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.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, May 6, 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, Gail LoPresto, Vice-President, Cindy Gibbs and members Jay Sherrill and Charity Avery; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Tina Losawyer, deputy board clerk; and others. Member Becky Gooch was absent.

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

Early Childhood Administrator and D.D. Kirkland Elementary Principal, Ms. Ashley Hoggatt, spoke of the partnership between Francis Tuttle and Putnam City Schools early childhood development programs. She explained the collaboration has been in effect since 2006 and how Putnam City is the lab classroom for high school and college age students who are earning their Child Development associates degree. Ms. Hoggatt introduced lead teacher, Ms.Wilson and her students. Pre-K student, Jack Balenseifen led the Flag Salute and Moment of Silence. Students from three classrooms delighted board members and the audience by perfectly reciting several poems they have learned throughout the year.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

Priscilla Cude, chairman of the board for the Northwest Oklahoma City Chamber, and Jill McCartney, president of the chamber, thanked Putnam City Schools for their partnership with the chamber through the years and presented a plaque naming the district as a chamber legacy member.

Patron Kimberly Willis asked the board to consider creating part-time contracts for teachers as a way to bring good teachers back into the classroom.

ITEM #3 – PRESENTATIONS AND STAFF REPORTS.

Jennifer Seal, president of the Putnam City Schools Foundation, presented thirty-one teachers representing 25 schools who were recognized as “Superstar Teachers”.  Ms. Seal explained the honor is given to teachers in the first or second year of their careers that consistently exceed expectations in building relationships with students, use teaching strategies to increase student engagement and work collaboratively with their PLCs to promote improved teaching and learning. Honorees were nominated for recognition by their principals. This is the fourth year for recognition of Superstar teachers. The Putnam City Association of Classroom Teachers and the Putnam City Schools Foundation fund the recognition program and awards.

ITEM #4 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.
1.     Fine Arts Signing Day: Signing ceremonies for student-athletes to commit to colleges and universities has become commonplace, but this year, for the first time, Putnam City North hosted a Fine Arts Signing Day.  Twenty-three fine arts seniors in band, orchestra, choir, theater, film, dance and visual arts met the criteria to participate in the signing ceremony. To qualify, students had to meet one of the following criteria: a) Received a scholarship to participate in a fine arts program in college. b) Auditioned for and accepted into a fine arts program at their college. c) Plan to major or minor in an area of fine arts in college. The signing day was a great way to recognize these seniors and encourage them in their future endeavors in the arts.

 2.    Putnam City High Choir: Congratulations to the Putnam City High School women's choir that competed at the WorldStrides St. Louis Heritage Festival in late April. The choir earned second place in the gold division and has been invited to compete in the prestigious Festival of Golds next year.

3.    Vocal Music Contest: District high school vocal music students recently attended state solo and ensemble contest. Forty-two Putnam City North students earned superior ratings and 13 earned excellent ratings. Three Putnam City West students earned superior ratings and one earned an excellent rating From Putnam City High, two students earned excellent ratings.

4.    Devon Energy STEM Teacher: Last week, John Coerver, the PEAK teacher at Arbor Grove Elementary School, was named the Devon Energy STEM teacher of the game as part of a program operated by Devon Energy and OKC Energy FC. At an upcoming Energy FC game Coerver will be presented with a $1,000 check to be used for supplies for his classroom.

5.    Legislation in Action: Emily Clark, a 4th-grade teacher at Coronado Heights Elementary School, played a leading role in an effort to widen and improve care for new mothers in Oklahoma. Clark met with Senator Stephanie Bice in July 2018 and proposed legislation calling for new mothers to be given information about and screened for postpartum anxiety and depression. Bice submitted the legislation this year. Both the House and Senate approved it and on April 29 the governor signed it. The law goes into effect in November.
6.    JROTC Scholarships: Putnam City High School student and JROTC cadet Alejandra Flores-Cardoza is one of just 30 students in the nation to be selected for a scholarship for the Mississippi StarTalk program.  The program, funded by the federal government, provides high school students with intensive instruction in Chinese. The instruction will take place this summer at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. In addition to studying the language, students will participate in a cultural program introducing them to China, its people and its culture. Eligible students who complete the program will receive college credit in Mandarin Chinese.  

7.    State Golfers: Congratulations to golfers from our district high schools.  Three golfers, one from each high school, qualified for the girls’ state tournament. Rebecca Davis from Putnam City High School, Sydney Mason from Putnam City North and Carter Russell from Putnam City West played in state competition on May 1-2 at Earlywine Golf course in Oklahoma City.  On the boys’ side, Christian McAllister from Putnam City High and Grant Murphey from Putnam City North qualified for the state tournament to be held May 6-7 at Rose Creek Golf course in Edmond.

8.    Putnam City High Boys Soccer: Congratulations to the Putnam City High School boys soccer team, which made it to the state playoffs last week. Although they lost their first round game, it was nevertheless a successful season. This is the second time in the last four years the team has qualified for the state tournament. In addition, two of their players – Leonardo Lopez and  Julian DeLoera – made All-State this year.

9.    American Fidelity Teacher Internship: Amanda Flesher of Western Oaks Middle School and Katy Powers of Putnam City North High School are two of eight teachers in Oklahoma and Kansas who will have the opportunity to gain real-life technology experience this summer while earning a corporate IT salary. The teachers will work in American Fidelity’s software development, enterprise information management or technical infrastructure areas for the summer. They will then take the experience back to the classroom to help students learn about and prepare for careers in technology. They’ll receive a $2,000 stipend to use for their classrooms upon completion of the program.

10.  Kelli O’Hara Awards:  Five Putnam City High School drama students are among 20 finalists for best actor/actress for the first-ever Kelli O’Hara Awards, which are Oklahoma’s part of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (sometimes known as the “Jimmy Awards.”).  Putnam City High School has more finalists than any other school in the state. The Putnam City High students, who are finalists for the award, were nominated based on their performances in the school’s production of the musical Urinetown. Finalists are:
•    Kindle Ford, for best actress in a leading role
•    Jaiden Sango, for best actress in a leading role
•    Diego Martinez, for best actor in a leading role
•    Tyler Swenson, for best actor in a leading role
•    Common Wallace, finalist for best actor in a leading role

Finalists will audition before a panel of theatre professionals on Saturday, May 11, for the chance to be named best actor or actress in a musical. All nominees will perform at the awards ceremony on Sunday, May 19th, at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City. The awards are produced through the Oklahoma City Civic Center Foundation and Broadway’s producing juggernaut, the Nederlander Organization. They are named for Oklahoma native Kelli O’Hara, an actress and singer well known for her work on Broadway as well as on television, film and opera.

11.   Putnam City High Air Force JROTC Recognized with Distinguished Unit Award: The Air Force JROTC unit at Putnam City High School has been selected as one of 376 units to receive the 2018-2019 Air Force JROTC Distinguished Unit Award. The award recognizes Air Force JROTC units that have performed well above and beyond normal expectations, and that have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force JROTC citizen development mission for America. Air Force JROTC is located in close to 900 high schools across the United States and at selected schools in Europe, in the Pacific, and in Puerto Rico. Air Force JROTC enrollment includes more than 120,000 cadets who do over 1.6 million hours of community service each year.

Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes announced administrative interns for elementary schools next year.
•    Deana Ellis, an administrative intern at Hilldale Elementary this year, will split her time as an intern next year at Apollo Elementary and Will Rogers Elementary.
•    Kristen Parker, an administrative intern at Central Elementary this year, will split her time as an intern next year between Ralph Downs Elementary and Positive Changes.
•    Kimberly Fletcher, an administrative intern at Coronado Heights Elementary and Will Rogers Elementary this year, will next year serve as an administrative intern at Rollingwood Elementary.
•    Jennifer Evans, an administrative intern at Arbor Grove Elementary this year, will next year serve as an administrative intern at Central Elementary.
•    Erin Frizzell, a counselor at Coronado Heights, will next year serve as an administrative intern at Hilldale Elementary.
•    Jamie Taylor, a 5th-grade teacher at Arbor Grove Elementary, will next year serve as an administrative intern at Harvest Hills Elementary.

•    Monserrat Randolph, a 4th-grade teacher at Western Oaks Elementary, will next year split time as an administrative intern between Lake Park Elementary and Windsor Hills Elementary.
•    Megan Abrams, a 5th-grade teacher at John Rex Charter School, will next year serve as an administrative intern at James L. Dennis Elementary.
•    Claire Sengupta, a 4th-grade teacher at César Chávez Elementary in Oklahoma City, will serve as an administrative intern at both Northridge Elementary and Coronado Heights Elementary.

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill said there are awesome things going on in the district and thanked the administrators and teachers who are planning and carrying out the activities. He also thanked the Putnam City Schools Foundation for making the Wall of Fame banquet such a fantastic event.

Charity Avery said the district is doing well and that she is looking forward to seeing everything that is going on.

Cindy Gibbs said she enjoyed seeing Kirkland students perform. She praised Putnam City North for holding a signing day for seniors who will continue their fine arts education in college, saying fine arts students work hard and deserve recognition. She remembered the help that Putnam City North Counselor Kathryn Lambert gave to her children when they were in school and said Ms. Lambert played a role in the master’s degree her youngest child will be receiving on Saturday.  Ms. Gibbs thanked all teachers for the extra things they do.

Gail LoPresto congratulated board member Charity Avery on earning her MBA. She thanked Dessi Black for sending a list of district events. She said the Putnam City West band gave a great performance, and she mentioned that Levi Dobrinski, the director of Silver Strings and the Putnam City West orchestra, has a new baby at home. She also noted that Putnam City High School Drama Teacher Daniel Smith, who has helped produce so many outstanding young actors, will be leaving the district to enter a doctoral program at New York University.

