Gore School Board swears in new member, approves staff contracts

The Gore Public Schools Board of Education gathered on April 14 for a regularly scheduled meeting, addressing a full agenda that included new board leadership, staff approvals, and preparations for future district improvements.

A highlight of the evening was the swearing-in of Amanda Munson to Seat No. 5, marking her official entry onto the board. Following her oath, the board reorganized its officer positions, electing Jeremiah Perryman as president, Cody Sloan as vice president, and Gary Cunningham as clerk.

Community member Brook Smith addressed the board regarding the girls’ sports program, though no immediate action was reported. The board unanimously approved an out-of-state professional development trip for Tonya Pugh to attend the National Ag in the Classroom conference in Minnesota this June.

The board also adopted revisions to the Indian Parent Committee bylaws and approved the GPS Title VI application, further solidifying the district’s commitment to inclusive and representative education.

Several motions were passed regarding the management of surplus school property. Sealed bids were accepted for items at the bus barn, and unused items from the Lower Elementary campus will be listed on publicsurplus. com.

In preparation for the next academic year, the board approved a software services agreement with SylogistED and finalized lease payment methods related to the Lower Elementary Bond project.

Staffing decisions for the 2025-26 school year were also approved. Notable reappointments include Teresa Craighead as encumbrance clerk, Rick Shry as custodian, and Jill Thornton in a trio of roles as child nutrition director, activity fund custodian, and district treasurer.

Regular and temporary employment for both certified and non-certified staff was also approved for the 2025-26 school year, and resignations were accepted from Trinity Brown and Grant Brown.

In a significant development for district labor relations, the board approved verbal verification from District Judge Payton regarding a filed petition for a new bargaining unit. Negotiations with the Gore Professional Teachers’ Association (GPTA) were also greenlit, along with the adoption of guidelines for a special representation election, as recommended by both the Professional Oklahoma Educators (POE) and GPTA.

The board approved a motion to reconvene for a special meeting on April 21, which will include an executive session to discuss the construction of a wrestling facility and the hiring of a high school softball coach.

During the Superintendent’s report, Superintendent Lucky McCrary gave an update on the district budget, ongoing construction and storm damage, while Principals Tonya Pugh and Amanda Andrews gave reports on their campus buildings before adjourning the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

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.