Board Meeting Minutes

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

Monday, January 7, 2019
    
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, January 7, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, December 20, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: Board President, Becky Gooch, Vice President, Gail LoPresto and members, Cindy Gibbs, Bill Wetmore and Jay Sherrill; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Tina Losawyer, deputy board clerk; and others.

ITEM #1 – MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – PUTNAM CITY HIGH SCHOOL

Brett Bradley, Principal of Putnam City High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence. Mr. Bradley spoke of their Senior Leadership class, also known as Service Learning.  He said it was an opportunity for students to give back to their school, district middle and elementary schools and the community. He introduced Putnam City High School alum and Senior Leadership teacher, Sara Ligon. Ms. Ligon said the course teaches students they have the power to affect the lives of others. She also said the class takes students out of their comfort zone and enables them to grow and that it challenges the students.  Several students shared their experiences and accomplishments by speaking about what they are learning and how it will benefit them the rest of their lives. They spoke about partnering and interacting with special education students, being a helping hand to school staff, and how doing community service enables them to see what’s going on beyond the walls of their homes and their school. Mr. Bradley closed with stating that this is not an easy class and Ms. Ligon does a great job channeling and creating leadership abilities for her students.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

ITEM #3 – Information and Staff Reports:
    Child Nutrition Report – Chef Dwane Drake – Sodexo

District students are receiving more school meals this year than in the past, reported Dwane Drake, Sodexo’s director of Child Nutrition.  Last school year the district served about 1 million breakfasts, 2.1 million lunches and 24,000 dinners for a total of 3.3 million meals or a 3.5 percent increase. Drake said the district this year is continuing its participation in what is known as “Community Eligibility Provision” (CEP). Through CEP, schools may offer meals at no charge to all students. Whether a school is a CEP school depends on information provided by federal assistance programs regarding family use of the programs. Last year 14 district schools were considered to be CEP schools. This year there are 16 CEP schools.

Last year the 24,000-plus dinners served in the district went to students at Hilldale Elementary, Arbor Grove Elementary, Windsor Hills Elementary and Western Oaks Elementary. Drake said he expects the number of dinners served this year to be about 16,000 higher due to Central Elementary and Tulakes Elementary students being added to the program. Drake also told board members about two new initiatives, Taste4 menus in high schools and the SoHappy app for parents and students. Taste4, in place at Putnam City North and Putnam City High schools and coming to Putnam City West after spring break, uses information from student focus groups across the country to develop a variety of fresh, flavorful menus and faster checkout lines. SoHappy is an app developed by Sodexo that can be used to check menus for any district school. In addition to foods offered, the app allows access to all nutritional and allergen information for each menu item. Menus are also available on the district website. Coming up this spring, Drake said, is the annual Future Chefs contest for elementary students as well as implementation of a coffee bar at Putnam City North.

   College Readiness Report/Drop Out Report – Rick Croslin – Executive Director Secondary
Education

The performance of district students on the ACT continues to show areas of improvement, Executive    Director of Secondary Education Rick Croslin reported. Croslin shared data points with the board, including:
 • The number of students taking the ACT continues to increase, from 779 students in 2014 to 1,164 students in 2018. The 2018 number is a record high number for the district. Typically when school districts or states increase the number of students taking the ACT, composite scores go down. The district’s composite score went up.
• The district’s overall ACT average increased by .3 while the state’s average dropped by .1. • District students taking four years of English and three years of math and science, and taking the ACT again as a senior, have a composite score of 20.0, which is above the state composite of 19.3.
• Putnam City North’s 19.4 composite score is the highest in the district and slightly better than the state’s 19.3 average.
• District African-American, Hispanic and Caucasian students are achieving at the state composite score level for those ethnic groups.

Croslin told board members that for three years all district sophomores have taken the pre-ACT and then used review days to understand their results in each area. Students may also later use results to help decide what classes to take. Juniors have been taking the ACT each year in the past four years. One of the district’s goals, Croslin said, is for those students to take the exam again in the senior year to improve their composite score.

Putnam City High School Principal, Brett Bradley spoke with board members about strategies at his school for helping students score well on the ACT. The school schedules an ACT day so that all students can take sections of ACT practice tests in their core classes, followed by reviews to let them know exactly how they did on each section and what they can do to improve their scores. All juniors at Putnam City High go through an ACT “boot camp” the week before they take the test in the spring. Another ACT boot camp is available before October ACT testing. In addition, for students who have targeted certain colleges that require high ACT scores, tutoring is available for students scoring 26 or above who wish to increase their scores.

Croslin told board members that the district is increasing high school students’ exposure to college. Putnam City West freshmen visited three state universities in the fall and Putnam City High freshmen will be able to visit a handful of state universities in the spring. College and career fairs were held in the fall at each high school for all juniors and seniors in the school. In addition, concurrent college courses are held at Putnam City North and conversations have started for developing similar offerings at Putnam City High and Putnam City West.

Mr. Croslin presented the district drop out report. The district dropout rate for 2017- 2018 school year remains better than the state average. Middle school and high school students who were enrolled in district schools last year but are not in district schools this year are considered dropouts unless the district or the state can determine they are students elsewhere. For instance, students may move with their families to another state or even to another country without properly withdrawing. If it can’t be proven they are in school in their new locale – which can be difficult to prove – they are considered dropouts. For the 2017-2018 school year, the district had a total of 11 dropouts from its five middle schools, three more than during the 2016-2017 school year. However, at the high school level the number of dropouts decreased at every school and therefore decreased substantially overall, from 131 in the 2016-2017 school year to 104 during the 2017-2018 school year.

ITEM #4 – Superintendent’s Reports:

1.    State Superintendent’s Student Advisory: Valencia Herrero of Putnam City High is one of 74 Oklahoma high school students named by State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister to her 2019 Student Advisory Council. The students assist Hofmeister and the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) in matters of policy. “These are among Oklahoma’s best and brightest high school leaders, and we look forward to learning more about the student perspective on matters of school policy,” Hofmeister said.
 
2.    Men’s Day of Singing:  The third annual Men’s Day of Singing in the district will be Tuesday, Jan. 29. Men from all district high schools and middle schools will come together to spend the morning rehearsing with guest clinician Tony Gonzalez from Oklahoma City University. At noon, the public is invited to an informal concert performance in the district’s administration building at 5401 NW 40th.

3.    Someday Soon Foundation: It is always amazing to see the incredible community support we have for Putnam City schools. Last month, the Someday Soon Foundation donated $10,000 to our Child Nutrition Department to pay for unpaid balances of student meal accounts. The founder of the Foundation, Tommy Kelly, a district supporter who was once a student in the district, knows that some families are unable to make meal payments. We appreciate the Someday Soon Foundation and their philanthropic efforts to make this a better place for families in need.
 
4.    Ballroom Dancing Competition: In mid-December four Putnam City elementary schools sent their teams of ballroom dancers to take part in the metro area’s Life Change Ballroom Competition at Rose State College. Congratulations to students from James L. Dennis, Lake Park, Tulakes and Will Rogers for making the finals, but special congratulations go to Tulakes for earning second place and Will Rogers for finishing in fourth place.

5.    Is This a Great State or What?: The 5 p.m. newscast on KFOR-TV today featured a segment of Galen Culver's "Is This a Great State or What?" on Putnam City history and the Putnam City Museum. It is to air again Tuesday during KFOR’s morning and noon newscasts on and Sunday during morning news. We appreciate Mike Brake, recent Chair of the Museum Committee, for connecting Culver to the story and are pleased to see district history and the district museum receive this coverage.

Dr. Rhodes expressed thanks to board members for their service and shared that January was Board Appreciation Month.

ITEM #5 – Comments by Board Members.
Jay Sherrill wished everyone a Happy New Year and said he was excited about 2019. He also said that over the Christmas break he became aware of the exceptional growth in his children’s skills, knowledge and abilities since school began in August. He said the growth was a tribute to everyone in the room, and he thanked them for their service.

Cindy Gibbs said it was good to see teachers and staff back at schools today.

Gail LoPresto said she enjoyed seeing holiday programs in December, including performances by the Western Oaks Middle School orchestra, Putnam City High’s choir, the Mayfield Middle School band, the Arbor Grove Elementary orchestra and all the Putnam City West students who were part of Yuletide. She also said she heard a wonderful singer at her church on Christmas Eve, and was proud to learn that it was a former Putnam City West student, Kasey Yeargain.

Becky Gooch thanked Dwane Drake and expressed appreciation of the district’s partnership with Sodexo. She also thanked district educators who are already part of the #oklaed chats on Twitter each Sunday at 8 p.m. and encouraged more teachers and administrators to take part. She described the chats as wonderful opportunities to chat with state leaders and other educators, and said it was a great chance for state leaders to hear from district educators.

ITEM #6 – CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT AGENDA CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

   a.    Minutes for regular board meeting on December 10, 2018.
   b.    Minutes for the special board meeting on December 13, 2018.
   c.    Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 9-05152-117 through 9-06030-105 for December 5, 2018 through December 17, 2018 inclusive for the 2018-2019 school year.
   d.    Activity Cash Summary.
   e.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
   f.    Declaration of Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
   g.    Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. Air Force for AFJROTC program at Putnam City High School. (1/2 Instructor salaries from 19-11-000)
   h.    Elementary and Secondary Contracts.
   i.    Overnight Travel.
   j.    Out of State Trips.
         1.   Putnam City North High School Cheer team to Dallas, Texas on January 25th –27th, 2019 to compete in NCA Nationals.
         2.   Putnam City High School JROTC students to Houston, Texas on February 15th –17th, 2019 to tour NASA and WWII Battleship Texas.
   k.    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented with an amended Elementary and Secondary Contract recap at the board table.  Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AND REASSIGNMENTS AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.