Board members said they are looking forward to graduation ceremonies. They also noted the upcoming retirement of Steve Lindley and thanked him for his service to the 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 April 15, 2019.
b)    Minutes for special board meeting on April 29, 2019.
c)    Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 9-10452-001 through 9-10496-020 for April 11, 2019 through April 30, 2019 inclusive for the 2018-2019 school year.
d)    Activity Cash Summary.
e)    Activity Fund Transfer List.
f)    Project Applications.
g)    Declaration of Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
h)    Renewal of Service Agreement with OSSBA for unemployment claims management for the 2019-2020 year. ($16,170.00 from 20-11-089)
i)    Secondary Contracts.
j)    Overnight Travel. (Amended)
k)    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; Avery, aye: Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, 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; Avery, aye: Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION FOR RENEWAL OF EMPLOYMENT FOR SUPPORT STAFF AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENTS B FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR.

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

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY FOR PLACEMENT OF EDUCATION STUDENTS FOR STUDENT TEACHING FOR THE 2019-2020 AND 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEARS. (NO COST TO THE DISTRICT.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Memorandum of Understanding with Arizona State University for placement of education students for student teaching for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, 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.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion at 5:35 p.m. to adjourn.  Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

SPECIAL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Thursday, May 23, 2019    

The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in special session Thursday, May 23rd, 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 Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

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

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

Lynn Johnson, Principal at Harvest Hills Elementary, led the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence. Ms. Johnson introduced Administrative Intern, Stephanie Cavner. They presented the Leader in Me program funded through a grant supported by Larry Lemons. Ms. Johnson explained the program is based on Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. At the beginning of the year, interested 2nd through 5th graders complete an application, interview with a teacher and attend leadership camp. After qualifying, committees are formed. Ms. Johnson said there are many committees including The Green and Clean, Lost and Found, Community Service Lighthouse or the Broadcast committee that does the morning announcements and student led assemblies.

There are many steps and the goal of the program is to become a Lighthouse school within 5 years. Harvest Hills has accomplished this goal and is now part of the elite group of 4 schools out of 70 in Oklahoma who hold this honor.

Ms. Cavner showed a brief video of Harvest Hill students explaining the Leader in Me program.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

ITEM #3 – PRESENTATIONS AND STAFF REPORTS.

Kelly Sports Program Update and Athletic Awards – Dr. Dick Balenseifen, District Athletic Director said that the district’s partnership of almost four years with Kelly Sports Properties has resulted in more than $380,000 being distributed to secondary athletics and fine arts programs. Balenseifen added that another $73,000 will be distributed among schools in October, and contracts with local business partners will bring in another $50,000 this fall. If everything stays on schedule, Balenseifen said, the district’s agreement with Kelly Sports will have brought into district schools more than $500,000 in less than five years.

Dr. Balenseifen introduced and recognized twelve district athletes for outstanding accomplishments.

Putnam City High School
•   Julian De Loera, soccer, OSCA All-State
•   Leonardo Lopez, soccer, OSCA All-State
•  Tre Carolina, basketball, Large West 6A All-State, OK Big 10 All-Conference, Big All-City second team
•  Christian McAllister, Golf, OCA boys All-State

Putnam City North High School
•      Micah Thomas, basketball, The Oklahoman Super Five, Oklahoman Player of the Year, Big All-City Player of the Year, OCA Class 6A All Star, OCA Large West All-State, 2018-19 All-USA OK boys first team, Faith Seven award winner
•      Will Taylor, football, The Oklahoman Big All-City Defensive Team, 6A1-2 Defensive player of the Year, The Oklahoman All-State
•      Juan Macedo, football, OCA Class 6A Defense All-Star
•      D.K. Stevenson, football, OCA Class 6A Defense All-Star football team, OCA Large West, Defense All-State, 2019 Class 6A leader in interceptions
•      Kyle Owen, soccer, OSCA All-State
•      Elise Kraft, soccer, OSCA All-State

Putnam City West High School
•      Mekayla Furman, basketball, OGBCA Large West All State
•      India Morgan, long jump state champion (second year in a row)
•      Rondel Walker, basketball, Big All-City first team, Oklahoman’s Super Five second team, 2018-2019 All-USA OK boys second team, OK Big 10 Defensive player of the Year, OCA Class 6A All-State

Dr. Balenseifen closed his presentation by recognizing four district coaches for accomplishments in their positions during the last several years.

Ryan Wagner, Putnam City North Athletic Director, Boys Basketball Head Coach
• 2018 6A Coach of the Year
• 2016-2019 State qualifiers four times
• 2018 state champion
• 2019 state runner-up

Lenny Bert, Putnam City West Athletic Director, Boys Basketball Head Coach
• 2016 6A Coach of The Year
• 2013-2019 State qualifiers seven times
• 2014 State runner-up
• 2016 State champion

Eddie Wright, Putnam City High Athletic Director, Boys Soccer Head Coach
• 2005-2019 State qualifiers seven times
• Awarded $50,000 grant for weight room equipment project

Ryan Laverty, Putnam City North Boys Football Head Coach
• 2018 Region 8 Coach of the Year
• 2018 OK Big 10 Coach of the Year
• 2017-2019 raised $45,000 for weight room equipment project

Recognition of Retiring Personnel – Patricia Balenseifen, Chief Officer of Human Capital

Thirty-seven retiring district employees were recognized Thursday night and thanked for their years of service to Putnam City. Twenty-two of this year’s retirees are certified employees; 15 are support employees. The 37 retiring employees have a combined 915 years of experience in education, 742 of which are with Putnam City. When considering certified staff only, 581 years of teaching experience is retiring from the district, 431 of which came in Putnam City. The retiring employee with the longest career in public education is Kay Compton, a library media specialist at Cooper Middle School. She is retiring after 42 years in public education, 11 of which came with Putnam City.

High School Student Awards – Rick Croslin, Executive Director of Secondary

•    National Merit Finalist
Long Pham, a senior at Putnam City High School, was recognized this year as a National Merit finalist, an honor placing him among the nation’s elite high school students.

•    Questbridge Scholarships
In addition to being a National Merit Finalist, Pham was announced in early December as recipient of a prestigious QuestBridge College Match Scholarship. Also earning that distinction was Lyssa Albertson of Putnam City West. It’s an honor that will send each of the two district students to premier universities on full four-year scholarships, Pham to Stanford University and Albertson to the University of Chicago.

•    Oklahoma Academic All-State
Jaiden Callies of Putnam City High School was named to the 2019 Academic All-State Class by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. The award places 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. Students chosen for Academic All-State are selected on the basis of academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement and an essay. David L. Boren, chairman and founder of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, describes the selection of the scholars as “Oklahoma’s most rigorous academic competition.”

•    National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars
Alexander de Jesus of Putnam City West and Erick Calderon Leon of Putnam City High are two of about 5,000 students to be selected as a National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) Scholars out of more than 250,000 students who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test as juniors. Like all NHRP honorees, de Jesus and Leon earned a qualifying test score and a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. While NHRP does not directly include any financial
awards or scholarships, colleges use the program to identify academically exceptional
Hispanic/Latino students

ITEM #4 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

Centennial Graduation: This last weekend we enjoyed celebrating graduations of our seniors at all three district high schools, but the Putnam City High School graduation was especially significant because it was the 100th graduation class for the school. While the school district started in 1914, the first class of graduating seniors was in 1919. At that time, the graduation rate in America was only 16 percent because school districts had not yet established high schools. Most students were graduating with only an 8th-grade education, partly because America at that time was predominately an agricultural society. Many young people who were of high school age were needed to work on the family farm. There was no time to attend school. Prior to the establishment of Putnam City Schools in 1914, there were four one room country schools that only went through the 8th-grade: Central School (at N.W. 23rd and Rockwell), County Line School (at Wilshire and County Line), Goff School (at N.W. 63rd and Rockwell), and Ozmun School (at N.W. 23rd and Portland). If students living in any one of these four dependent school districts wanted to attend high school, they went by streetcar, horse, wagon or car to downtown Oklahoma City every school day to attend Central High School. Established in 1914, Putnam City High School became the third high school in our great state, following two previously established high schools in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. National publications and memorabilia described Putnam City Schools as the world’s largest consolidated school district. In the first graduating class of 1919, there were only three graduates: Etta Green, Charles McKinney and Verde Stinchcomb. (The son and daughter-in-law of Mr. Stinchcomb, David and Beverly, are still very active in our school district today, having helped establish the Putnam City Museum and now serving as members of the museum committee.) From just three graduates in 1919, fast forward 100 years to 2019 and Putnam City High has now sent into the world more than 31,000 graduates. Thirty-one thousand graduates of Putnam City High now span the globe in all walks of life and continue to make incredible contributions to our society. We thank those pioneers, those trailblazers, those who were willing to give of themselves and had the foresight to establish Putnam City Schools, from which we all benefit from today.

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Board members congratulated students on their academic and athletic awards, and also congratulated coaches on their accomplishments

Charity Avery congratulated Harvest Hills Elementary on being named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School. She congratulated Special Olympics participants for an awesome job. She also apologized for being ill and missing graduation ceremonies, but promised to be in attendance next year.

Becky Gooch said it was remarkable that as many as a third of district students take part in athletics. She said graduation ceremonies were amazing and that it was always fun to see the excitement. She said that graduation of special needs students was touching.

