Tom Brennan

The meeting agenda includes the reorganization of the board, recognition of support employees, and updates to the banking signatory list. Discussion items cover the adjustment of the district calendar due to snow days, a partnership for the Arvest Million Meals campaign, and the approval of temporary appropriations for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the board will review and vote on several contracts for services, including rehabilitation, course instruction, student transportation, and technology enhancements. The agenda also addresses E-rate resolutions, speech-language pathology services, school activity fundraisers, out-of-state trips, and surplus items, concluding with facilities and superintendent reports followed by an executive session for personnel matters.

The Poteau Public Schools ARP ESSER III Plan outlines strategies for preventing and mitigating COVID-19, addressing learning loss, and managing other expenditures. COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies include providing 1:1 student devices, upgrading water fountains, improving HVAC systems, enhancing social distancing measures, and purchasing additional transportation. Addressing learning loss involves reducing counselor-to-student ratios, providing intervention specialists, utilizing educational technology, and offering summer and after-school programs. Other expenditures include technology and custodial staff support, utility costs, and facility upgrades. The plan also details how the school will address the unique needs of vulnerable populations, including students from low-income families, students of color, English learners, students with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and migratory students, focusing on academic, social, emotional, and mental health support.

The board meeting focused on several key actions and discussions. The board took action on employing Sten H McDonald Associates as a financial consultant. They discussed and took action on the adoption of written policies and procedures for post-issuance compliance. Continuing disclosure obligations were discussed. The board received bids and awarded the issuance of $1,880,000 in General Obligation Building Bonds to the lowest bidder. Finally, the board considered and took action on a resolution providing for the issuance of the General Obligation Building Bonds.

The board meeting included recognition of employees of the month, Richard Shaw and Ira Harris, for their dedicated service. Teacher of the year awards were presented to Amy Snapp, Jennifer Phillips, Ken Braden, Katie Stubbs, and Robin Stockton. The meeting also covered the 2023-2024 fiscal year audit, which included an adverse opinion due to the regulatory basis of accounting for public schools. Financial reports and incumbrances were reviewed, including upcoming expenditures for activity buses, electric buses, and facility improvements. The board approved an increase in the flex benefit amount for 2025 and the appointment of new members to the Oklahoma Public Schools Investment Interlocal Cooperative board of directors.

The meeting included recognition of employees, reports on finances and encumbrances, and discussion of several key items. These items included approval of an increase in flex benefit and health savings account amounts for employees, a contract with Dobson Fiber for broadband infrastructure upgrades, raises in substitute teacher daily pay, out-of-state activity trips for students, various fundraisers, a fund transfer for activity funds, surplus items, and a facilities report covering janitorial supplies, electric buses, energy conservation programs, and building projects.