Bill Wetmore made a motion to approve recommendation of employment of new personnel and reassignments as listed on Attachment A. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH ONENET FOR INTERNET SERVICES FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR. ($73,900.00 FROM 20-11-094)

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve contract with OneNet for Internet Services for the 2019-2020 school year. Bill Wetmore seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DISTRICT POLICY AB-NONDISCRIMINATION

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve revision to District Policy AB-Nondiscrimination.  Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DISTRICT POLICY BM – CIVIL RIGHTS POLICY.

Bill Wetmore made a motion to approve revision to District Policy BM – Civil Rights Policy. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DISTRICT POLICY DA – GENERAL PERSONNEL POLICIES: RESIGNATION AND RETIREMENT.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve revision to District Policy DA – General Personnel Policies: Resignation and Retirement. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DISTRICT POLICY EH – STUDENT CONDUCT.

Bill Wetmore made a motion to approve revision to District Policy EH – Student Conduct.  Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MOU WITH SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY FOR PLACEMENT OF EDUCATION STUDENTS FOR STUDENT TEACHING FOR THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR. (NO COST TO THE DISTRICT)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve MOU with Southeastern Oklahoma State University for placement of education students for student teaching for the 2018-2019 school year. Bill Wetmore seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA, HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER FOR FIELD WORK EXPERIENCE FOR OCCUPATINAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS FOR THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR. (NO COST TO THE DISTRICT)

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve Agreement with the University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center for field work experience for occupational and physical therapy students for the 2018-2019 school year. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #16 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Gail LoPresto made a motion at 5:58 pm to adjourn. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
    
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: Board President, Becky Gooch, Vice President, Gail LoPresto and members, Cindy Gibbs, and Jay Sherrill; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Sandy Lemaster, board clerk; and others.

ITEM #1 – INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT, MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – APOLLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

Angela Habben, Principal of Apollo Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence. She introduced 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Jacobs-Adams who presented a recent project in which her students have been involved. Henry “Box” Brown was a real person who escaped slavery by mailing himself in a wooden crate to abolitionists in Philadelphia in 1849. The students learned about his life and used reading, math, social studies and other skills to create their own Henry “Box” Brown paper dolls and ship him on adventures with family and friends. To date Apollo’s Henry “Box” Brown dolls have visited 24 states and at least 6 other countries including: France, Denmark, Italy, Egypt, Jordan and Mexico. Student Lezley DeLara shared her iMovie showing how her Henry “Box” Brown doll traveled to Mexico with members of Lezley’s family. She said the life lesson she learned is “if you really want to accomplish something you should take risk because there isn’t anything that you can’t do”.  Each board member was given a Henry “Box” Brown doll of their own and asked to take pictures of his travels to share with the class.
 
ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

Kent Mathers, Chairman of the Putnam City Museum recognized the Lifetime Service Award Honorees: Mike Brake, Gloria Porter Quaid, the late Sally Duffy Akin and the late Leo Mayfield. This is the fifth year that the Putnam City Museum has awarded Lifetime Service Awards. The awards were established to recognize people who have graciously served the district primarily in a volunteer capacity. There was a reception prior to the board meeting to formerly recognize the honorees. Mr. Mathers presented a plaque to the board with all past and current honorees listed. He said the Museum is open Saturdays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm or by appointment for reunion tours. More information is available at the website: putnamcityschoolsmuseum.com.

Cindy Gibbs responded to honoree, Gloria Quaid. In her speech during the Museum Reception, Mrs. Quaid said she was at a loss for words to adequately express how she feels about the Putnam City district. Mrs. Gibbs wanted Mrs. Quaid to know that her actions throughout her years of service showed the district and community the extent of her feelings and love for the district.
 
ITEM #3 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS.

          Report on  Mid-Year Allocation – Shannon Meeks – Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Meeks was absent due to illness so this report was postponed until February 19, 2019.

ITEM #4 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

1.   Putnam City Museum Honorees:  This afternoon, the Putnam City Schools Museum presented the 2019 Lifetime Service Awards to four people whose volunteer work has made the district stronger and better. The honorees were Mike Brake, Gloria Porter Quaid, the late Sally Duffy Akin and the late Leo Mayfield. Mike Brake and Gloria Quaid are district graduates; leaders of the Putnam City Museum Committee; responsible for writing and publishing the Putnam City Centennial book and unofficial district historians. Sally Akin, also a graduate, was an outstanding volunteer at the elementary, middle and high school her four sons attended. Mr. Mayfield, a beloved former district superintendent, maintained his ties with the district and promoted it energetically during his retirement. We congratulate them all and thank them for their service to the district.

2.   STEM Award:  Russell Tucker, STEM teacher at Central Elementary, was named as one of four $500 prize winners for the December activity of the Devon Thunder Explorers. The program engages students in developing problem-solving skills around questions that focus on STEM principles. The December activity called for students to make and use marshmallow launchers to explore free throw shooting techniques, a challenge undertaken by three of Mr. Tucker’s 4th-grade STEM classes. The prize money will be used to buy STEM resources for use by students.

3.   Putnam City North Student Council: Congratulations to Putnam City North’s student council, one of just two in Oklahoma and 28 across the nation to be named a National Student Council National Council of Excellence for 10 consecutive years. Putnam City North’s student council, along with other councils being recognized, have distinguished themselves for a decade in their leadership and service and promoted student engagement in projects and activities.

4.   Jr ROTC Scholarship: Zhamarius Harmon, a junior at Putnam City High School and a cadet in the school’s Air Force Junior ROTC, has received a scholarship to attend an accredited aviation university participating in a private pilot license training program in the summer of 2019. Harmon is one of 150 Air Force Junior ROTC cadets around the world, and two in Oklahoma, to receive the scholarship from Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama. Putnam City High’s junior Caleb King, also a cadet in the school’s Air Force Junior ROTC, has been selected as an alternate for the scholarship.

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill appreciated the Putnam City West band participating in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade in Oklahoma City. He said it was awesome to see and encouraged more bands/groups to participate in future.

Cindy Gibbs congratulated the Museum Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. She commented that it was very enlightening to hear each recipient’s story and their contributions to the district. She said the district is “very blessed” to have so many people who love and support the district. Mrs. Gibbs found out recently that a long-time teacher for the district, Terry Durham, had passed away and she wanted to express her great respect for Mrs. Durham. She also said a Putnam City North graduate, Tristan Allen, had passed away a few weeks ago. She recalled that he was an award winning musician and that his mother, Karen Allen, has served the district through PTA and PTA Council for many years. She said they both touched many lives and offered her condolences to both families.

Gail LoPresto commented that there is a perception that school board members have “thankless jobs” but she says they are not! She said board members are appreciated and rewarded throughout the year through cards from students, notes from administrators and staff, and being a part of graduation ceremonies. She said the Apollo presentation and the Museum Lifetime Achievement reception were great. Mrs. LoPresto also attended the Putnam City Invitational at Putnam City West and said it was a great event but wished West would have won the tournament. She also wanted administrators to know that she appreciated their attendance at the January 7th board meeting after they’d had a long day of professional development that day.

Becky Gooch also thanked everyone for the School Board Appreciation Month cards, notes and gifts and echoed Mrs. LoPresto’s sentiments that the board members are shown appreciation frequently. Mrs. Gooch also offered condolences to the Durham and Allen families as well as the Jackson family, noting that Nick Jackson a Hilldale teacher had passed away unexpectedly. She said the families would be in board members’ prayers. Mrs. Gooch said she had recently toured the new Putnam City North football stadium and said it was a really “neat” thing. She is also looking forward to the completion of the Putnam City West football stadium and the Putnam City High gym. She thanked patrons for being so supportive of the district’s bond elections which allow the district to upgrade facilities for the students.

ITEM #6 – CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT AGENDA CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

   a.    Minutes for regular board meeting on January 7, 2019.
   b.    Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 9-05622-135 through 9-06600-128 for December 18, 2018 through January 15, 2019 inclusive  for the 2018-2019 school year.
   c.    Activity Cash Summary for December and Mid-Year July – December 2018.
   d.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
   e.    Declaration of Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
   f.    Agreement with DLR Group for Professional Development for Capps Middle School (19-11-541)
   g.    Elementary and Secondary Contracts.
   h.    Overnight Travel.
   i.    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AND REASSIGNMENTS AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve recommendation of employment of new personnel and reassignments as listed on Attachment A. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH COX COMMUNICATIONS FOR WAN SERVICES FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR. ($276,276.00 FROM 20-11-094)

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve contract with Cox Communications for WAN Services for the 2019-2020 school year. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE 2020-2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve 2020-2021 School Calendar. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

Dr. Rhodes explained that two options for the 2020-2021 School Calendar were prepared in conjunction with the PCACT and were sent out to all staff for feedback. Sixty-four percent of responders preferred the option being presented to the board for approval. Becky Gooch asked for feedback on students and teachers having the full week of Thanksgiving off this year. Dr. Rhodes said that feedback was very positive and that a full week off at Thanksgiving is the current state trend. Jay Sherrill said, as a parent, he had to coordinate child care for the two extra days but he understands that the longer break at Thanksgiving is beneficial to the staff.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO GRANT AN EASEMENT TO CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY FOR PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL PRIVATE DRAINAGE WATERLINE. (NO COST TO DISTRICT)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to grant an easement to City of Oklahoma City for Putnam City North High School Private Drainage Waterline. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2019-2020 COURSE DESCRIPTION GUIDE.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the 2019-2020 Course Description Guide. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