 Cindy Gibbs said it has been a great year and that she is already looking forward to next year. She joined Avery in congratulating Harvest Hills on being named a Lighthouse School, and said that her granddaughter, a student at the school, is absorbing the Leader in Me language and philosophies. She wished district employees a good summer.

Gail LoPresto thanked everyone who participated in awards presentations during the meeting. She also thanked all district employees for their work, saying it’s amazing all the things they do to make school better for 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 May 6, 2019.
b.       Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase orders from May 01, 2019 through May 14, 2019 inclusive for the 2018-2019 school year.
c.       Activity Fund Transfer List.
d.       Project Applications.
e.       School Activity Fund List of Board Approved Fundraisers for 2019-2020.
f.       Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
g.       Renewal of Contract with Healthcare Safety Solutions for 2019-2020. ($25,000 from 20-11-089)
h.       Renewal of Service Agreement with Clearwater Enterprises (Estimated 40% savings from 20-11-005)
i.       Putnam City Athletic Contracts/Renewals through Kelly Sports:
           1.  Select Physical Therapy
j.       Overnight Travel.
k.       Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

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

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE TO APPROVE THE NEGOTIATING TEAM FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve the Negotiating Team for the 2019-2020 school year. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye: Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH SELECT PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR DISTRICT ATHLETIC SPONSORSHIP THROUGH KELLY SPORTS PROGRAM. (NO COST TO DISTRICT)

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve Agreement with Select Physical Therapy for district athletic sponsorship through Kelly Sports Program. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye: Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH SPOT MY BUS  GPS TRACKING SYSTEM.  ($45,936.00 FROM 19-74-190)

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve Agreement with Spot My Bus for GPS tracking system. ($45,936.00 from 19-74-190) Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye: Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1).

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to enter into executive session at 5:54 p.m. for the purpose of employment/appointment of a middle school assistant principal pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1). Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye: Gooch, aye; Gibbs, 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 6:15 p.m. Gail LoPresto acknowledged return to open session and to request the Board Clerk to record the minutes of the executive session.

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

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO EMPLOY/APPOINT A MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Dr. Rhodes said the administration recommends Mandy Deason as an assistant principal at Capps Middle School for the 2019-2020 school year.

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve to appoint a middle school assistant principal. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye: Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Charity Avery made a motion at 6:17 p.m. to adjourn.  Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye: Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, June 3, 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, June 3rd, 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, May 31, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: President, Gail LoPresto, Vice-President, Cindy Gibbs and member Charity Avery; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Tina Losawyer, deputy board clerk; and others. Members Becky Gooch and Jay Sherrill were absent.

ITEM #1 – INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT, MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – DR. KEELY FRAYSER – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT.

Executive Director of Curriculum and Assessment, Dr. Keely Frayser, led the Pledge of Allegiance and Inspirational Moment of Silence.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was no public participation.

ITEM #3 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

1. Interim President of Oklahoma University:  We congratulate Joseph Harroz Jr., a 1985 graduate of Putnam City North, for recently being named as the interim President of Oklahoma University.  Following his graduation from Putnam City North in 1985, Joseph entered the University of Oklahoma. In 1989, he was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of OU with a B.A. in Economics.  He received his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center in 1992 and was an associate editor of the Journal of Law and Policy in International Business.  In 1994, he returned to OU as Vice President of Executive Affairs and most recently has been serving as the Dean of the OU College of Law.  OU Regents Chairman, Leslie Rainbolt-Forbes said that the Regents were well aware of Joseph Harroz’s capabilities through their presidential search a year ago.  He stated, “It was through this process we were reminded how contagious his passion and enthusiasm are and how seriously he takes accountability and responsibility.”  Putnam City Schools is very proud that we can call Joseph Harroz one of our own!

2. Girl Scout Gold Award: KWTV News 9 recently reported a story about Putnam City North student, Paige Bush, who has earned her Girl Scout Gold Award which is the highest honor given to a Girl Scout.  While searching for a project, Paige said she realized a problem in Oklahoma that she wanted to address.  She wanted to help young mothers who have lost their babies, so she organized an effort to create burial gowns for babies who pass away during or before birth.  Her idea was to receive donated wedding and bridesmaid dresses and repurpose them for the burial gowns.  She learned to sew and put out the call for donated dresses and volunteers to help.  Her initial goal was to make 50 gowns, but the result is that over 120 gowns have been made.  Each gown comes with two bonnets and a keepsake charm for the family. “Angel Wings, Angel Gowns” is now well established and currently supplies the gowns to Mercy and OU Medical Center.  Another example that makes us Putnam City Proud!

ITEM #4 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Charity Avery thanked Putnam City North student Paige Bush for her work on her “Angel Wings, Angel Gowns” project, saying it is “absolutely wonderful.”

Cindy Gibbs thanked Bush for her project and congratulated her on winning a Girl Scout Gold Award. She also wished Putnam City High School Principal Brett Bradley a happy birthday.

Gail LoPresto thanked Nona Burling for attending the meeting.

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 special board meeting on May 23, 2019.
b.       Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase orders from May 15, 2019 through May 19, 2019 inclusive for the 2018-2019 school year.
c.       Activity Cash Summary.
d.       Activity Fund Transfer List.
e.       Project Applications.
f.       Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
g.       Renewal of Pre-Engineering Academy Joint Program Agreement with Francis Tuttle Technology Center for the 2019-2020 year.
h.       Renewal of Computer Science Academy Joint Program Agreement with Francis Tuttle Technology Center for the 2019-2020 year.
i.       Renewal of Bioscience and Medicine Academy Joint Program Agreement with Francis Tuttle Technology Center for the 2019-2020 year.
j.       Renewal of Project HOPE Joint Program Agreement with Francis Tuttle Technology Center for the 2019-2020 year. (4 ½ teacher salaries from 20-11-000)
k.       Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding with Francis Tuttle Technology Center for Career Counseling Initiatives for the 2019-2020 year. ($105,000 from 20-11-421)
l.       Renewal of Agreement with Chance to Change for employee assistance program for 2019-2020. (Not to exceed $20,000.00 from 20-11-089)
m.       Renewal of iObservation Subscription Agreement with Learning Sciences for 2019-2020 school year. ($54,000.00 – 20-11-107)
n.       Consideration of and vote on motion to approve renewal of Mutual Cooperation Agreement with Oklahoma County for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
o.       Consideration of and vote on motion to approve renewal of Child Nutrition Service Contract with Sodexo Food Service Management Inc. for the 2019-2020 year. ($3.15 per meal from 20-22-385)
p.       Elementary and Secondary Contracts.
q.       Overnight Travel.
r.       Out of State Trips.
           1.  Putnam City Volleyball Team to Wichita, Kansas on July 8 – 11, 2019 to participate in the Wichita State Volleyball Camp.
s.       Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

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

ITEM #6 – 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.  Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye: Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO GRANT UTILITIES EASEMENT TO OG&E FOR NEW CAPPS MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to grant utilities easement to OG&E for New Capps Middle School. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1).

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to enter into executive session at 5:07 p.m. for the purpose of employment/appointment of a middle school principal pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1). Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye: Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #9 – ACKNOWLEDGE RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

At 5:35 p.m. Gail LoPresto acknowledged the return to open session and requested the Board Clerk to record the minutes of the executive session.

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board members, Charity Avery, Cindy Gibbs and Gail LoPresto met with Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Melanie Mouse, Chief Officer of Human Capital, Patricia Balenseifen and Executive Director of Secondary Education, Rick Croslin in executive session for the purpose of employment/appointment of a middle school principal pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1).

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO EMPLOY/APPOINT A MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.

Dr. Rhodes said the administration recommends Jennifer Robertson as a principal at Western Oaks Middle School for the 2019-2020 school year.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve appointment of Jennifer Robertson as Western Oaks middle school principal. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye: Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

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

There was no new business.

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

Charity Avery made a motion at 5:36 p.m. to adjourn.  Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye: Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, June 17, 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, June 17th, 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, June 14th, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

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

ITEM #1 – MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – STEVE LINDLEY, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS.

Retiring Director of Communications, Steve Lindley, led the Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

ITEM #3 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

1.    Oklahoma Academic Scholars:  Fifty-four Putnam City students have been named Oklahoma Academic Scholars by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. To achieve recognition as Academic Scholars, students must have a minimum (non-weighted) grade point average of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale accumulated over grades 9, 10, 11 and the first semester of grade 12 or be in the top 10 percent of their class. They must complete the curriculum requirements for a standard high school diploma and achieve either a minimum composite score of 27 on the ACT college-entrance exam or a combined reading and math score of 1,220 on the SAT Putnam City has the fifth-highest number of Oklahoma Academic Scholars in the history of the award.

2.    2019 Best News Feature: Nathan Poppe, a 2007 graduate of Putnam City North High School and a talented local writer, photographer, and videographer, is also editor of the Curbside Chronicle, a magazine sold on Oklahoma City street corners to employ and benefit men and women transitioning out of homelessness. Now, Poppe and the Curbside Chronicle are among five finalists for an international award: The 2019 Best News Feature to be chosen by the International Network of Street Papers. According to the organization, the best news feature award recognizes the best original story, investigative feature, ‘scoop’ or news interview uncovered by a street paper of the year and demonstrates outstanding journalistic depth and accuracy, as well as original thinking. An article by Poppe and a colleague about a Texas woman who is facing the prospect of prison time for voting in the 2016 presidential election is competing against stories that ran in street newspapers in Canada, Germany and Switzerland. The winner will be announced June 19.

3.    Teacher of the Month: Putnam City High School Orchestra Teacher, Colin Waddell, was named the KOCO Teacher of the Month! He was nominated by his current students and will receive a $1,000 check for his classroom from Quail Creek Bank!

