School Board Highlights
April 4, 2022
Shawnee Middle School student Lilly Hennen reads a paragraph in the Potawatomi language to board members. Potawatomi Language is now an elective offered at SMS.
Shawnee High School student DaCota Dye, left, leads the Pledge of Allegiance alongside SHS teacher Theresa Dame.
FFA Recognition
SHS Principal Matt Johnson (from left) introduced agriculture teachers Jordan Miller and Chase Ferguson along with FFA Vice President Macy Nelson to board members. The FFA program has grown so much this year that the program will add an additional FFA class at Shawnee Middle School next school year to accomodate all the students who chose agriculture as an elective, Ferguson said.
Central Office Reports
Dr. April Grace announced that Shawnee Public Schools will be home to the 50th aerospace program in the state. A full presentation about the program will come in the future.
Dr. Aaron Espolt discussed the floor at the Stucker facility. Currently, Stucker has a hard concrete floor with an epoxy overlay that is not conducive for athletic events or practices. Espolt said the board would consider later in the meeting turning the current floor to one with padding and a vapor barrier, making it a multipurpose floor. He said maintenance and cleaning are efficient, and it will have a 15-year warranty. He also said the change will increase the use of Stucker and allow the district to host more events in Stucker.
Board Reports
Board Member Larry Walker mentioned that Shawnee High School had three athletes recognized as the Tri-County Athletes of the Week, two from soccer and one from track. He also said tennis season is in full swing. He noted the SHS girls swim team was recognized on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Board 2nd Vice President Clif Harden praised the art teacher at Sequoyah for the recent art show and Sequoyah Elementary for the recent family nights.
Board President April Stobbe mentioned it is National School Library Week and said Shawnee Public Schools no doubt has the best library program in the state.
Board Decisions
- the 2022-2023 Procurement Plan for Child Nutrition Programs
- granting four days of emergency leave for Covid taken Jan. 14, 2022, and inclement weather taken Feb. 4 and 25 and March 11, 2022
- the Resolution for Schools and Libraries Universal Services (E-Rate) for 2022-2023
- the creation of Fund 86, to be named Insurance Recovery Fund
- supplemental estimate of need to reflect supplemental appropriations to the District's Insurance Recovery Fund (Fund 86)
- adjusting appropriations to the District's General Fund (Fund 11)
- the SPS modified calendar for the 2022-2023 school year
- the solicitation of bids for the overlaying of a multipurpose floor at SHS's Stucker Building with Pottawatomie County sales tax funds
- declaring Acme property (3126 Acme Road, Shawnee, OK 74804) as surplus property and authorized the superintendent to update the appraisal on the property and to advertise the property for sale
- all personnel items as presented