The 2019-2020 Course Description Guide was sent to the board members that serve on the Secondary Education and Curriculum committee prior to the meeting. Board members requested that the 2019-2020 Course Description Guide be e-mailed to all board members. Citing research that shows that students who take four years of each core subject achieve higher test scores Becky Gooch stated that students who take four years of core subjects achieve higher national test scores so she would like the district to explore in future what the Course Description Guide and graduation requirements would look like if the district set the standard and require students take four years of all core classes.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ACCEPT BID FROM UNITED DATA TECHNOLOGIES FOR REPLACEMENT OF DISTRICT CORE NETWORKING EQUIPMENT. ($129,982.06 FROM 19-11-079)

Gail LoPresto made a motion to accept bid from United Data Technologies for replacement of district core networking equipment. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

The district expects approximately eighty-five percent of the expense to be reimbursed through e-rate funding.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAM FOR 2019.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Extended School Year program for 2019. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH JENNIFER KEAHBONE, SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST/INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR FOR THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR. (NOT TO EXCEED $20,000 FROM 19-11-621)

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve contract with Jennifer Keahbone, Speech Language Pathologist/Independent Contractor for the 2018-2019 school year. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH LISSA WRIGHT, PSYCHOLOGIST/INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR FOR THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR. (NOT TO EXCEED $5,000 FROM 19-11-621)

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve contract with Lissa Wright, Psychologist/Independent Contractor for the 2018-2019 school year. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #16 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #17 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Gail LoPresto made a motion at 5:34 p.m. to adjourn.  Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

 

SPECIAL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Tuesday, January 29, 2019    

The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in special session Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. at the Putnam City Administration Board Room, 5401 NW 40th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

ITEM #1 – CALL TO ORDER AND RECORDING OF MEMBERS PRESENT AND ABSENT.

Becky Gooch called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Members present: President, Becky Gooch; Vice President, Gail LoPresto and members, Jay Sherrill and Cindy Gibbs; Dr. Fred Rhodes, Superintendent and Sandra Lemaster, board clerk. Member, Bill Wetmore was absent.

ITEM #2 – BOARD TO RECEIVE WHOLE BOARD DEVELOPMENT TRAINING AND ENGAGE IN DISCUSSION WITH DR. ANN CAINE, OSSBA, ON THE TOPIC OF SUPERINTENDENT EVALUATION. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM.

Dr. Ann Caine, Director of Education Leadership with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association provided professional development on the On-going Superintendent Evaluation Tool that the Board voted to adopt at the November 26, 2018 regular board meeting.

On-going evaluations will be conducted quarterly during executive sessions. During each executive session, different categories within the evaluation instrument will be discussed/reviewed and a numeric score will be tallied for each category. At the end of the annual evaluation period, a final numeric score will be calculated for each category.

Dr. Caine explained how the process would work and went through the scoring rubric. She then instructed board members on each category of which the superintendent would be evaluated. Each category included 4 or 5 elements for scoring.

The scoring rubric is as follows:

Highly Effective – 4
Effective – 3
Developing – 2
Ineffective – 1

The schedule for categories being evaluated at quarterly meetings is as follows:

March (February for 2019 only)
        Board/Superintendent Relationship
        Operations

June
        Student Services
        Personal Qualities

September
        Staff Relationship/Human Capital
        Finance
        District Goals

December
        Community Relationship
        Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Prior to discussion of renewal of the superintendent’s contract, the score would be reviewed for each category to determine if the score should be modified and an “End of Year Rating” would be calculated.

Board members were then led through a role playing exercise so they could see how the process would work in a live application.

ITEM #3 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion at 7:29 p.m. to adjourn. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, February 4, 2019    

The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, February 4, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: Board President, Becky Gooch, Vice President, Gail LoPresto and members, Cindy Gibbs, Bill Wetmore and Jay Sherrill; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Tina Losawyer, deputy board clerk; and others.

ITEM #1 – INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT, MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – HEFNER MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Holly McNutt, Principal of Hefner Middle School introduced Karina Fisher, Director of the orchestra program at Hefner Middle School. Ms. Fisher introduced students: Anuja Poulo, Landon Fonzi, Michael Scott, Ariann Mai and Andrea Soriano Juarez, who delighted Board Members and the audience with a wonderful presentation of “Theme from Canon in D.” Ms. Fisher said these students were part of the 8th grade orchestra that totals 40.  She explained that as a group their average GPA is 3.87.

Student Michael Scott led the Pledge of Allegiance and Ms. McNutt led the Moment of Silence.

Ms. McNutt stated she was proud to be a part of a district that supports and recognizes the benefits of the Arts. She expressed how Fine Arts not only helps academically, but  also teaches life skills that students will carry with them in the work force and develops them into better people.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

Patron Dick Click expressed concerns about facilities and facility construction at Putnam City West High School and specifically asked the board to consider construction of a new gym, repainting of the stadium and renovation of locker rooms.

ITEM #3 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

1.    2020 Bond: Historically, the patrons of Putnam City have been overwhelmingly supportive of maintaining and improving our facilities for our students and entire school community.  In 2014, the patrons passed the $120 million Centennial Bond, the most comprehensive bond in the 100-year history of the District.  In 2017, the patrons supported a much smaller, interim bond, the $22 million Momentum Bond for completion of the new Capps Middle School, Technology, Safety and Transportation, which passed by more than 80%, the highest percent of passage in recent history.
It is now time for us to begin making plans for the next comprehensive bond, the 2020 Bond, which will occur next year.  We are in the process of determining District needs and a doable amount for this next bond. In the next few months, we will be asking local school communities, the patrons of the District and all stakeholders to submit ideas for the 2020 Bond.   As you walk the halls; as you visit classrooms; as you attend events, please be thinking about suggestions and formulating ideas for the 2020 Bond.   We are truly blessed to have incredible facilities.  There is the “Putnam City Standard” that other districts strive to achieve.  As leaders in the District, it is our duty to be good stewards of the facilities we have been entrusted to maintain.  As patrons of the District, we have a moral obligation to provide the very best for our students.  Let’s all work together to catch the vision, the perfect vision, of the 2020 Bond.  

2.    Teacher Job Fair:  Mrs. Balenseifen and her Human Capital Team have been working to prepare for the annual Putnam City Schools Teacher Job Fair which will be held Tuesday, March 26 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the Reno Campus of Francis Tuttle Career Tech.  We are pleased that in the last year, our District has been named a Top Work Place by The Oklahoman because of many factors such as: salaries that are among the best in the metro area, 100% district-paid teacher retirement, employee child care and a salary schedule that honors all years of out-of-state service.  Please help us get the word out about our upcoming job fair.
 
3.    Legislative Team: Administration has been working with Eric Winkle of PCACT to formulate a plan to send a delegation from Putnam City to the Capitol during this legislative session.  The details of this plan will soon be released but our intent is to allow a 5-member team, representative of administration, certified teachers, support staff, parent and student who will visit with key legislators regarding current educational issues and proposed legislation.  The Board’s negotiated agreement has a provision that allows the PCACT legislative days for this purpose and others will use personal leave or professional development leave to attend.  Prior to going, members of the Legislative Team will go through an orientation that will provide guidance regarding the proper and professional protocol for approaching and engaging legislators, as well as talking points related to the current educational issues.  We believe this plan is a good plan that has specific goals in mind and anticipate that it will accomplish great things.

4.    Athletic Hall of Fame:  Dr. Dick Balenseifen, District Athletic Director, has been working with the District Athletic Council to begin a new event to honor athletes and coaches who have brought significant recognition to the District.  More details will be forthcoming, but the first annual event will be sometime in early Fall.  In addition to honoring these athletes, the Council wants to provide a way to help graduates to reconnect with the District and also give them a chance to be among the first to tour our new athletic facilities before the inaugural season. Nominations for those to be recognized should be sent to Dr. Balenseifen.  

ITEM #4 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill thanked Mr. Click for his public participation.  He asked for the board to be updated on facilities. He asked how the community can submit ideas for the 2020 bond proposal and learned that an idea submission mechanism will be included in the new district website. He also congratulated the district on earning a Top Workplaces distinction from The Oklahoman.

Bill Wetmore thanked the Hefner Middle School orchestra members for their performance at the meeting, saying they were fantastic.

Cindy Gibbs said she appreciated a thank you note she received from a student. She also joined Sherrill in congratulating the district on earning Top Workplaces status.

Gail LoPresto said she attended legislative advocacy training at the Oklahoma State School Boards Association and found it interesting and motivating. She also thanked Hefner Middle School orchestra members for their performance.

Becky Gooch said the district had a good plan in place for legislative advocacy. She also introduced Charity Avery to the audience. Avery ran unopposed for the Office No. 4 board seat and will join the board in April, replacing Bill Wetmore.

ITEM #5 – CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT AGENDA CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
   a.    Minutes for regular board meeting on January 22, 2019.
   b.    Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 9-05818-130 through 9-07335-520 for January 16, 2019 through January 29, 2019 inclusive for the 2018-2019 school year.
   c.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
   d.    Project Applications.
   e.    Declaration of Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
   f.    Renewal of contract with Cox Communications for Local and Long Distance Services for the 2019-2020 school year. (20-11-094)
   g.    Secondary Contracts.
   h.    Overnight Travel.
   i.    Out of State Trips.
         1.   Putnam City North High School Varsity Baseball Team to Gulf Shores, Alabama, March 17th-22nd, 2019 to compete in the Gulf Coast Classic I Baseball Tournament.
         2.   Putnam City West High School Show Choir to Dallas, Texas, May 10th, 2019 to participate in “Celebrate the Arts” at Six Flags Over Texas.
j.    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #6 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AND REASSIGNMENTS AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.