4.    Oklahoma Education Lottery Grants:  Congratulations to five district career tech teachers who were awarded grants for next year from the Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust fund for technology and innovation in the classroom.
•    Chad Ellis of Putnam City High School will receive $14,997 for an actual computer network for students to interact with as they learn networking and root level operations systems functions without putting the district network at risk. These experiences will be valuable for students to explore careers in the high-growth, high-paying fields of network engineering and cyber security.
•    Lacy Grotheer from Putnam City High will receive $8,347 for sewing machines and computers to support the Family and Consumer Sciences programs at the school, preparing students for more advanced FACS classes in the high school and for Francis Tuttle Technology Center.
•    Melissa Lair from Putnam City High will receive $8,213 for an audio-video editing lab that will allow students to develop skills in still photography, filming, and editing.
•    Tammy Graves from Putnam City West will receive $8,275 for virtual reality equipment that will be used in the marketing curriculum for virtual college visits, virtual job shadowing, and other career explorations.
•    Tim Sanders from Hefner Middle School will receive $14,640 for a laser engraving machine that will create an innovation hub for young inventors, teaching them real-work skills that can be used in fields such as architecture and engineering.

Dr. Rhodes also mentioned that he had toured the Putnam City West Stadium recently and said it is phenomenal. The stadium was part of many projects that were funded through the 2014 Centennial Bond. He said that the administration is working on a 2020 Bond proposal and will be providing more information to the board and to the public at a later date.

He also thanked Steve Lindley for his 19 years of service to the district and said his professionalism has been phenomenal. He said Steve is always composed and represents the district very well.

ITEM #4 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill thanked Steve Lindley for everything he has done for the district.

Charity Avery said that she wished Steve Lindley the best of luck and that he would be missed. She congratulated the Putnam City Academic Scholars for their great achievement.

Becky Gooch said that Steve Lindley was the ultimate professional and that his length of service was a testament to the district. She said she had recently participated in the OklaEd Chat that discussed “trauma informed schools” training. She asked for a report at a future board meeting on the training that Putnam City is providing to recognize and respond to students that have been impacted by trauma and how the district is meeting their needs.

Cindy Gibbs commended the four principals in attendance. She agreed that Steve Lindley would be greatly missed and that he was always very composed and takes the board members comments and make them sound so professional. She said she would look for him at district ball games in the future.

Gail LoPresto also thanked Mr. Lindley for the many years of service and said that he would be “more than missed” by the district.

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 June 3, 2019.
b)     Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase orders from May 30, 2019 through June 12, 2019 inclusive for the 2018-2019 school year.
c)     Activity Fund Transfer List.
d)     Project Applications.
e)     Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
f)      Renewal of Agreement with Chance to Change for student assistance for 2019-2020. (Not to exceed $15,000.00 from 20-11-005)
g)     Renewal of PowerSchool Support Agreement for 2019-2020. ($96,892.72 from  20-11-094)
h)     Renewal of MacSpec Financial Software and Support Agreement for 2019-2020. (9,600.00 from 20-11-094)
i)      Renewal of Contract with City of Oklahoma City for school crossing guards for 2019-2020. (Not to exceed $22,680.00  from 20-11-005)
j)      Renewal of Contract with City of Warr Acres for school crossing guards for 2019-2020. (Not to exceed
        $1,350.00  from 20-11-005)
k)     Renewal of Image Works Maintenance Agreement for 2019-2020. ($18,650.00 from 20-11-169)
l)      Renewal of Basic Legal Services Agreement with The Center for Education Law for 2019-2020. ($700.00 from 20-11-005)
m)    Renewal of Annual Insurance with Ohio Casualty Company for bonds and crime coverage, and Oklahoma Schools Insurance Group (OSIG) for general liability, auto, umbrella auto, professional liability, cyber liability and workers compensation for 2019-2020. ($1,307,003.00 from 20-11-005)
n)     Renewal of Annual Insurance with Alliant Property Insurance Company as the insurance carrier for property, inland marine, boiler and machinery. ($807,107.00 from 20-21-005)
o)     Renewal of Contract with Ruthie Win Ruan, O.D., Circle of Life Eye Care for 2019-2020.  (No Cost to District)
p)     Renewal of Contract with Hearts for Hearing for Audiological Services for 2019-2020. ($25,000.00 from 20-11-621)
q)     Renewal of Contract with Positive Changes for Educational Services for 2019-2020. ($1,000.00 from 20-11-621)
r)      Renewal of IEP Service Agreements with Bethany Public Schools to provide services to students with disabilities for 2019-2020. (No Cost to District)
s)     Renewal of IEP Service Agreements with Mustang Public Schools to provide services to students with disabilities for 2019-2020. (No Cost to District)
t)     Renewal of Contract with the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center for Nursing Student Experience for 2019-2020. (No Cost to District)
u)    Renewal of Contract with the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center for OT/PT Student Experience for 2019-2020. (No Cost to District)
v)    Renewal of Agreement with Compliance Resource Group for substance abuse testing for 2019-2020. (Not to exceed $15,000.00 from 20-11-005)
w)   Renewal of Subscription with Pearson for AimsWeb Plus Benchmarking/Assessment product. ($62,400.00 from 20-11-111)
x)    Consideration of and vote on motion to approve Renewal of Subscription with Mastery Connect, Inc. for benchmarking/assessment product. ($72,000.00 from 20-11-111)
y)    Consideration of and vote on motion to approve renewal of Agreement with the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation for 2019-2020.
z)    Consideration of and vote on motion to approve the Service Agreement with Waste Management of Oklahoma. ($114,642 from 20-11-005)
aa)  Renewal of Agreement with Department of Rehabilitation Services. (No Cost to District)
bb)  Renewal of Participation Agreement with SNU School for Children for IDEA services. (Proportionate amount
based on student count from 20-11-625)
cc)   Renewal of Participation Agreement with St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School for IDEA services. (Proportionate amount based on student count from 20-11-625)
dd)   Renewal of Participation Agreement with Messiah Lutheran School for IDEA services. (Proportionate amount based on student count from 20-11-625)
ee)   Consideration of and vote on motion to approve renewal of Contract with Total Wellness for on-site vaccination clinics for Putnam City students and employees. (No Cost to District.)
ff)    Overnight Travel.
gg)   Elementary Contracts.
hh)   Putnam City Athletic Contracts/Renewals through Kelly Sports:
        1.  Allegiance Credit Union.
ii)     Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

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

ITEM #6 – 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; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE RENEWAL OF EIDE BAILLY AS THE DISTRICT’S INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR THE AUDIT OF THE 2018-2019 FISCAL YEAR AND PREPARATION OF THE FY2020 ESTIMATE OF NEEDS. ($54,000 FROM 20-11-005)

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve renewal of Eide Bailly as the District’s Independent Auditor for the audit of the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year and preparation of the FY2020 Estimate of Needs. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020.

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve Temporary Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASING CARD AGREEMENT WITH ARVEST BANK. ($300.00 FROM 20-11-005)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Purchasing Card Agreement with Arvest Bank. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Board members asked if this was a new program and if there would be a maximum amount that would be able to be purchased on a purchasing card. Chief Financial Officer, Shannon Meeks said this was a new initiative and that it is sometimes difficult to open a PO for every expense so this gives the district some flexibility but that he would be conducting a slow and tightly controlled release of the program. Jay Sherrill said he is excited to see the district move in this direction and asked that the board be kept informed of the success and efficiency of the program.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH BSN SPORTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NIKE “ALL-SCHOOL PROGRAM.” (NO COST TO DISTRICT)

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve Agreement with BSN Sports to participate in the Nike “All-School Program”. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.
ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER FROM GLOBE CONSTRUCTION FOR FIELD SURVEYING AND MATERIAL TESTING AT PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM. ($27,025.00 CREDIT TO 19-36-174)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Change Order from Globe Construction for Field Surveying and Material Testing at Putnam City North High School Stadium. Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.
ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH BETHANY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION OF A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER. (NO COST TO DISTRICT)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Memorandum of Understanding with Bethany Public Schools for law enforcement commission of a school resource officer. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AND A DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1) AND CONDUCT AN ONGOING EVALUATION FO THE SUPERINTENDENT, AS REQUIRED BY DISTRICT POLICY AND PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1).

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to enter into executive session at 5:18 p.m. for the purpose of employment/appointment of a middle school assistant principal and a director of communications pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1) and to conduct an ongoing evaluation of the Superintendent, as required by district policy and pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1). Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #14 – ACKNOWLEDGE RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

At 6:45 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 and Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Melanie Mouse in executive session for the purpose of discussion of employment/appointment of a middle school assistant principal and a director of communications pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1) and to conduct an ongoing evaluation of the Superintendent, as required by district policy and pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1).

No action was taken.

ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO EMPLOY/APPOINT AN ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL.

Dr. Rhodes said the administration recommended Holly Fike to be appointed as an assistant principal at Western Oaks Middle School.

Charity Avery made a motion to appoint Holly Fike as an assistant principal at Western Oaks Middle School. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #16 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO EMPLOY/APPOINT AN ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL.

Dr. Rhodes said the administration recommended Sheradee Hurst be employed as director of communications.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to employ Sheradee Hurst as director of communications. Becky Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

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

There was no new business.

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

Cindy Gibbs made a motion at 6:47 p.m. to adjourn. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, July 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, July 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, June 28, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

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

ITEM #1 – INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT, MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – PATRICIA BALENSEIFEN, CHIEF OFFICER OF HUMAN CAPITAL.

