SPS Board Highlights
August 5, 2019
Four Shawnee Early Childhood Center teachers were recognized in Dr. April Grace's superintendent report to the board for receiving the K20 SKIE (Supporting K20 Innovative Educators) Southeast Region Award. The SECC team members are (from left) Haley Michael, Cassie Flora, Brandy Swinford and Katie Thompson. They are now finalists for the state-level award, which will be announced at K20's Innovative Learning Institute conference in November.
Central Office Reports
During her board report, Dr. Grace recognized the following:
- Katie Thompson is one of 12 finalists for 2020 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. The winning teacher will be announced at State Fair Park in September.
- Shawnee High School's FFA chapter has received 3-Star National Chapter Certification, the highest honor a chapter can receive at the national level.
Academic Services Report
Meggan Wilson, executive director of academic services, reported that many Shawnee teachers participated in a full-day of professional development as part of the Pottawatomie County Celebrate Teachers event hosted by the Avedis Foundation. Shawnee Middle School served as the host site for all county middle school teachers that morning. Participants at SMS were able to attend PD sessions on STEM, technology integration, inquiry learning, ICAP, Native American education, and classroom management, among many others. She also reported that a presenter had sent her a note of praise for the professionalism of all the teachers in attendance.
Both Meggan Wilson and Dr. April Grace praised the efforts by Shawnee staff members for planning and conducting the event at SMS, including Academic Services, Nutrition Services, and Maintenance.
Wilson also introduced Michelle Wallace in her new role as the district's Career Development and Community Partnership Advisor. Wallace has been working on ICAP initiatives, setting up internships for several high school students for the upcoming school year, and planning career introduction activities for elementary students.
New High School Courses Approved
Other Board Actions
- The board voted to adopt the CCOSA Blended/Virtual Learning Framework. Because virtual learning options are expanding in Oklahoma public schools, this framework gives guidance for schools to consider when developing, implementing, and evaluating high-quality, research-based blended/virtual instruction.
- The 2019-2020 Master Contract with Shawnee Association of Classroom Teachers, pending ratification by SACT, was approved.
- The 2019-2020 Negotiated Agreement with Shawnee Federation of School Employees, pending ratification by SFSE, was approved.
- The board toured the Stucker facility which is nearing completion of its renovation. A grand opening of the facility will be held in late August or early September.