Bill Wetmore made a motion to approve recommendation of employment of new personnel and reassignments as listed on Attachment A. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISED RATES OF PAY SCHEDULE FOR 18-19 SCHOOL YEAR.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve revised rates of pay schedule for the 18-19 school year. Bill Wetmore seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

Jay Sherrill asked if we were doing this for sake of demand.  Dr. Fred Rhodes confirmed that the increase in the substitute pay scale would keep us competitive and in-line with other districts. Currently there are 95 substitutes that accept sub jobs on a regular basis and most days there are absences that go unfilled.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH THE CENTER FOR APPLIED LINGUISTICS FOR 3 DAYS SHELTERED INSTRUCTION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON JUNE 3RD-5TH, 2019 FOR 30 ESL TEACHERS. ($13,765 FROM 19-11-541).

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve contract with the Center for Applied Linguistics for 3 days Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol professional development on June 3rd-5th, 2019 for 30 ESL teachers. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion.  Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO GRANT  A UTILITY EASEMENT TO OGE TO SERVE THE NEW CAPPS MIDDLE SCHOOL. (NO COST TO DISTRICT)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to grant a utility easement to OGE to serve the new Capps Middle School. Bill Wetmore seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH PERFORMANCE TRAVEL LTD. FOR PUTNAM CITY HIGH SCHOOL, PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL AND PUTNAM CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA STUDENTS TO TRAVEL TO LONDON TO PARTCIPATE IN THE 34TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL FROM DECEMBER 28, 2019 THROUGH JANUARY 4, 2020 ($422,400 FROM 19-11-708)

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve contract with Performance Travel Ltd. for Putnam City High School, Putnam City North High School and Putnam City West High School Orchestra students to travel to London to participate in the 34th Annual New Year’s Day Parade and Festival from December 28, 2019 through January 4, 2020. Bill Wetmore seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

The Board had questions regarding the district’s liability. Dr. Rhodes assured the board that our attorney has looked at the contract, made revisions and all legal concerns have been worked through. All funds will be raised through fundraising and activity efforts.

Levi Dobrinski, the District’s Silver Strings Director, shared that approximately one-third of the funds required has already been raised. He said measures are in place if scholarships are needed. Currently there are 160 students who are planning on participating. There will also be adult sponsors and chaperones that will be traveling with the group. Currently there is a ratio of 3 students assigned to each adult.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Gail LoPresto made a motion at 5:31 p.m. to adjourn.  Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

 

SPECIAL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Tuesday, February 12, 2019    

The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in special session Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. at the Putnam City Central Conference Room, 5401 NW 40th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

ITEM #1 – CALL TO ORDER AND RECORDING OF MEMBERS PRESENT AND ABSENT.

Becky Gooch called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Members present: President, Becky Gooch; Vice President, Gail LoPresto and member, Jay Sherrill; Dr. Fred Rhodes, Superintendent and Sandra Lemaster, board clerk, and others. Members, Bill Wetmore and Cindy Gibbs were absent.

ITEM #2 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO CONDUCT A TOUR OF VARIOUS CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:

-    6101 NW 58th Street (Future Capps Middle School location;
-    Putnam City North High School Stadium;
-    Putnam City High School Gym; and
-    Putnam City West High School Stadium

Gail LoPresto made a motion at 3:01 p.m. to conduct a tour of the various construction projects as listed. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

Board members boarded a Putnam City school bus and the tour proceeded as listed.

ITEM #3 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Gail LoPresto made a motion at 6:28 p.m. to adjourn. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, February 25, 2019    

The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, February 25th, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The meeting was originally scheduled for Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 but was rescheduled due to inclement weather. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: Members, Bill Wetmore, Cindy Gibbs, and Jay Sherrill; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Sandy Lemaster, board clerk; and others. Cindy Gibbs presided over the meeting in the absence of President, Becky Gooch and Vice-President, Gail LoPresto who were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances and illness.

ITEM #1 – INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT, MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – ARBOR GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

Brenda Davis, Principal, introduced Craig Henson who is the Maker Space teacher at Arbor Grove Elementary School. Mr. Henson led the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence and then shared a video showcasing that ALL students are successful through the Maker Space program. He shared that students are learning collaboration skills, compromising skills, and math, science and STEM vocabulary and concepts through “play”.  Ms. Davis also shared that the demographics of the Arbor Grove families are such that many students don’t have access to building “toys” and materials at home. The program also helps to reinforce classroom instruction.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.
 
ITEM #3 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS.

           Report on  Mid-Year Allocation – Shannon Meeks – Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Meeks presented a Mid-Year Allocation report that essentially compares state aid from the beginning of the fiscal year and reviews the impact of any adjustments made by the state at the mid-year point. An increase in local revenue sources, primarily school land earnings and property taxes, resulted in a loss of $1,043,699 in state aid. Some of that was offset by the state releasing an additional $452,439 that was held back from the initial allocation. Also, the district received an increase of $174,351 in flexible benefit allowance. With the mid-year adjustments, the fund balance at the end of the fiscal year is now projected to be $10,840.327 or $444,010 less than the initial projected ending balance of $11,260,218. The ending fund balance is basically the district’s savings account.

ITEM #4 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

1.   Coach of the Year:  Ryan Laverty, head coach of Putnam City North’s football team, has been selected as Region 8 Coach of the Year. Region 8 is essentially made up of 40 schools in Oklahoma County. His team made the first round of the state playoffs this year and finished the season with a record of 8 wins and 3 losses.

2.   Cheerleading Squad:  Congratulations to the Putnam City West Cheerleading Squad that recently competed at the American Spirit Regional Championship. They received First Place in large varsity high school category and won the Grand Champion title for overall high score of all the school squads that competed. This is the first time Putnam City West’s Cheer Squad has competed in 12 years. We are proud that the hard work demonstrated by the squad has been recognized with this accomplishment.

3.   State Swim Qualifiers:  Eight students from Putnam City North and six from Putnam City High competed in regional swimming competition in early February and qualified for state competition on Friday, February 15th, and Saturday, February 16th. Carlynn Fast, a freshman from Putnam City High, had the highest individual finishes in state competition of any district swimmer, earning a 5th-place finish in the 50-meter freestyle and a 4th –place finish in the 100-meter freestyle.

4.   Shelter Foundation Scholarship:  Phillip Goode, a proud member of the class of 1986 at Putnam City North, has created a new scholarship for fellow Panthers. Seniors at Putnam City North will be eligible for The Shelter Foundation $2,000 scholarship, with the winner selected based on scholastic achievement, participation in leadership and school and community activities, good citizenship and moral character and interest in college. We appreciate Mr. Goode’s interest in helping students at his alma mater.

5.   Putnam City West’s Army JROTC Competes:  Cadets Joshua Walquist, Timothy Gleason, Robert Leasure, Cristian Campos and Manual Whiteman comprised a team of five cadets from Putnam City West’s Army JROTC that finished third in the state in the All-Service category of CyberPatriot competition held in January. The competition puts teams of high school and middle school students in the position of newly hired IT professionals tasked with managing the network of a small company. Teams are given a set of virtual images that represent operating systems and are tasked with finding cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the images and hardening the system while maintaining critical services in a six-hour period. The all-service category is comprised of teams from JROTCs and Civil Air Patrol and Naval Sea Cadets. Twenty-one all-service teams took part in the competition.

6.   Wrestlers to State:  Four district wrestlers have earned their way into the state wrestling tournament.  Wrestlers from Putnam City North include: Juan Macedo, Tre Harley and Ahmad Alserafei. Rene Martinez, from Putnam City High School, won second place in the 160 lb. competition.

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill thanked Arbor Grove for their presentation and said the Maker Space program is “awesome”. He commented that there were many great things going on in the district.

Cindy Gibbs also thanked Arbor Grove and asked everyone to remember Gail LoPresto in their prayers as she is a great deal of pain due to a sciatic nerve.

ITEM #6 – CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT AGENDA CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
   a.    Minutes for special board meeting on January 29, 2019.
   b.    Minutes for regular board meeting on February 4, 2019.
   c.    Minutes for special board meeting on February 12, 2019.
   d.    Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 9-04042-001 through 9-08024-705 for January 30, 2019 through February 12, 2019 inclusive
for the 2018-2019 school year.
   e.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
   f.    Declaration of Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
   g.    Elementary and Secondary Contracts.
   h.    Overnight Travel.
   i.    Out of State Trips.
         1.   Putnam City North Boys Soccer team to Foley, Alabama on April 4th – 6th, 2019 to
         compete in the NFHS sanctioned Southern Coast Cup.
         2.   Putnam City High School Vocal students to St. Louis, Missouri on April 25th – April
         28th, 2019 to participate in the World Strides Onstage Choral Festival.
         3.   Putnam City West DECA students to Orlando, Florida on April 26th – May 1st, 2019 to
         compete in the DECA International Career Development Conference.
        4.   Putnam City High School DECA students to Orlando, Florida on April 26th – May 1st,
         2019 to compete in the DECA International Career Development Conference.
   j.    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Bill Wetmore made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented including an amended Overnight Travel Recap at the board table. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AND REASSIGNMENTS AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.

