Tyler Bridges

The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussion items included Superintendent reports highlighting extensive student achievements across academics (academic teams, Math Counts), aviation programs (potential special invitation to a state competition), arts (choir/band joint concert, Circle to State), and athletics (cheerleading national championships, high school Palm competition, wrestling success, swimming regional qualification). Further discussions covered the successful Gordon Stomp dance and recognition of the Indigenous Education coordinator. Board members expressed appreciation for community support shown at various student-related events, such as the FFA banquet and soccer pancake breakfast. There was significant discussion regarding the operational success during recent snow events, including appreciation for bus drivers' patience. A major focus was placed on the planned grade reconfiguration transition and the perceived positive, careful leadership guiding it. Public comments were received from students advocating for the replacement of a broken and inaccessible playground, estimating the cost at $350,000, with the PTO having raised $150,000 towards the goal. The meeting concluded with the approval of the consent agenda and an introduction to the business and finance report.

The Stillwater Board of Education's annual budget for the fiscal year 2022 (school year 2021-2022) focuses on maximizing funding to support academic and personal growth for every student. Key priorities include addressing the impacts of COVID-19 with a Return to Learn Plan that emphasizes health, academic, and emotional needs. The budget allocates additional federal funding to offset state funding cuts, provide additional teaching support, enhance summer school programming, introduce a virtual academy, increase counseling services, and purchase cleaning supplies and protective equipment. The budget also covers general operations, maintenance of facilities, child nutrition, and capital projects through bond funds.

The budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year includes the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds (Building Fund and Child Nutrition Fund), Bond Funds (Capital Projects), and the Sinking Fund (Debt Service). Revenue summaries include local, intermediate, state, and federal sources. Expenditure summaries cover instruction, support services, and other uses of funds. Specific items include property taxes, state aid, federal grants, and prior year fund balances.

The Board of Education convened to consider an appointment for the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent position, and a contract for Construction Management services. Also, the board received a presentation on Property Tax Incentives for a potential industrial project.

The meeting included recognitions of Robotics Teams and teacher Jennifer Crosthwait for the Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award. The Superintendent reported on the SHS Lady Pioneer 4x200m relay team setting a new school record, Lincoln Alternative School being identified as 'highly effective,' and thanked participants in the SPEF Taste of Stillwater. The Superintendent also provided a data update on technology numbers. The board discussed the Treasurer's Report for March 31, 2024, bond expenditures and revenues, and resolutions related to General Obligation Bonds and a Sublease Purchase Agreement. An update was provided on Bond 2023 projects, including HS Phase 1, SPS OES Improvements, and Deferred Maintenance Projects.