Chief Officer of Human Capital, Patricia Balenseifen, led the Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

ITEM #3 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

1.   Director of Communications: This evening, we welcome our new Director of Communications, Sheradee Hurst.  Sheradee she grew up in El Reno; received her bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism from UCO in 2002. During her time in college, in 2000, she interned at KFOR.  After graduation in 2002, she was the Morning Show anchor and reporter for KSNF in Joplin, Missouri.   In 2004, she moved to Tulsa and worked for KJRH as a reporter and fill-in anchor.  Each time getting closer to home, in 2005, she accepted the position of reporter with KFOR here in OKC.  Following KFOR, she became media relations and marketing coordinator for St Anthony.  More recently, she has built her own very successful photography business while also serving as media coordinator for Oklahoma Kids.  She has received numerous awards and honors, among which is the OKC Gazette 40 under 40 which she was awarded during her tenure with St Anthony.  She has a very warm, genuine and caring personality. She has a passion for public education and demonstrates a level of enthusiasm that is contagious.  We welcome Sheradee to the Putnam City Family!

2.   2020 Bond Election:  In just seven months, February of 2020, the voters of Putnam City will be presented with the 2020 Vision Bond, a major comprehensive bond that will be educationally transformational for our school community.  The last time the voters were presented with a comprehensive bond was the Centennial Bond in 2014. While the 2014 Centennial Bond focused on large major projects like the new Capps Middle School, new stadiums at Putnam City West and Putnam City North and a new retro gym at Putnam City High, the 2020 Bond will focus on providing improvements at school sites across the District.  The public has the opportunity to provide additional bond item ideas for the 2020 Bond by emailing the Superintendent at:  frhodes@putnamcityschools.org.

3.   Silver Strings5k Run: The 10th annual Stars and Stripes 5k Run benefiting the Silver Strings of Putnam City will take place Thursday, July 4, at Stars and Stripes at Lake Hefner. The race begins at 7 a.m. There are awards for first place overall male and female and first, second and third place male and female in 17 age categories. There is also a $100 prize for most patriotic runner. This is a great opportunity to support The Silver Strings and also enjoy a pleasant run or stroll on Lake Hefner trails. For more information visit www.ssf5k.org

ITEM #4 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Board members welcomed new Director of Communications, Sheradee Hurst.

Charity Avery wished Silver Strings good luck on their annual 5k fundraiser.

Becky Gooch congratulated 15 Putnam City students who were highlighted as Oklahoma City Best of Metro Preps, in the Oklahoman; 6 were from Putnam City High, 5 from Putnam City North and 4 from Putnam City West. She said this was an amazing accomplishment.

Cindy Gibbs said thank you to Putnam City North Assistant Principal, Ken Attebery, for landscaping work he has done at the school.

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 June 17, 2019.
b.  Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers dated July 1, 2019 inclusive for the 2019-2020 school year.
c.  May Activity Fund Cash Summary.
d.  Project Applications.
        1.  Apollo Elementary
        2.  Arbor Grove Elementary
        3.  Central Elementary
        4.  Coronado Elementary
        5.  Dennis Elementary
        6.  Downs Elementary
        7.  Harvest Hills Elementary
        8.  Hilldale Elementary
        9.  Kirkland Elementary
     10.  Lake Park Elementary
     11.  Northridge Elementary
     12.  Overholser Elementary
     13.  Rollingwood Elementary
     14.  Tulakes Elementary
     15.  Western Oaks Elementary
     16.  Wiley Post Elementary
     17.  Will Rogers Elementary
     18.  Windsor Hills Elementary
     19.  Capps Middle School
     20.  Cooper Middle School
     21.  Hefner Middle School
     22.  Mayfield Middle School
     23.  Western Oaks Middle School
     24.  Putnam City High School
     25.  Putnam City North High School
     26.  Putnam City West High School
     27.  Putnam City Academy
     28.  Smart Start Early Education
e.   Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
f.    Renewal of Agreement with Oklahoma City-County Health Department for 2019-2020. (No Cost to District)
g.   Renewal of Contract with Saarah Joyce, School Psychologist/Independent Contractor for 2019-2020. (Not to exceed $5,000.00 from 20-11-621)
h.   Renewal of Contract with Lissa Wright, School Psychologist/Independent Contractor for 2019-2020. (Not to exceed $7,500.00 from 20-11-621)
i.    Renewal of Snack Vending Agreement with Imperial, Inc. for the 2019-2020 school year. (No Cost to District)
j.    Consideration of and vote on motion to approve renewal of Professional Services Agreement with Community Intervention Center for 2019-2020. ($16,000.00 from 20-11-005)
k.   Consideration of and vote on motion to approve renewal Contract with Mac Systems for Fire Alarm Monitoring using MACNET wireless mesh radio monitoring for 32 sites for 2019-2020. ($13,440.00 from 20-21-095)
l.    Consideration of and vote on motion to approve renewal of Beverage Agreement with PepsiCo. (No Cost to District.)
m.  Renewal of Contract with Larissa Hensley, Speech Language Pathologist/Independent Contractor for the 2019-2020 school year. ($20,000 from 20-11-625)
n.   Secondary Contracts.
o.   Overnight Travel.
p.   Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.  

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

Gail LoPresto asked Chief Financial Officer, Shannon Meeks, if the board was going to be able to continue to see purchase orders.  Mr. Meeks confirmed that it will continue.

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

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

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE IOBSERVATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH LEARNING SCIENCES FOR TRAINING FOR UP TO 10 NEW ADMINISTRATORS ON JULY 22ND, 23RD AND 24TH, 2019. ($3,990.00 FROM 20-11-107)

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve iObservation Professional Development Agreement with Learning Sciences for training for up to 10 new administrators on July, 22nd, 23rd and 24th, 2019. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH PATRICIA STOWE, SIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR FOR 2 DAYS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR INTERPRETERS ON AUGUST 14, 2019 AND SEPTEMBER 16, 2019. ($1000.00 FROM 20-11-621)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Contract with Patricia Stowe, Sign Language Instructor for 2 days Professional Development for Interpreters on August 14, 2019 and September 16, 2019. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE OPEN TRANSFERS FOR 2019-2020.

Charity Avery made a motion to approve open transfers for 2019-2020.  Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion.  Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto,

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE FEDERAL CLAIMS APPROVED SIGNATURES FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve Federal Claims approved signatures for the 2019-2020 school year.  Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE EMERGENCY FEDERAL CLAIMS APPROVED SIGNATURES FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR.

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve Emergency Federal Claims approved signatures for the 2019-2020 school year.  Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Becky Gooch made a motion at 5:09 p.m. to adjourn.  Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye: Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, July 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, July 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, July 12th, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

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

ITEM #1 – MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – CECIL BOWLES, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER.

Chief Operations Officer, Cecil Bowles, led the Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

ITEM #3 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

1.  Outstanding Conductor:  Putnam City High Senior Drum Major, Alex Galvan received “Outstanding Conductor” at the recent Drum Major Camp hosted by North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. There were over 200 drum majors at the camp and the top 20 were selected as "Outstanding Conductors”.  

2.   Thanks: We want to thank our district custodians who are using a team approach to clean district buildings this summer. A group of about 40 custodians equipped with cleaning supplies and equipment are traveling across the district, thoroughly cleaning desks, chairs, walls, floors and other surfaces in each school before moving to the next school and starting in again. This is proving to be an effective way to get schools ready for the return of students, teachers and staff.

3.   New Teacher Academy: The beginning of the new school year is always an exciting time.  We are just three weeks away from welcoming new teachers to Putnam City. On Monday, August 5th, new teachers will report to their school and be involved in a building level orientation.  On Tuesday, August 6th, those new to the District will officially begin our New Teacher Academy which is several days of intense professional development.  Surveys have repeatedly shown that teachers new to the District rank Putnam City above other school districts primarily because of our strong professional development program and support given to teachers.

ITEM #4 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill complimented district administrators on their quick response when he has contacted them with questions. He said he’d like to see the district’s responsiveness promoted on social media.

Cindy Gibbs recognized the grounds crew for doing a “really good job” keeping the lawns mowed at the schools especially with the record amounts of rain we’ve received this year. She asked for verification of the date for convocation which is Tuesday, August 13th at Putnam City High School.

Gail LoPresto also thanked the custodians and grounds crews for their hard work during the summer heat. She said the schools “look so good!” She also said she liked the idea of having a team approach for custodial staff preparing schools for the start of the new year.

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 July 1, 2019.
b.    Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers dated July 1, 2019 through July 10, 2019 inclusive for the 2019-2020 school year.
c.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
d.    Project Applications.
e.    Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
f.    Renewal of agreement with IXL Learning interactive online license fee for 19-20 school year and one day Professional Development. ($30,431.00 from 20-11-014)
g.    Renewal of Contract with April “Nikki” Keck, Certified VI Teacher and Orientation and Mobility Training Specialist for 2019-2020. (Not to exceed $2,000.00 from 20-11-621)
h.    Putnam City Athletic contract renewals through Kelly Sports:
       1.  Professional Recyclers, Inc.
i.     Secondary Contracts.
j.     Overnight Travel.
k.    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

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

ITEM #6 – 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; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE RATES OF PAY SCHEDULE FOR 2019-2020.

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve Rates of Pay Schedule for 2019-2020. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes explained that the Rates of Pay Schedule has to be approved at the beginning of each fiscal year. If a change is needed after negotiations have been completed or for any reason during the year, the board would be asked to approve a revised schedule at that time.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH POWERSCHOOL FOR ONLINE RECRUITMENT SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION FOR 2019-2020. ($4,611.52 FROM 20-11-089)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Agreement with PowerSchool for online recruitment software subscription for 2019-2020. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes explained that the recruitment software, Talent Ed, is the same platform that the district has used for several years but that PowerSchool has recently acquired the software.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE EVENING ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION SCHEDULE FOR 2019-2020.