Bill Wetmore made a motion to approve recommendation of employment of new personnel and reassignments as listed on Attachment A. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE EMPLOYMENT OF RED SKY CONSTRUCTORS AS CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS AT PUTNAM CITY HIGH SCHOOL FOR SECURITY FENCE PROJECT. (5% CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FEE FROM 19-36-166 AND 19-75-166)

Bill Wetmore made a motion to approve employment of Red Sky Constructors as Construction Managers at Putnam City High School for Security Fence project. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE EMPLOYMENT OF RED SKY CONSTRUCTORS AS CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS AT PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL FOR WEIGHT/STORM SHELTER ADDITION. (5% CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FEE FROM 19-35-250 AND 19-75-250)

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve employment of Red Sky Constructors as Construction Managers at Putnam City North High School for Weight Room/Storm Shelter addition. Bill Wetmore seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye.

The Weight Room/Storm Shelter will be on the east side between the stadium and the parking lot where volleyball is currently located.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT BETWEEN OWNER AND ARCHITECT WITH KERR 3 ARCHITECTS, INC. FOR PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL FOR WEIGHT ROOM/STORM SHELTER ADDITION. (6% OF CONTRACTED CONSTRUCTION AMOUNT FROM 19-35-250 AND 19-75-250)

Bill Wetmore made a motion to approve contract between Owner and Architect with Kerr 3 Architects, Inc. for Putnam City North High School for Weight Room/Storm Shelter addition. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye.

Jay Sherrill asked for clarification on the fee. Cecil Bowles explained that the architect fee is typically a little more than the construction manager fee.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE EMPLOYMENT OF RED SKY CONSTRUCTORS AS CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS AT RALPH DOWNS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR CARPET AND COVE BASE PROJECT. (5% CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FEE FROM 19-35-261)

Bill Wetmore made a motion to approve employment of Red Sky Constructors as Construction Managers at Ralph Downs Elementary School for Carpet and Cove Base project. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye.

Members asked for clarification and cove base is the same as baseboards.  

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE EMPLOYMENT OF RED SKY CONSTRUCTORS AS CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS AT PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL FOR CAFETERIA RENOVATION PROJECT. (5% CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FEE FROM 19-35-262, 19-75-258, 19-34-262 AND 19-36-262)

Bill Wetmore made a motion to approve employment of Red Sky Constructors as Construction Managers at Putnam City North High School for Cafeteria Renovation project. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT BETWEEN OWNER AND ARCHITECT WITH KERR 3 ARCHITECTS, INC. FOR PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL FOR CAFETERIA RENOVATION PROJECT. (6% OF CONTRACTED CONSTRUCTION AMOUNT FROM 19-35-262, 19-75-258, 19-34-262 AND 19-36-262)

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve contract between Owner and Architect with Kerr 3 Architects, Inc. for Putnam City North High School for Cafeteria Renovation project. Bill Wetmore seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye.

ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING AN ONGOING EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, AS REQUIRED BY DISTRICT POLICY AND TO DISCUSS RE-EMPLOYMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. §307 (B) (1) AND (B)(7).

Cindy Gibbs announced that Items #14, 15 and 16 in regards to an executive session to conduct an evaluation of the Superintendent and to discuss renewal of employment of the Superintendent would be tabled until the next regular meeting on Monday, March 4, 2019 so the rest of the board members would be able to attend.

ITEM #15 – ACKNOWLEDGE RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

Tabled. (See note on Item #14)

ITEM #16 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT FOR 2019-2020.

Tabled. (See note on Item #14)

ITEM #17 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #18 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Bill Wetmore made a motion at 5:24 p.m. to adjourn. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; Gibbs, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, March 4, 2019    

The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, March 4th, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, March 1st, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: President, Becky Gooch, and members, Cindy Gibbs and Jay Sherrill; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Sandy Lemaster, board clerk; and others. Vice-President, Gail LoPresto and member, Bill Wetmore were absent.

ITEM #1 – INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT, MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – ROLLINGWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

Pam Miller, Principal of Rollingwood Elementary, led the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence. Larissa Speer, Information Specialist and Laura Martin, Title Reading teacher shared how they were using “One Book, One School” to create a culture of literacy throughout their school. They used the book “The World According to Humphrey” across curriculum to teach or reinforce concepts in all the grade levels. Students created their own paper Humphrey who then was able to go home with students and share in many adventures outside the classroom. A stuffed animal “Humphrey” also visited each class and would share a letter for the students. Students never knew which classroom he would choose and were excited when Humphrey visited their room. A video showing the kickoff of the “One Book, One School” event was presented. Students were excited about the program. Since the book used was the first in a series of books, they look forward to continuing “One Book, One School” in future.

Rollingwood also has built a “Little Free Library” outside the building to encourage students and the community to read at home.

Board members were presented with their own copy of “The World According to Humphrey” by Betty G. Birney.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.
 
ITEM #3 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROCLAMATION DECLARING MARCH YOUTH ARTS MONTH IN PUTNAM CITY SCHOOLS AND  STUDENT PRESENTATIONS.

Youth Arts Month is a nationally recognized event celebrating and emphasizing fine arts education. Brandy Sitts, Fine Arts and Gifted/Talented Coordinator shared this year’s theme for Putnam City which is “Speak Out for the Arts”. Teachers who make up the District Fine Arts Team were introduced. Those include: Cristy Gossett, Daniel Smith, Kim Scott, Levi Dobrinski, Lisa Taulman, Charya Wolfe and Stephanie Keegan Moring. Several students performed during the meeting:

•    Putnam City’s Silver Strings Quartet featuring Jeremy Ward, Sydney McLeary, Josephina Alkannma and Trinity Davis performed in the lobby prior to the meeting.
•    Putnam City High School students Common Wallace, Rena Payne, Madison Grant and Sidni Crawford performed “Run Freedom Run” from the play Urinetown which will be performed at 7:00 p.m. on March 14th and 15th at the school.
•    The Putnam City West jazz combo performed “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder. The jazz combo consists of students: Rogelio Ramirez, Brandon Ramirez, Noah Helton and Cris Reyes. Band Director, Edward Hudson, Jr. is the Putnam City West Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the Putnam City District Teacher of the Year.
•    Cristy Gossett presented a video of Western Oaks Middle School students performing “The Mane Man” from Welcome to the Jungle.
•    Visual art competition winners were also announced:
o    High School – Kennedy Yarbrough, Putnam City High School – Teacher, Vanessa Lango
o    Middle School – Semmei Ne, Capps Middle School – Teacher, Laura Ogles
o    Elementary School – Noemi Escobar, Northridge Elementary School – Teacher, Amanda Day & Lyric Morgan, Western Oaks Elementary – Teacher, Holly Adams.

Many Putnam City students received awards or recognition this year:
•    Six district orchestra students were named All-State Orchestra members at OkMEA.
•    Putnam City North students Jack Pierce, Sydney Mason, and Ty Hamilton each placed in multiple events at OSSAA Speech and Debate Regionals.
•    The Spirit of West Marching Band received Finalist placement at Moore, Yukon and Mustang marching festivals. They also received a Superior rating at the OSSAA Marching Band Festival.
•    Putnam City West Band members received 21 Superior ratings and more than 120 medals at the OSSAA District Solo and Ensemble competition which qualifies them for state competition in April at Oklahoma State University.
•    Capps Middle School student, Simmei Ni, won Honorable Mention at the statewide Young People’s Art Exhibit.
•    A total of 127 elementary and middle school students participated in Circle the State with Song.
•    Arbor Grove students Ayesha Waheed, Faith Gonkate, Alondra Gutierrez all placed in the "Watersheds Around the World" poster contest. Students Cameron Berumen, Thao Tran, Layla Cronic, Enshy Lopez and Gia White also won awards at the Oklahoma State Fair exhibit.
•    Putnam City High drama and debate students Ximena Valle Valdez, Dreama Fuller and Nancy Espinosa competed at the state YMCA Youth and Government conference and qualified for national competition this summer in Chicago.
•    Putnam City Silver Strings will perform at the state capitol on March 8th for the Youth Arts Day celebration and Putnam City High drama students Mary DeLoera and Delaney Johnson will act as emcees of the event.
•    Ashley Lopez, Putnam City High art student will be presenting an award winning piece of artwork to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
•    Putnam City High band students performed at OSSAA Band Regionals and 36 student performances received Superior ratings.
•    Seven Capps Middle School students competed in the regional Solo & Ensemble contest with 2 students receiving a Superior rating and 4 receiving an Excellent rating.
•    District visual art students currently have artwork displayed at these locations: the Administration Building, the State Department of Education, Northwest Library and Warr Acres Library.

Mrs. Sitts also announced that the 38th annual Putnam City Fine Arts Festival will be May 4th at Putnam City North High School.

Cristy Gossett, Western Oaks Elementary Music Teacher, read the following proclamation:

Youth Arts Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, arts education contributes powerful educational benefits to all elementary, and secondary students including the following:

        • Fine Arts education develops students’ creative problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities;

        • Fine Arts education teaches sensitivity to beauty, order, and other expressive qualities;

        • Fine Arts education gives students deeper understanding of cultural and multi-cultural values and
            beliefs;

        • Fine Arts education reinforces and brings to life what students learn in other subjects;

         • Fine Arts education interrelates student learning in production, history, communication, citizenship
            and aesthetics.

