Sallisaw School Board approves new hires, initiatives for 2023-24

The Sallisaw Public Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting on July 10 to discuss and approve various matters concerning the upcoming 202324 school year. The meeting, presided over by President Amanda Trudeau-Hatcher, saw the approval of new hires and important initiatives for the district.

The meeting began promptly at 6 p.m. and commenced with the approval of the minutes from the previous regular meeting held on June 12. All board members voted in favor of approving the minutes.

Several key financial decisions were also made during the meeting. The board unanimously approved the encumbrances for the 2022-23 school year, ensuring the efficient allocation of funds for various educational expenses. In addition, they approved the transfer of funds from the administrative general fund refund activity fund to the general fund and the transfer of activity lunch fund to the general fund.

Educational programs and student well-being were at the forefront of the meeting’s agenda. The board accepted the resignations of Kaysha Bell, Eastside reading specialist, and Theresa Davis, high school math teacher.

For the upcoming school year, the board approved the procurement plan for Child Nutrition and the Child Nutrition Wellness Policy, aiming to provide nutritious and balanced meals for students.

The Return to Learn Plan was updated and approved, ensuring the district’s readiness to address any potential challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The student handbooks for Liberty Elementary School, Eastside Elementary School and Sallisaw Middle School underwent some changes, which the board approved. However, further discussions were tabled regarding the Sallisaw High School handbook.

The meeting went into executive session at 6:25 p.m., during which private matters were discussed. No minutes or votes were taken during the executive session.

Upon reconvening, the board approved several new hires for the 2023-24 school year. Claire Taliaferro was hired as a third grade teacher on a temporary contract, while Becky Heflin was employed as an Eastside Elementary teacher assistant. Grant Knoke and Jason Elbon were approved as middle school geography teacher and high school physical science/ biology teacher, respectively, both on temporary contracts.

Also approved during the meeting were:

• The OSSBA online board bundle for the 2023-24 school year

• District transfer capacity for the first quarter

• Brad Jackson as purchasing agent for Sallisaw Public Schools

• Bread, milk and pest control for Food Service for 2023-24.

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.