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.