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve Evening Alternative Education Schedule for 2019-2020. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PUTNAM CITY ACADEMY SOAR SCHEDULE FOR 2019-2020.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Putnam City Academy SOAR Schedule for 2019-2020. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Becky Gooch complimented Putnam City Academy administrator, Shelly Roper, and her staff for the “difference that they make in students’ lives.”

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

There was no new business.

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

Becky Gooch made a motion at 5:12 p.m. to adjourn. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, August 5, 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, August 5th, 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, August 2nd, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: President, Gail LoPresto, Vice-President, Cindy Gibbs and members, Becky Gooch and Charity Avery; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Sandy Lemaster, deputy board clerk; and others. Board member, Jay Sherrill was not present.

ITEM #1 – MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – CAPPS MIDDLE SCHOOL

James Burnett, principal of Capps Middle School led the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence. Mr. Burnett introduced his administrative team: administrative intern Jon Belt and assistant principal Erin Wolfe. A short video titled “A day in the life of Capps,” prepared by Ms. Laura Ogles, Capps Teacher of the Year, was shown. It highlighted normal daily activities, student assemblies, OKC Energy grant usage, Generation Y, clubs, sports, and the arts. The video concluded with teachers gathered outside to send students off for the summer, a popular tradition on the last day of school.

Mr. Burnett closed his presentation by expressing how excited Capps is for the new building and his appreciation for all the support as they transition to the site. He said he is thankful for all voters who made this incredible opportunity possible.

ITEM #2 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:  END OF YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT -  SHANNON MEEKS, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Putnam City Schools’ general fund ended fiscal year 2019 with a $15.9 million fund balance. The fund balance serves as a savings account, insulating the district from funding fluctuations. Additionally, these funds allow Putnam City to cover operating costs until property tax revenue – over 25% of all collections – start to arrive each November. Removing federal program expenditures, and their related reimbursements, provides a picture of the “health” of the general fund. Mr. Meeks said the process shows Putnam City completed the fiscal year in good health.

ITEM #3 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

ITEM #4 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.
Putnam City’s Virtual Education program made headlines this last week as television and print media covered an informational press release sent out by the district.  Putnam City has provided virtual education with certified teachers online since 2011 and some have been unaware that this type of program is available.  Media also announced that virtual education qualified students may participate in activities such as sports, theatre, band and all other extra-curricular activities. This is timely information, and we are excited to continue to promote our virtual education program.

Putnam City Schools hosted the Northwest Oklahoma City Chamber at the new Putnam City West Stadium.  Elected officials and community leaders were able to experience the view from the top of the impressive new facility overlooking the field.  Dr. Dick Balenseifen spoke about the state-of-the-art design that was modeled after world famous stadiums in other parts of the country.  The Putnam City West team will make their debut on September 13th at the first home football game where they will challenge sister school, Putnam City North.
The Transportation Department is gearing up for another great school year. There will be 23 new buses in the school fleet this year thanks to the support of the community in our last bond election.  Other new features funded by bond money include equipment to help load wheelchairs in and out of buses and other needs to accommodate students.  New cameras and traffic sensor systems are also installed in some of the buses that will increase safety. Our buses will transport nearly 7,000 students on 83 routes every school day this year.  Thank you to our transportation department for all you do for students.  You are an integral part of educating our children.
Putnam City continues to partner with Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in the fight against cancer. One of our own alumni is serving as a Fleming Scholar at OMRF, a prestigious honor.  Putnam City North graduate, Ashley Gin, now a sophomore at Oklahoma State University studying biochemistry and molecular biology, was accepted for her project about segregation of chromosomes in the cell cycle.  She recently presented her scientific work at OMRF, along with other Fleming Scholars who are involved in this summer program.

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Charity Avery welcomed new administrators. She also thanked those who contacted her to welcome her to the board.

Becky Gooch said thank you to all of the administrators for their hard work. She wants to be informed if there are events at school sites so that she can come see the fun events happening. Becky thanked Jennifer Seal and Sheradee Hurst for their work on the Athletic Hall of Fame event. Becky said Friday she attended the Bethany Breakfast for the NW Oklahoma City Chamber at Putnam City West’s new stadium. She said there was so much pride amongst the Putnam City graduates and many were talking about the good things going on in the district.

Cindy Gibbs thanked Sheradee Hurst for the recent press coverage. Cindy also said it is a privilege to be a part of the Athletic Council. She also praised Dr. Dick Balenseifen for being a leader and the driving force of the Athletic Hall of Fame event. Mrs. Gibbs also said she loves driving by Wiley Post and seeing the new teacher posts. She also thanked Shannon Meeks for his financial report.

Gail LoPresto announced that since she has retired from her job she wants to be more active in attending school events. She also visited the Putnam City West stadium the past Friday and said the other people in attendance loved the new stadium. She said it made her proud, and she was happy to see all of the handicap parking spots. Mrs.LoPresto congratulated Mrs. Gibbs on her new job in Piedmont working with kids and said the children were going to love her.

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 July 15, 2019.
     b.    Purchase orders dated July 11, 2019 through July 30, 2019 inclusive for the 2019-2020 school year.
     c.    Financial Reports.
     d.    Activity Fund Cash Summaries.
     e.    Renewal of Contract with Premiere K9 Services for Detection Services for 2019-2020 school year. ($5,000.00 from 20-11-005)
     f.    Renewal of Career and Technology Education Contract for 2019-2020 school year. ($337,400.00 from 20-11-421)
     g.    Renewal of Contract with Pivot, Inc. for Family Truancy Counseling and Life Skills Education. ($50.00 per referral from 20-11-005)
     h.    Renewal of Contract with Pivot, Inc. for Homeless Student Independent Living Education Services. (Not to exceed $12,000.00 from 20-11-596)
     i.    Consideration of and vote on motion to approve Renewal of Transportation Contract for 2019-2020 with Francis Tuttle Career Technology. (No Cost to District)
     j.    Renewal of Contract with Satellite Athletic Association. (No Cost to District)
     k.    Renewal of Contract with Sign Language Resource Services, Inc. for sign language interpreter services for the 2019-2020 school year. (Not to exceed $10,000 from 20-11-621)
     l.    Renewal of Agreement with Oklahoma City University’s School of Nursing for Nursing student clinical experience for 2019-2020. (No Cost to District)
     m.    Putnam City Athletic contract renewals through Kelly Sports:
             1.  Francis Tuttle Technology Center.
             2.  Sonic Restaurants, Inc.
             3.  Whataburger, LLC.
     n.    Overnight Travel.
     o.    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

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

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH OKLAHOMA BUILDING SERVICES FOR CUSTODIAL SERVICES FOR 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR. (526,928.38 FROM 20-11-005)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Agreement with Oklahoma Building Services for Custodial Services for 2019-2020 school year. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH AUTUMN RAIN BIER, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, IN SUPPORT OF NATIVE AMERICAN SCHOOL SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM FOR 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR.  ($300.00 FROM 20-11-563)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Agreement with Autumn Rain Bier, Independent Contractor, in support of Native American School Supplies Distribution Program for 2019-2020 school year. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1) AND (2).

Becky Gooch made a motion to enter into executive session at 5:39 p.m. for the purpose of discussing negotiations for the 2019-2020 school year pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1) and (2). Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #11 – ACKNOWLEDGE RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

At 6:20 p.m. Gail LoPresto acknowledged the return to open session and requested the Board Clerk record the minutes of the executive session.

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board members: Charity Avery,  Becky Gooch, Cindy Gibbs and Gail LoPresto met with Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melanie Mouse and Chief Financial Officer, Shannon Meeks in executive session for the purpose of discussing negotiations for the 2019-2020 school year pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1) and (2). No vote was taken.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion at 6:20 p.m. to adjourn. Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, August 19, 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, August 19th, 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, August 16th, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: President, Gail LoPresto and members, Charity Avery and Jay Sherrill; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Sandy Lemaster, board clerk; and others. Members, Cindy Gibbs and Becky Gooch were not in attendance.

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

Principal, Kimberly Harper, led the Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance.  She introduced Jen Evans who is serving as the Administrative Intern at Central and they presented a video that featured students, parents and staff during “Meet the Teacher” night and the first day of school. Peak teacher, Russ Tucker prepared the video.

ITEM #2 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:
                  Stop It App Report – Rick Croslin, Executive Director of Secondary Education

Executive Director of Secondary Education, Rick Croslin reported the Stop It App program, which was tested at Capps Middle School and Putnam City North High School last semester, is being implemented this year at all secondary schools. The program was initiated by the District Task Force on Hazing Prevention to allow online anonymous reporting of concerns from electronic devices. The app allows for two-way communication between the anonymous reporter and administrators to allow administrators to ask additional questions as they investigate and to follow-up on the report. Parents can view the report and all communication as well from their child’s device. All administrators at secondary sites have received training on the program and app. The app will be downloaded to all district iPads used at secondary sites and students will be encouraged to download the app to their phones as well. Students will receive information during assemblies and at meetings at their schools before the end of the first semester. Mr. Croslin also presented a video produced by Putnam City North students that furthered explained the program.

Board members asked if there were false reports during the testing phase at the test schools. Mr. Croslin said false reports was minimal and that the app was instrumental in working through some real concerns including suicide ideation and feels that the expansion will be beneficial to the 9,000 plus secondary students. Board members also asked about parent access. Mr. Croslin explained that parents can download the app and can also make reports anonymously by using the access code assigned to their student’s school.

