Muldrow School Board approves contracts, bids

At their regular meeting held on March 10, the Muldrow Board of Education took key steps to ensure continued growth and improvement for the district, and to discuss various personnel matters, approve financial actions, and make important decisions regarding future projects.

The meeting began with a motion to approve the consent agenda, including the resignations of Barbara Cossey, Linda Gonzales, Johnnie Grant, Keith Mings and Shayla Owens; and the approval of substitute teacher Mark Luciano for the upcoming school year. The board also approved encumbrances for both the General and Building Funds, totaling over $167,000.

Following an executive session, the board renewed all three principal contracts for the 2025-26 school year, which included Joe Phillips for the elementary, John Black for the middle school, and David Thomas for the high school. Additionally, Shanae Gage was hired as a temporary teacher assistant for the remainder of the school year, and Bryce Brown was approved as a new middle school wrestling coach and math teacher for the 202526 school year.

The board approved the District’s Indian Education Policies and Procedures as part of the Title VI Indian Education Program. Superintendent Roger Sharp provided an update on legislative developments and discussed upcoming school activities, including the senior trip to Branson, Mo. on May 9, and the National School Board Convention.

An audit contract and engagement letter with Bledsoe, Hewett & Gullekson Auditing Firm was unanimously approved by the board for the 2024-25 school year, as well as change to a district policy.

In a move to provide more flexibility for students, the board authorized Muldrow Public Schools to allow students to modify their graduation track to meet new requirements, with parental approval.

Bids and future projects The board reviewed several bids, approving the purchase of a new route bus from Holt Truck Centers and playground equipment from AAA Playgrounds. They also accepted a bid from L.E. Marshall Consulting, LLC to act as a grant writer/manager for a FEMA grant to fund the construction of a new safe room at the elementary.

In line with this, the board authorized the superintendent to negotiate a contract with an architect to design the plans for the safe room, ensuring that student safety remains a priority.

Finally, a list of surplus items no longer in use was presented by Sharp, and the Board voted to declare them surplus for disposal.

The meeting concluded at 7:54 p.m. with the Board continuing to work toward improving facilities and educational opportunities for the students of Muldrow Public Schools.

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.