WHEREAS our national leaders have acknowledged the necessity of including the fine arts experiences in all students’ education and that support should be given to fine arts teachers as they attempt to strengthen art education in their schools and communities;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that support should be given to fine arts teachers as they attempt to strengthen fine arts education in their schools and communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is proclaimed that March be observed as YOUTH ARTS MONTH. All citizens are urged to take an interest in and give full support to quality school fine arts programs for children and youth.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve the proclamation declaring March Youth Arts Month in Putnam City Schools. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #4 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

1.   Academic All State:  Jaiden Callies of Putnam City High School has been named to the 2019 Academic All-State Class by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. The award places Ms. Callies in a select group – one of the 100 top public high school seniors in Oklahoma. The Academic All-Staters were selected from 535 nominations statewide and hailing from 83 different schools in 75 Oklahoma school districts. Each of this year’s All-Staters will receive a $1,000 merit-based scholarship and a medallion and be recognized at the foundation’s 33rd annual Academic Awards Banquet on Saturday, May 18, at the Renaissance Tulsa Convention Center.

2.   Dominate the State:  The results of the basketball tournaments this past weekend made history by sending four district high school basketball teams to the state tournament in Tulsa this week. Congratulations to the Putnam City West girls team, Putnam City West boys team, Putnam City North boys team and Putnam City High boys team. All four teams will make their tournament
appearance this Thursday. Let’s cheer them on to “Take State” in 2019.

3.   District Teacher of the Year:  The annual Teacher of the Year program will be tomorrow evening, Tuesday, March 5, at Victory Church located at 4300 N MacArthur Blvd. The event’s reception begins at 6:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 7. We look forward to honoring our district’s best and we appreciate the Putnam City Foundation for hosting this opportunity for us to showcase our teachers.  

4.   Western Oaks Middle School Cheer:  We congratulate the Western Oaks Middle School cheerleaders who recently took first place in 6A performance and second place in 6A game day.

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill suggested that the district use social media throughout Youth Arts Month (March) to highlight the accomplishments of students and teachers.

Cindy Gibbs appreciated the work and effort of the students who performed at the meeting, saying they were “awesome”.

Becky Gooch wanted to recognize the Oklahoma City Public Schools board members who were scheduled to vote tonight on their “Pathway to Excellence” measures. She said that they were in her thoughts and prayers as they make tough decisions that will impact the future of their district.

ITEM #6 – CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT AGENDA CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
a.    Minutes for regular board meeting on February 25, 2019.
b.    Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 9-07108-110
through 9-08572-511 for February 13, 2019 through February 26, 2019 inclusive
for the 2018-2019 school year.
c.    Activity Cash Summary.
d.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
e.    Project Applications.
f.    Declaration of Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
g.    Secondary Contracts.
h.    Overnight Travel.
i.    Out of State Trips.
      1.   Putnam City North High School DECA students to Orlando, Florida on
      April 26th – May 1st, 2019 to compete in the DECA International Career
      Development Conference.
       2.   Putnam City High School BPA students to Anaheim, California on April 30th
       – May 5th, 2019 to attend and compete in the Business Professionals of America
       National Leadership Conference.
       3.   Putnam City North High School FCCLA students to Anaheim, California on June 28th
       – July 5th, 2019 to attend the FCCLA National Leadership Conference.
j.    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AND REASSIGNMENTS AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve recommendation of employment of new personnel and reassignments as listed on Attachment A. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR 2019.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Summer School Program for 2019. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER FROM GLOBE CONSTRUCTION FOR INSTALLATION OF RUBBER FLOORING IN BOTH TEAM ROOMS OF THE PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM PROJECT. (4.5% CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FEE FROM 19-34-174)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Change Order from Globe Construction for installation of rubber flooring in both team rooms of the Putnam City North High School stadium project. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH AMERICAN COUNCIL ON THE TEACHING OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES FOR WORLD LANGUAGE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE ON MAY 7TH, 8TH, 9TH AND 10TH, 2019. ($8,309.43 FROM 19-11-551)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve contract with American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages for World Language Curriculum Development Institute on May 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th, 2019. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE LOWEST/BEST BID FROM UNITED DATA TECHNOLOGIES FOR REPLACEMENT OF CAMPUS NETWORKING EQUIPMENT. ($2,349,321.80 FROM 19-11-079, 19-74-190, 19-35-190.)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve lowest/best bid from United Data Technologies for replacement of campus networking equipment. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH SAARAH JOYCE, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGICAL/EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION SERVICES DURING THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR. (NOT TO EXCEED $6,500 FROM 19-11-621)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve contract with Saarah Joyce, Independent Contractor for school psychological/educational evaluation services during the 2018-2019 school year.  Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH EDDIE YELLOWFISH JR., INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR PROVIDING CONSULTING SERVICES DURING INDIAN EDUATION TRIBAL CONSULTATION MEETING. ($100.00 FROM 19-11-561)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve contract with Eddie Yellowfish Jr., Independent Contractor providing consulting services during Indian Education Tribal Consultation meeting. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH KRICKET RHODES INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR PROVIDING NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL CONSULTING SERVICES AT SIXTEEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS DURING THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR. ($5,600 FROM 19-11-561)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve contract with Kricket Rhodes Independent Contractor providing Native American cultural consulting services at sixteen elementary schools during the 2018-2019 school year. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE EMPLOYMENT OF POPE CONTRACTING AS CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS AT APOLLO ELEMENTARY, OVERHOLSER ELEMENTARY AND NORTHRIDGE ELEMENTARY FOR RESTROOM RENOVATION PROJECTS. (7% CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FEE FROM 19-35-192)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve employment of Pope Contracting as Construction Managers at Apollo Elementary, Overholser Elementary and Northridge Elementary for Restroom Renovation projects. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

Jay Sherrill asked if there could be an update soon on the construction of storm shelters in the district.

ITEM #16 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE EMPLOYMENT OF POPE CONTRACTING AS CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS AT COOPER MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR TRACK RENOVATION PROJECT. (7% CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FEE FROM 19-35-166)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve employment of Pope Contracting as Construction Managers at Cooper Middle School for Track Renovation project. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #17 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING AN ONGOING EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, AS REQUIRED BY DISTRICT POLICY AND TO DISCUSS RENEWAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT AND THE SUPERINTENDENT’S ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR WHICH INCLUDES: PATRICIA BALENSEIFEN, CORY BOGGS, CECIL BOWLES, RICK CROSLIN, BARBARA CRUMP, DR. KEELY FRAYSER, STEVE LINDLEY, SCOTT MCCALL, SHANNON MEEKS AND DR. MELANI MOUSE PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. §307 (B) (1) AND (B)(7).

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to enter into executive session at 5:46 p.m. for the purpose of conducting an ongoing evaluation of the Superintendent, as required by district policy and to discuss renewal of employment of the Superintendent and the Superintendent’s Administrative Staff for the 2019-2020 school year which includes: Patricia Balenseifen, Cory Boggs, Cecil Bowles, Rick Croslin, Barbara Crump, Dr. Keely Frayser, Steve Lindley, Scott McCall, Shannon Meeks and Dr. Melani Mouse pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B) (1) and (B) (7). Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #18 – ACKNOWLEDGE RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

At 7:06 p.m. Becky Gooch acknowledged return to open session and requested the Board Clerk to record the minutes of the executive session.

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board members, Bill Wetmore, Cindy Gibbs, Jay Sherrill, Gail LoPresto and Becky Gooch  met with Superintendent Dr. Rhodes in executive session for the purpose of conducting an ongoing evaluation of the Superintendent as required by district policy and to discuss renewal of employment of the Superintendent and the Superintendent’s Administrative Staff for the 2019-2020 school year, which includes: Patricia Balenseifen, Cory Boggs, Cecil Bowles, Rick Croslin, Barbara Crump, Dr. Keely Frayser, Steve Lindley, Scott McCall, Shannon Meeks and Dr. Melani Mouse pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1) and (B)(7).

No action was taken.

ITEM #19 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT FOR 2019-2020.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve the Superintendent’s contract for 2019-2020. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #20 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE RENEWAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT’S ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR WHICH INCLUDES: PATRICIA BALENSEIFEN, CORY BOGGS, CECIL BOWLES, RICK CROSLIN, BARBARA CRUMP, DR. KEELY FRAYSER, STEVE LINDLEY, SCOTT MCCALL, SHANNON MEEKS AND DR. MELANI MOUSE.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve renewal of employment of the Superintendent’s Administrative Staff for the 2019-2020 school year which includes: Patricia Balenseifen, Cory Boggs, Cecil Bowles, Rick Croslin, Barbara Crump, Dr. Keely Frayser, Steve Lindley, Scott McCall, Shannon Meeks and Dr. Melani Mouse. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Wetmore, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #21 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #22 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion at 7:08 p.m. to adjourn. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, April 1, 2019    

The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, April 1, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, March 29, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: Board President, Becky Gooch, Vice President, Gail LoPresto and members, Cindy Gibbs, and Jay Sherrill; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Tina Losawyer, deputy board clerk; and others.
Member Bill Wetmore was absent.

ITEM #1 – INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT, MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – PUTNAM CITY ACADEMY.

Shelly Roper, Principal at Putnam City Academy led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Moment of Silence. Ms. Roper proceeded by showing a video highlighting the Academy’s elective and A+ classes. In the video, students expressed how much they enjoyed smaller classes and the help they receive to achieve their goals. Highlighted was award winning artwork and cooking procedures in the Culinary Class.  At the end of the presentation, board members were presented with treats that were made by students in the Culinary Class.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

ITEM #3 – PRESENTATIONS and STAFF REPORTS.

