Minutes reveal decisions on personnel, contracts and policies

The Muldrow Public School Board of Education convened on June 12 for their regular board meeting, where the minutes from the meeting shed light on the various decisions made by the board regarding staffing, contracts and policies for the upcoming academic year.

After confirming the presence of a quorum, board president Dowen Green called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. The board members in attendance were Chad Sutton, Darin Huggins, and Colby Wilson, while Darrin Phelps was absent.

During the meeting, the board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes of the previous board meeting held on May 8, as well as several resignations, general fund encumbrances, payroll encumbrances, financial reports, and fundraiser requests.

Superintendent Clifta Fugett presented her report, discussing various topics such as legislation for the upcoming school year, the end-of-year attendance report, expenditures/revenue for the current year, and school safety measures. She also highlighted that both the middle school and high school libraries had received the Laura Bush Grant.

The board decided not to convene into an executive session to discuss the reemployment of certified and non-certified personnel for the 2023-24 school year. Instead, they proceeded with approving the employment of several individuals.

Emily Melby was appointed as the elementary school music teacher, Lori Likens as a high school math teacher, and Jaime Clevenger as a Special Education counselor, all on temporary contracts. Additionally, Jamie Rose was hired as a middle school secretary and Rhonda Jeremiah as a cook, both on temporary contracts.

The board also approved the employment of Jackey Branscum, Reva Swafford and Brianna Newby as summer school personnel.

Contracts and memberships for the 2023-24 school year were renewed with various providers and organizations, including the Oklahoma School Assurance Group for workers’ compensation, OPSUCA for unemployment services, Apptegy as the web site provider, the Oklahoma School Advisory Council, and Junior Achievement of Oklahoma, Inc. for the 6th grade participation in JA Biz Town. The board also secured property insurance coverage through the Oklahoma School Insurance Group.

In addition, the board agreed to enter into a participation agreement with the Oklahoma State Department of Education Public Consulting Group and Muldrow School for Medicaid billing during the 2023-24 school year. They also approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Muldrow Public Schools and CREOKS Health Services, Inc. and allowing math and science courses delivered at ICTC to be counted for graduation credit during the 2023-24 school year.

Several other decisions were made during the meeting, including the acceptance and destruction of 2017-18 school records, the transfer of funds from the Activity Fund to the General Fund, designating Fugett as the Purchasing Agent for various programs and funds, approving the Salary Schedule for the upcoming school year, and accepting policy changes.

Furthermore, surplus items were declared, excluding 26 Medart lockers, which remained on the school inventory. The high school cheerleaders were granted permission to sell their surplus items as a fundraiser.

The board meeting concluded with the approval of various motions, including the transfer of monies within the Activity Fund, the adoption of a Return to School Plan to meet requirements for ESSER III funding, and the provision of a $1,000 retention stipend for returning employees during the 2023-24 school year. There was no new business discussed, and the meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.