ITEM #3 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

ITEM #4 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

Last week we welcomed back teachers at a fun-filled, student-led Convocation.  Convocation is an event that combines the best features of a family reunion and a pep rally.  Everyone enjoys seeing teacher friends they have missed over the summer and the student performances build excitement as we begin a new school year. Our thanks to all of those who helped make Convocation 2019 a huge success.

You may have seen in the press, the upcoming first annual Putnam City Athletic Hall of Fame scheduled for Friday, August 30th.  Former OKC Mayor and 1976 Putnam City High graduate, Mick Cornett will emcee as Alvan Adams, Steve Largent, Sam Bradford, and a list of athletic legends return home. Tickets are on sale now through the Putnam City Foundation web site.

This Friday, August 23rd, Board Member Jay Sherrill and Putnam City Foundation President Jennifer Seal will be a part of a panel discussion about the working relationship between public school foundations and school boards at the OSSBA conference. Architectural firms, LWPB and DLR, that designed the new Capps Middle School, will present a discussion entitled, “Crossing a Bridge: Architecture as a Change Agent for Learning.”

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill thanked all of the Putnam City staff for their support for parents. He said as a parent of two elementary students he felt good leaving his children for their first day of school.

Charity Avery said the Transportation Department does an awesome job. She especially wanted to recognize Gloria and Donna for doing a great job of caring for her daughter as she rides the bus to and from school. She said her daughter is excited for the new school year.

Gail LoPresto said she appreciated Convocation and New Teacher Academy events and all the work that goes into making those a success. She said Hilldale’s popsicle party was a lot of fun. She recently took a bus tour of the apartments and communities where Mayfield Middle School students reside and said it was very enlightening. She wished the road construction around Windsor Hills had been completed before the start of the school year because it is very confusing for families trying to drop off and pick up their 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 August 5, 2019.
   b.   Purchase orders dated July 31, 2019 through August 13, 2019 inclusive for the 2019-2020 school year.
   c.   Financial Reports.
   d.   Activity Fund Transfer List.
   e.   Project Applications.
   f.    Sanctioning Applications.
   g.   Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
   h.   Renewal of Financial Advisory Agreement with Stephen L. Smith Corporation for 2019-2020. ($30,000.00 from 20-34-005)
   i.    Putnam City Athletic contracts/renewals through Kelly Sports:
         1.  Chick-fil-A.
         2.  Michael Kierl Orthodontics.
         3.  Rich & Cartmill, Inc.
         4.  Rib Crib.
         5.  Southern Nazarene University.
   j.    Elementary and Secondary Contracts.
   k.   Overnight Travel.
   l.    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; LoPresto, aye.

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

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

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RATIFICATION OF THE 2019-2020 NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE PUTNAM CITY ASSOCIATION OF CLASSROOM TEACHERS.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to ratify the 2019-2020 Negotiated Agreement between the Board of Education and the Putnam City Association of Classroom Teachers. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE DECLARATION OF HOURS VS DAYS AS STATED IN POLICY EA.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve the Declaration of Hours vs Days as stated in Policy EA. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes explained that this is something the district does each year and by declaring that the district will meet the minimum required 1080 hours of instruction allows for flexibility during inclement weather.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DISTRICT POLICY EF – ATTENDANCE.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve revision to District Policy EF – Attendance. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH OSU-OKC FOR CONCURRENT COURSES TO BE OFFERED AT PUTNAM CITY HIGH, PUTNAM CITY NORTH AND PUTNAM CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOLS DURING THE 2019–2020 SCHOOL YEAR. (NO COST TO DISTRICT)

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve Memorandum of Understanding with OSU-OKC for Concurrent Courses to be offered at Putnam City High, Putnam City North and Putnam City West High Schools during the 2019-2020 school year. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Board members asked if this was the first year for the program to be offered at all high schools. Dr. Rhodes said that Putnam City North has offered concurrent classes on-site for the past three years and confirmed this is the first year to expand to the other high schools.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE BOUNDARY CHANGE FOR HILLDALE ELEMENTARY TO APOLLO ELEMENTARY BEGINNING WITH THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR. (1 ADDITIONAL DRIVER AND 1 BUS FROM 21-11-005)

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve Boundary Change for Hilldale Elementary to Apollo Elementary beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Jay Sherrill said that boundary decisions are always sensitive because of the impact on families and wanted to make sure that families receive ample notice of the change. He also wanted to make sure that they receive information on applying for a transfer if they feel that is the best option for their student(s).  Dr. Rhodes explained that the enrollment at Hilldale Elementary has been increasing over the past few years and additional staff and classes have been added but there is not any more space to accommodate additional classrooms. Apollo Elementary has the space to accommodate additional students. The boundary change is expected to impact 54 students next school year.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH MORTON COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH SERVICES FOR STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES TO BE OFFERED AT WILEY POST ELEMENTARY. (NO COST TO DISTRICT)

Charity Avery made a motion to approve Memorandum of Understanding with Morton Comprehensive Health Services for student counseling service to be offered at Wiley Post Elementary. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF HAVING CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS WITH DISTRICT’S LEGAL COUNSEL TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(4) AND TO DISCUSS THE PURCHASE OR APPRAISAL OF REAL PROPERTY PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(3).

At 5:24 p.m., Jay Sherrill made a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of having confidential communications with District’s legal counsel to discuss pending litigation pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(4) and to discuss the purchase or appraisal of real property pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(3). Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; LoPresto, aye.

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

6:05 p.m., President, Gail LoPresto acknowledged return to open session and requested the Board Clerk record the minutes of the executive session.

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board members, Jay Sherrill, Charity Avery and Gail LoPresto, Superintendent Dr. Rhodes and attorney, Laura Holmes met in executive session for the purpose of having confidential communications with District’s legal counsel to discuss pending litigation pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(4) and to discuss the purchase or appraisal of real property pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(3).

No action was taken.

ITEM #16 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ADJACENT TO PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL.

Charity Avery made a motion to approve Contract for Sale and Purchase of Real Property located adjacent to Putnam City North High School subject to final approval of language by the superintendent based on the advice of legal counsel. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; LoPresto, aye.

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

There was no new business.

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

Jay Sherrill made a motion at 6:06 p.m. to adjourn. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, September 3, 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, September 3rd, 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, August 2nd, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: President, Gail LoPresto, Vice-President, Cindy Gibbs and members, Becky Gooch and Charity Avery, Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Sandy Lemaster, deputy board clerk; and others.
Board member Jay Sherrill, was not present.

ITEM #1 – MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – TULAKES ELEMENTARY

Danyelle Speight, principal of Tulakes Elementary, led the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.  Ms. Speight shared how Tulakes has seen an explosion in their vocal music and instrumental programs over the past several years. She introduced Ms. Katie Wonderly, vocal music teacher, who explained during her first year of teaching, four years ago she had approximately 20 members. Currently, over 50 members are enrolled. Orchestra is also experiencing the same growth, with 58 fourth and fifth grade students participating. Ms. Wondering shared a wonderful video highlighting opportunities the students experienced last school year. It included singing the National Anthem at the Harlem Globe Trotters game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, going to see the OKC Phil Harmonic perform and several other opportunities beyond the classroom.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

Gregory McDonald, an employee from transportation, thanked everyone responsible for the raises that transportation employees received. The entire staff of Transportation signed thank you cards for board members and others involved in the raise.

Arielle Young, a Pre-K parent from Kirkland Elementary, spoke of dismissal and traffic issues. Ms. Young explained how challenging it was for families to arrive early and still experience long delays when picking up their children. She is hoping for and seeking a positive solution.

ITEM #3 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

An evening of Putnam City sports history and memorable moments made for an enjoyable event at the first annual Putnam City Athletic Hall of Fame. The crowd of 320 event goers heard messages of gratitude from some of the greatest athletes to graduate from Putnam City Schools. Coach A.D. Burtschi was memorialized and his coaching career of three decades with the Putnam City Pirates was celebrated.  Putnam City graduate, Mick Cornett, emceed the night.  Guests on stage included Alvan Adams, Steve Largent, Jan Ross, and a host of other sports legends. It was an excellent inaugural night for this event.

Putnam City’s recent teacher raises received public recognition from Governor Kevin Stitt as he took to social media to praise the district for the $2,500 pay raise Putnam City teachers received.  Governor Stitt thanked Putnam City for implementing House Bill 2765 by raising teacher pay.  This increase puts Putnam City first year teacher salary at $42,000!  Support employees also saw a 3% raise on average.  This brings the total to $5.5 million dollars of new compensation.

Last week when storms knocked out electricity to thousands of patrons across the district and damaged areas, district employees were quick to respond.  Staff from many departments spent the early morning hours and into the next day working to get the District back in operation.  Thank you to all involved, each going above and beyond their duties to help Putnam City students. It was certainly a time to be PC proud!

ITEM #4 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Charity Avery praised Overholser Elementary for their Open House Night and tour. She also said the Western Oaks Middle School Back-to-School Bash was a success! Great job, Ms. Robertson!

Becky Gooch thanked Dr. Balenseifen, Jennifer Seal, Pat Floan, and everyone who worked on the Athletic Hall of Fame. She said it was a great night, and she loved the positive press the event brought to Putnam City. She thanked Sheradee Hurst for the media coverage. She said it is an exciting time to be at Putnam City.