Jennifer Seal, President of the Putnam City Foundation introduced Foundation chair, Chuck Thomas, who with other Foundation Board members presented 2019 Golden Apple Awards to five people in recognition of their service and dedication to district students. Awards went to Diana Carter, a volunteer at many schools and a substitute teacher at Putnam City North; Judy Hohne, a volunteer at Harvest Hills Elementary; Herb Nelson, assistant chief with Putnam City Campus Police; Jae Miller, a social worker at Wiley Post Elementary; and Tony Shoemaker, the financial secretary at Rollingwood Elementary.

The honors are given each year to employees and volunteers who promote excellence in education. Each honoree receives a check for $200.

Becky Gooch thanked all the recipients for all they do for the district.

ITEM #4 -  SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.
1.    State Basketball Tournament:  We congratulate four of our high school basketball teams: Putnam City High boys team, Putnam City North boys team, Putnam City West girls team, and Putnam City West boys team. While we did not bring home a state championship, we all have to be very proud that four of our high school basketball teams went to state this year.  From the research we have conducted, four district teams going to state the same year has not happened in our 105-year history.  Most of the games were “nail biters”.  They could have so easily ended in our favor.  I have to commend our head coaches and the entire coaching staff for the incredible work they do with our young people.  Not only are they winners on the court, they are guiding our students to be young women and young men with good character, high morals, respect and courtesy.   For example, in all the interactions and conversations I observed of our students, I always heard adults addressed with a “Yes, Sir” and a “Yes, Ma’am”.
In addition to the coaching staff, I also want to commend Dr. Dick Balenseifen, our District Athletic Director.  Because of his leadership, we are seeing great success in our athletic programs across the District.  He works tirelessly to make it all happen.  He is constantly striving to improve our programs. He has his radar out and looking for prospective coaches to bring to Putnam City.  He is also highly respected around the state.  He has extraordinary passion for and a loyalty to the District.
Thanks to all of you.  You have made us Putnam City Proud!

2.    Distributed Education Clubs of America DECA: Congratulations to Valerie Castro, a junior at Putnam City High on becoming Putnam City High’s first DECA Student Executive Council Member in more than 15 years. She will serve with five other members from across the state and will attend the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando as a state leader. In state DECA competition, Putnam City High student Mary DeLoera earned first place in Restaurant Service Management. In other categories of competition, one Putnam City High student earned a second place finish while three other students brought home third place finishes.
 Putnam City West and Putnam City North students also took part in state DECA competition. From Putnam City West, Lyssa Albertson and Pahola Deleon won first place in Financial Literacy Promotion Project, and Tiantian Lin won first place in Integrated Marketing Campaign. Four other students earned second place finishes, and three other students won third place in their categories. From Putnam City North, five students earned second place finishes, and four more took third place.
 
3.     Business Professionals of America: Putnam City High School students who are part of Business     Professionals of America took part in competition during the recent State Leadership Conference in Tulsa. Sean Tabor earned first place in C++. In other categories of competition, three other Putnam City High students earned second place finishes and four students earned third place finishes.

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill thanked Golden Apple Award recipients and other district employees who go above and beyond and make Putnam City what it is. He also wished principals and their staff good luck during testing season, and said his thoughts would be with them.

Cindy Gibbs related a story about Judy Hohne, a Harvest Hills Elementary volunteer who was presented with a Golden Apple Award tonight. Gibbs said the time she spent reading to children at the school helped her get through a challenging time in her life. She also said she appreciated the Teacher of the Year program’s new venue, and she noted that she enjoyed greeting the Capps Middle School teacher of the year because she was acquainted with her before she came to teach in the district.

Gail LoPresto joined Sherrill in congratulating Golden Apple Award recipients. She thanked award winner Tony Shoemaker for her 40-year career with the district She congratulated Putnam City West on their production of Hairspray and Putnam City High on their production of Urinetown. She also mentioned the excellent collaboration between fine arts teachers at Putnam City West.

Becky Gooch said the student sections for all three schools at the state basketball tournament were phenomenal. She thanked principals and assistant principals for the hard work they do.

ITEM #6 – CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT AGENDA CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
a)    Minutes for regular board meeting on March 4, 2019.
b)    Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 9-07829-116 through
     9-10086-095 for February 27, 2019 through March 26, 2019 inclusive for the 2018-2019 school year.
c)    Activity Cash Summary.
d)    Activity Fund Transfer List.
e)    Project Applications.
f)    Declaration of Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
g)    Renewal of Agreement with Cengage Learning for elementary math textbooks. ($151,538.58 from 19-11-091)
h)    Renewal of Revised Agreement with MacSpec for financial software and support.
(No Cost to District)
i)    Renewal of Contract with Randy Frazier for Consultant at Native American Youth Powwow on May 3, 2019. ($175.00 from 19-11-561)
j)    Renewal of Contract with Cortney Yarholar for Consultant at Native American Youth Powwow on May 3, 2019. ($350.00 from 19-11-561)
k)    Renewal of Contract with Brent Greenwood for Consultant at Native American Youth Powwow on May 3, 2019. ($150.00 from 19-11-561)
l)    Renewal of Contract with Dwight Pickering for Keynote Speaker at Native American Awards Assembly on May 16, 2019. ($150.00 from 19-11-561)
m)    Renewal of Four-Year-Old Joint Program Contract with Francis Tuttle for the
2019-2020 year. (4 teacher & 4 assistant salaries; F/R meal costs; instructional
materials from 20-11-122, 20-11-127, 20-11-023, 20-11-061)
n)    Putnam City Athletic Contracts/Renewals through Kelly Sports:
1.    All American Roofing, Inc.
o)    Secondary Contracts.
p)    Overnight Travel.
q)    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AND REASSIGNMENTS AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve recommendation of employment of new personnel and reassignments as listed on Attachment A. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION FOR RENEWAL OF EMPLOYMENT FOR CERTIFIED ADMINISTRATORS AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT B FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR. (AMENDED)

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve renewal of employment for certified administrators as listed on Attachment B (amended) for the 2019-2020 school year. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY LEAVE DAYS.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve Declaration of Emergency Leave Days. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion.  Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

Dr. Fred Rhodes explained that this is for 236 day contract employees that took vacation leave during snow days for safety reasons.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO GRANT  A UTILITY EASEMENT TO OGE FOR ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES AT THE NEW CAPPS MIDDLE SCHOOL. (NO COST TO DISTRICT)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to grant a utility easement to OGE for electrical and communication services at the new Capps Middle School. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH TERRY TSOTIGH FOR CONSULTANT AT THE NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH POWWOW ON MAY 3, 2019. ($200.00 FROM 19-11-561)

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve contract with Terry Tsotigh for Consultant at the Native American Youth Powwow on May 3, 2019. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH ADRIENE MADDOX, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGICAL/EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION SERVICES DURING THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR.  (NOT TO EXCEED $7,000 FROM 19-11-621)

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve contract with Adriene Maddox, Independent Contractor for school psychological/education evaluation services during the 2018-2019 school year. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Gail LoPresto made a motion at 5:31 p.m. to adjourn.  Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, April 15, 2019    

The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, April 15th, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, April 12th, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: President, Becky Gooch, Vice-President, Gail LoPresto and members, Cindy Gibbs and Jay Sherrill; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Sandy Lemaster, board clerk; and others. New elected member, Charity Avery was also in attendance.

ITEM #1 – INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT, MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – DOWNS  ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

Downs Elementary School principal, Stephanie Wallace and administrative intern, Amanda Neely led the Flag Salute and Moment of Silence. They also presented a video of their students participating in Global School Play Day which is a grassroots effort created by educators in support of unstructured playtime for students around the world. Downs Elementary began participating in the program last year and this year scheduled quarterly School Play Days. Mrs. Wallace invited the board to attend Down’s next School Play Day which is scheduled for May 17th. She encouraged other principals to go to the Global School Play Day and consider participating next year on February 5th, 2020.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.
 
ITEM #3 – OATH OF OFFICE FOR CHARITY AVERY.

Sandra Lemaster, Clerk of the Board of Education, administered the Oath of Office to Charity Avery who was recently elected for Office No. 4.

ITEM #4 – ORGANIZATION OF BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR 2019; ELECTION OF PRESIDENT, VICE-PRESIDENT, CLERK OF THE BOARD, DEPUTY CLERK AND ENCUMBRANCE CLERK.

Becky Gooch called for nominations for president. Jay Sherrill nominated Gail LoPresto for president. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

Becky Gooch called for nominations for vice-president. Charity Avery nominated Cindy Gibbs for vice-president. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

Becky Gooch called for nominations for clerk of the board. Jay Sherrill nominated Sandy Lemaster for clerk of the board. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

Becky Gooch called for nominations for deputy clerk. Jay Sherrill nominated Tina Losawyer for deputy clerk. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

Becky Gooch called for nominations for encumbrance clerk. Jay Sherrill nominated Fonda Watkins for encumbrance clerk. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #5 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

1.   State Superintendent’s Arts Awards: Seven Putnam City students will be honored at the
State Superintendent's Arts Awards of Excellence ceremonies at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23,
at the Scottish Rite Temple. The ceremonies are centered each year on showcasing high school seniors who have excelled in fine arts disciplines and who have also been academically
talented and active in their communities. District students being honored for accomplishments
are Sydney Mason and Sean McDaniel from Putnam City North; Jobey Richards and Robert
Wood from Putnam City High; and Trinity Davis, Christopher Monterroso and Lindsey Mears
from Putnam City West.

