were presented, highlighting a high volume of student processing due to new enrollments and withdrawals. Project updates discussed the ongoing office move, with plans to minimize disruption to the public. Furthermore, discussions involved updating the board policy on facility use for a new building to accommodate community rentals, specifying rate categories and restrictions (e.g., no wine service, current restriction on political meetings). Capital project planning included updates on bond funds, ordering maintenance trucks and band equipment, and site walkthroughs for annual needs projects, with a focus on furniture procurement. A special board meeting was anticipated in March to approve a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for field concession and storm shelter projects.

The meeting included discussions on financial reports for January 2021, covering general, building, and co-op funds, as well as activity funds and CD investments. The board discussed the number of free lunches, breakfasts and supper meals served. There was an update on COVID-19 cases and quarantines, and plans for staff to receive their first vaccine shots were detailed. The board also addressed damage caused by recent weather, including water main breaks and leaks in school buildings. The Save a Senior event was discussed, including the challenges of fundraising and the plan to use the high school facilities while adhering to CDC guidelines.

The board meeting included recognition of the softball team's accomplishments, a presentation of the annual fiscal year audit, a deputy treasurer's report on financial matters, and a superintendent's report. The audit revealed no findings or questioned costs for federal awards, and a prior year finding was resolved. Financial discussions included a review of receipts, fund balances, and utility costs, with attention to increased electric costs. Project updates were provided for the armory, and bond projects were discussed, including timelines for completion. Child nutrition reported serving a significant number of meals but noted a financial deficit due to a large purchase. Goals for academic achievement, positive culture, and a safe environment were reiterated, with a focus on increasing student proficiency by 2032.

The regular board meeting commenced with the introduction of guests Riker Rodenbeck and Austin Cochran, who participated in the pledge of allegiance. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by the sponsor of the Interact Rotary Club, Lori Primouth, and members of the youth group, detailing their extensive community service projects. These projects included sorting clothes, packing food bags for weekends, participating in Operation Christmas Child (assembling 101 boxes), filling Rotary baskets for 160 families, and involvement with Toys for Tots, serving over 900 families. Student leaders also discussed their involvement in the Ryla leadership conference and the growth of the Interact Club from 15 to 102 members. The deputy treasurer provided a report on the monthly financial status as of November 30th, detailing bank balances, receipts for the General Fund, Building Fund, and Sinking Fund, and utility expenditure comparisons between November of the previous year and the current year. The principal director presented an update on new equipment acquisitions, specifically the purchase of a new 14-passenger mini shuttle bus costing approximately $115,000, which will replace older vans and is safer for smaller groups, as well as securing a new truck. The report highlighted improvements in driver comfort, such as front air conditioning in standard route buses.