Roland school officials address personnel decisions, financial reports

The Roland Board of Education convened on July 10 for a regular meeting to discuss various matters concerning the district. The meeting saw the approval of new hires, deliberation on financial reports, and updates from the superintendent.

The meeting began with the board reviewing the Procurement Plan for the Child Nutrition Program and Loan Agreement for Food Service Deficits. After careful consideration, the members approved both documents.

In further matters related to the district’s operations, the board members evaluated the Milk Bid from Highland Dairy Foods. Following a motion made by Kevin Flurry and seconded by Jerry Brooks, the board voted unanimously to accept the bid.

One significant item on the agenda was the discussion of transfer student numbers that the district could accommodate in each grade level for every school within the district. The board approved the proposed numbers, providing clarity for the district’s administrative procedures.

The board also accepted the resignations of Greg Pratt and Melanie Sevens with unanimous approval, but took no action on the resignation of Misty Buelow.

Superintendent Lori Wiggins proposed an executive session to discuss hiring decisions. The board members, along with Superintendent Wiggins and Assistant Superintendent Angie Goode, went into executive session at 6:20 p.m. The discussion revolved around the hiring and non-hiring of new employees.

After the executive session concluded at 7:23 p.m., the board returned to open session and shared the outcomes of their discussions. Scott Nelke was appointed as the Girls Basketball coach, while Rachel Krohn was hired as a Kindergarten teacher.

The board also approved the hiring of paraprofessionals Katelynn Hurston, Jaiden Conaway, and Linda Upchurch. Additionally, Ashley Oden was appointed as the High School SPED Teacher, and custodians Kimberly Murphree, Johnna Knautz, and Joshua Allen were also welcomed to the team. Moreover, the board hired Theresa Davis as a Math teacher for the High School and LaDonna Bush for the Child Nutrition staff.

In other matters, the board approved signatures for Activity Fund accounts and renewed the OSAG (Oklahoma School Assurance Group) for Workers Comp for the 2023-24 year. They also authorized Wiggins to receive the stateapproved raise for the minimum pay scale formula.

The agreement for the School Resource Officer for the 2023-24 year was tabled for further discussion in the next meeting.

Financial matters were also addressed during the meeting, with the board approving various fund encumbrances, payroll and activity fund reports.

During the Administrator’s Report and Board Member Comments segment, Wiggins informed the board about the return of athletes and coaches to campus after the dead week period. She highlighted upcoming training sessions and events in July, encouraging board members to engage with staff and attend these activities.

This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.