2.    S.W.I.M. Awards: Putnam City High School students won the Class I sweepstakes titles at
the 106th annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University Interscholastic Meet (SWIM) held March 28th on the Weatherford campus. More than 1,000 students from 60 schools across Oklahoma competed in the academic contest. Putnam City High took 39 students to the all-day event. Thirty different students earned a first, second or third place on 33 of the 47 tests. The competition involves students taking tests designed by college instructors grouped into nine categories: fine arts, biological sciences, business, computer science, language arts, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences and technology. About 2,015 tests were given during the day.
In his congratulatory letter, President Randy Beutler stated, “Your faculty and students are to be commended for their outstanding performance and achievements.”

3.    State Choir Contests: Putnam City North took three choirs to 6AE state choir contest on March 27th at Norman North High School and three additional choirs to 6A state choir contest on
April 4th at Tulsa Union. All six of the Putnam City North choirs received superior ratings in concert performance at these competitions. Putnam City North is one of only three schools in
the state to have six choirs compete and all receive superior ratings. They also brought home
the OSSAA Outstanding Achievement award on March 27th and the OSSAA Sweepstakes
award on April 4th. We are proud of their hard work!

4.    Basketball Stars: Several of our boys’ basketball players have recently received special
recognition.  
 
Micah Thomas of Putnam City North was named the Super 5 player of the year – essentially,
the best player in the state. He was also the Big All-City player of the year, an award given to
the top player in the metro area. In addition, he was named to the first team 6A All-State team,
the first team Big All-City team and was selected as a member of the Faith 7 all-star team that
will play against Texas all-stars.
 
Rondel Walker of Putnam City West also received several awards. He was named to the
Super 5 second team, first team 6A All-State and first team Big All-City.
 
Tre Carolina from Putnam City High was named to the second team for Big-All-City, and his
Teammate Alfred Alkannama made third team Big All-City.

Dr. Rhodes also mentioned that the Putnam City Foundation banquet is this Friday and he looks forward to the banquet as it is always a great annual event.

ITEM #6 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill thanked Becky Gooch for her great leadership as president the past two years. He said the board members are a “fantastic” group of people. He congratulated Gail LoPresto on her presidency and Charity Avery on being elected to the board.

Charity Avery said she looks forward to serving on the board as it is a great opportunity to serve the community. She has been a part of the Putnam City community for a long time and welcomes the opportunity to work with the district.

Cindy Gibbs also thanked Becky Gooch for her leadership and welcomed Charity Avery to the board. She recognized Nona Burling for her upcoming retirement and expressed appreciation for everything Dr. Burling has done for the district. She also thanked Pam Rhodes for serving the students at Lake Park for more than twenty years. She said that her experience will be missed and will be a huge loss for the special education department. Mrs. Gibbs knows someone will step up and fill the position but that experience is sometimes hard to replace. Mrs. Gibbs is looking forward to attending the Foundation Banquet and was sorry that she would not be able to attend the Putnam City West JROTC awards program which is scheduled on the same evening.

Becky Gooch said she is excited to work with Charity Avery. She mentioned that Sally Limber at Putnam City North is also retiring and that she has been a tremendous resource for the district and will be missed. Mrs. Gooch commented on Tuesday, April 16th being Parents Legislative Action Committee Advocacy Day at the State Capital. She appreciates the positive interactions that she has been able to witness this year as teachers, administrators and parents have been building relationships with legislators. She said that progress is often slow but she feels developing relationships will be beneficial for the future.

Gail LoPresto commented on how much that the district will miss Dr. Burling who was her daughter’s elementary PE teacher and one of the first Putnam City teachers that Mrs. LoPresto met. She said she and her granddaughter attended the Arbor Grove 2nd grade play recently and her granddaughter enjoyed it so much she wanted to go again. She said that more than 300 parents and family members attended the event and said that the music teacher, Curtis Sharp, is an excellent teacher.

ITEM #7 – CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT AGENDA CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
a)    Minutes for regular board meeting on April 1, 2019.
b)    Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 9-07979-133 through 9-10436-090 for March 27, 2019 through April 10, 2019 inclusive for the 2018-2019 school year.
c)    Activity Fund Transfer List.
d)    Fundraisers.
e)    Project Applications.
f)    Declaration of Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
g)    Secondary Contracts.
h)    Overnight Travel.
i)    Out of State Trips.
1.    Capps Middle School band students to Arlington, Texas on May 10th, 2019 to perform at “Music is Fun Festival” at St. Paul’s Preparatory School .
j)    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye: Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AND REASSIGNMENTS AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve recommendation of employment of new personnel and reassignments as listed on Attachment A. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye: Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye; Gooch, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION FOR RENEWAL OF EMPLOYMENT FOR CERTIFIED TEACHERS AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENTS B FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion for renewal of employment for certified teachers as listed on Attachments B for the 2019-2020 school year. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO GRANT REVISED UTILITIES EASEMENT TO CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY FOR NEW CAPPS MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to grant revised utilities easement to City of Oklahoma City for New Capps Middle School. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes explained that the City of Oklahoma City had provided the wrong drawing for the initial easement granted so they had to submit a revised easement request with the correct drawing.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION OF EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT OF AN ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. §307 (B) (1) AND TO DISCUSS THE PURCHASE AND/OR APPRAISAL OF REAL PROPERTY PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(4).

Becky Gooch made a motion to enter into executive session at 5:20 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of employment/appointment of an elementary principal pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B) (1) and to discuss the purchase and/or appraisal of real property pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B) (4). Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #12 – ACKNOWLEDGE RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

At 6:03 p.m. Gail LoPresto acknowledged return to open session and requested the Board Clerk to record the minutes of the executive session.

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board members, Cindy Gibbs, Jay Sherrill, Becky Gooch, Charity Avery and Gail LoPresto  met with Superintendent Dr. Rhodes, Patricia Balenseifen, Barbara Crump, Dr. Melanie Mouse and legal counsels, Laura Holmes and Justin Cliburn in executive session for the purpose of discussion of employment/appointment of an elementary principal pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1) and to discuss the purchase and/or appraisal of real property pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B) (4).

No action was taken.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO EMPLOY/APPOINT AN ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL.

Dr. Rhodes said the administration recommended Tracy Rogers be appointed as an elementary principal with the school that she will be leading to be determined in the near future.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to appoint Tracy Rogers as elementary principal at a site to be determined. Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Jay Sherrill congratulated Tracy Rogers and thanked all the candidates saying that they were all outstanding.

ITEM #14 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ADJACENT TO PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL.

No action was taken.

ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #16 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion at 6:05 p.m. to adjourn. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; Gooch, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

SPECIAL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, April 29, 2019    

The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in special session Monday, April 29, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. at the Putnam City Administration Board Room, 5401 NW 40th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

ITEM #1 – CALL TO ORDER AND RECORDING OF MEMBERS PRESENT AND ABSENT.

Gail LoPresto called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Members present: President, Gail LoPresto; Vice President, Cindy Gibbs; and members, Becky Gooch and Charity Avery; Superintendent; Dr. Fred Rhodes;  Sandra Lemaster, board clerk; and others. Member, Jay Sherrill was absent.

ITEM #2 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSISTANT  PRINCIPAL(S) PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. §307 (B) (1).

Becky Gooch made a motion to enter into executive session at 8:01 a.m. for the purpose of discussion of employment/appointment of a middle school principal and elementary school assistant principal(s) pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B) (1). Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #3 – ACKNOWLEDGE RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

At 8:28 a.m. Gail LoPresto acknowledged return to open session and requested the Board Clerk to record the minutes of the executive session.

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board members, Gail LoPresto, Becky Gooch, Cindy Gibbs and Charity Avery and met with Superintendent Dr. Rhodes, Patricia Balenseifen, Barbara Crump, Dr. Melanie Mouse and Rick Croslin in executive session for the purpose of discussion of employment/appointment of a middle school principal and elementary school assistant principal(s) pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B) (1).

No action was taken.

ITEM #4 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO EMPLOY/APPOINT A MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.

Dr. Rhodes said the administration recommended Jason Burkhart to be appointed as principal of Cooper Middle School.

Becky Gooch made a motion to appoint Jason Burkhart as principal of Cooper Middle School. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, nay.

ITEM #5 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO EMPLOY/APPOINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL(S).

Gail LoPresto explained that there would be 3 elementary school assistant principal positions and each would be voted on separately.
Dr. Rhodes said the administration recommended Amanda Neely to be appointed as assistant principal of Hilldale Elementary School.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to appoint Amanda Neely as assistant principal of Hilldale Elementary School.
Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes said the administration recommended Jana Bowers to be appointed as assistant principal of Windsor Hills Elementary School.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to appoint Jana Bowers as assistant principal of Windsor Hills Elementary School. Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes said the administration recommended Whitney Saladin to be appointed as assistant principal of Western Oaks Elementary School.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to appoint Whitney Saladin as assistant principal of Western Oaks Elementary School. Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes also announced the following administrative changes for the 2019-2020 school year:

    Jeff Brown – assistant principal – Putnam City North High School
    Stephanie Wallace – principal – Coronado Elementary School
    Shbrone Brookings – principal – Ralph Downs Elementary School
    Tracy Rogers – principal – Windsor Hills Elementary School
    Greg Kipf – assistant principal – Overholser Elementary School
    Susan Illgen – assistant principal – Arbor Grove Elementary School

ITEM #6 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion at 8:31 a.m. to adjourn. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.