Becky Gooch also thanked the Transportation staff for attending the meeting and for their gratitude

Cindy Gibbs gave kudos to the teacher daycare at Kirkland. She visited the rooms, and was impressed. She praised Stan Lingo and LWPB Architectural Firm, the team that is building Capps Middle School, for the information they presented at OSSBA. She praised Dr. Balenseifen for the Athletic Hall of Fame. She said it was an exciting night. She praised Sheradee Hurst for the media coverage of the event. She also sent her condolences to the family of Coach Burtschi.

Gail LoPresto said she wished she could have attended the Athletic Hall of Fame. She praised Dr. Balenseifen for the event, and said she was glad Coach Burtschi was remembered there.

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 August 19, 2019.
b.    Purchase orders dated August 14, 2019 through August 27, 2019 inclusive for the
2019-2020 school year.
c.    Financial Reports.
d.    Activity Fund Cash Summaries.
e.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
f.    Project Applications.
g.    Fundraisers.
h.    Sanctioning Applications.
i.    Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
j.    Renewal of Agreement with King Marlin Swim Club for pool facilities for swim practice and meets for all Putnam City high schools for the 19-20 school year. ($14,688.00 from 20-11-005)
k.    Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding with Oklahoma Christian University for placement of education students for student teaching for the 2019-2020 school year. (No cost to district)
l.    Putnam City Athletic contract renewals through Kelly Sports:
        1.  Dale Rogers Training Center.
        2.  Prairie Graphic Sportswear, Inc.
        3.  U.S. Army
m.    Secondary Contracts.
n.    Overnight Travel.
o.    Out Of State Trips:
        1.  PCN FCCLA Students to Dallas, TX on November 14-17, 2019 for Fall National Conference.
        2.  PCH Air Force JROTC Students to Knob Noster, MO on October 10-13, 2019 to tour Whiteman Air Force Base.
p.    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

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

ITEM #6 – 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. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE ESTIMATE OF NEEDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve the estimate of needs for Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT GIFTED COMMITTEE AND THE LOCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE PUTNAM CITY GIFTED PROGRAM FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR.

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve appointment of members to the District Gifted Committee and the Local Advisory Committee for the Putnam City Gifted Program for the 2019-2020 school year. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion at 5:19 p.m. to adjourn. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, September 16, 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, September 16th, 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, September 13th, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

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

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

Principal, Kim McLaughlin, led the Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance.  She introduced Fallan Wolff and Claire Sengupta who comprise the administration team at Northridge. They presented a video: “A Day in the Life of a Northridge Knight”. Northridge recently hosted their 5th annual “movie night” and had approximately 500 people attend. Mrs. McLaughlin said she learned in professional development that many students don’t hear encouraging words on a regular basis so she has started ending her daily announcements with this phrase: “Remember, I love you and I always will”. She said it has made a powerful impact on her students and they look forward to hearing it daily.

Gail LoPresto commented that she had visited Northridge Elementary recently and was impressed with all the building improvements that have been done at the site.

ITEM #2 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:
           Safety and Security Report – Mark Stout, Chief of Campus Police

Chief Mark Stout reported that the district currently employs 12 police officers and 3 security officers. A police officer and security officer is assigned to each of the three high schools. There is also a police officer assigned to each of the middle schools. Officers also cover the elementary schools during the day. There are a total of 5 dispatchers and the dispatch center is covered 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

You may have seen positive media stories recently about our state-of-the-art security camera upgrades. Putnam City has upgraded cameras at all high schools and middle schools with state-of the-art security technology. As bond funds are released, the district plans to upgrade cameras at 4-5 elementary schools each year until all elementary school upgrades are completed.

Portable metal detectors have been added at each high school. Since the detectors are portable, they will be used in many different ways. They can be mobilized to add another layer of security anywhere it is needed in the district.

Putnam City High School’s new security booth with control gates is installed and the new fencing is in progress. The booth and fencing is similar to what is already installed at Putnam City West, providing secure one point entry/exit in the student parking lot. Putnam City North is next in line for a booth and secured student parking. Work will also begin soon on a new safe room at Putnam City North. Downs Elementary, Apollo Elementary and Tulakes Elementary schools are the next in priority for safe room construction.

Campus Police is working with the Information Technology department to implement all new staff badges that include photo ID. Also, Student Passport Cards are in the pilot stages at Putnam City West. These cards allow very specific access for students traveling to and from campus.

ITEM #3 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

ITEM #4 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

Both Putnam City North and Putnam City West hosted their first home football games at their new stadiums. The home crowd seats were packed with excited fans! One of the Putnam City North fans, Mayor David Holt, took to social media to post a selfie with his son enjoying the all new Putnam City North stadium. Putnam City West also had a huge turnout at their first home varsity football game. The unprecedented event made history as the first home game since the school was founded fifty years ago. It was the perfect kick-off to football season for both high schools! We look forward to these historic seasons for both teams.
“The 2020 Bond” vote has been set.  Mark your calendars for February 11, 2020. The week of Valentine’s Day is the week patrons will vote on Putnam City’s next bond.  More detailed information will be available soon, but with input from patrons and the school community, the early planning stages call for “The 2020 Bond” to improve some of our aging buildings with a makeover.  We want to remind patrons that now is the time to make sure your voter registration is current so that you can vote on this bond issue. You can update or check your voter registration information online at oklahomacounty.org.
The Putnam City 7th and 8th grade orchestras will be performing an All-City Orchestra Concert at Putnam City West at 6:30 pm on September 26th.  Come see these middle school strings entertain! Students have put in many hours to deliver an enjoyable show.
 

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill thanked all of the Putnam City patrons that voted at the last bond election in which the new stadiums were included in the bond. He attended the opening of the Putnam City West stadium and said it was a great atmosphere!

Charity Avery thanked Northridge for their wonderful video and message. She said that she heard lots of positive comments from alumni regarding the new Putnam City West stadium.

Cindy Gibbs said that the new stadiums are awesome and it was especially nice to see that families are able to walk from their own neighborhoods to attend events at their students’ school. She said she recently noticed Hefner Middle School principal, Holly McNutt, assisting students in the car lines. She said that Mrs. McNutt is just another example of how administrators and teachers do everything that needs to be done for their students.

Gail LoPresto said she enjoyed seeing the Putnam City West stadium and that the design really fits the school as though the stadium were always there. She said she attended the Mayfield Middle School open house recently and it was nice. She also asked for an update on the district cell phone policy.

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 September 3, 2019.
   b.    Purchase orders dated August 28, 2019 through September  10, 2019 inclusive for the 2019-2020 school year.
   c.    Financial Reports.
   d.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
   e.    Project Applications.
   f.     Sanctioning Applications.
   g.    Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
   h.    Renewal of Contract with City of Warr Acres for school crossing guards for 2019-2020. (Not to exceed $ 3,240.00 from 20-11-005)
   i.     Elementary and Secondary Contracts.
   j.     Overnight Travel.
   k.    Out Of State Trips:
          1.  PCH DECA Students to Washington, DC on November 14th – 17th, 2019 to attend DECA Power Trip and the DECA National Conference.
   l.     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; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

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

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

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE NOTICE OF SCHEDULE OF REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS FOR 2020.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Notice of Schedule of Regular Board Meetings for 2020. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE TRANSPORTATION OF HOMELESS STUDENTS FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR.

Charity Avery made a motion to approve Transportation of Homeless Students for the 2019-2020 school year. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes explained that the agreement is a part of the McKinney-Vento Act and the intent is for a student that becomes homeless to continue attending the school where they started as opposed to changing schools. He said the district does not have many students that are considered homeless. Board members asked if students that reside in a hotel are considered homeless. Dr. Rhodes confirmed the federal government does consider “homeless” those students that reside in hotels.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH SHAWNA COVALT, SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST/INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR FOR THE 19-20 SCHOOL YEAR. (NOT TO EXCEED $20,000.00 FROM 20-11-621)

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve contract with Shawna Covalt, Speech Language Pathologist/Independent Contractor for the 19-20 school year. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY FOR PLACEMENT OF EDUCATION STUDENTS FOR STUDENT TEACHING FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR. (NO COST TO DISTRICT)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve Memorandum of Understanding with Colorado State University for placement of education students for student teaching for the 2019-2020 school year. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes explained that often when a Putnam City graduate attends school out of the state, they will want to come back home and to the district to complete their student teaching.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH INTERIM HEALTHCARE OF OKLAHOMA CITY, INC. FOR NURSING SERVICES WHEN NEEDED AND REQUESTED BY THE DISTRICT. (NOT TO EXCEED $15,000 FROM 20-11-621)

Charity Avery made a motion to approve contract with Interim Healthcare of Oklahoma City, Inc. for nursing services when needed and requested by the district. Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes explained that an LPN recently left the district that worked with a student requiring 1:1 care. The contract allows the district to provide care until a replacement can be found.

ITEM #13 – 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 PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1).

At 5:44 p.m., Cindy Gibbs made a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting an ongoing evaluation of the Superintendent, as required by district policy and pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1). Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #14 – ACKNOWLEDGE RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

7:08 p.m., President, Gail LoPresto acknowledged return to open session and requested the Board Clerk record the minutes of the executive session.

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board members, Jay Sherrill, Charity Avery, Becky Gooch, Cindy Gibbs and Gail LoPresto and Superintendent Dr. Rhodes met in executive session for the purpose of conducting an ongoing evaluation of the Superintendent, as required by district policy and pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1).

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 7:09 p.m. to adjourn. Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, October 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, October 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, October 4th, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: Vice-President, Cindy Gibbs and members, Becky Gooch, Charity Avery and Jay Sherrill; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Tina Losawyer, deputy board clerk; and others. President, Gail LoPresto was not present.

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

Principal, Jason Burkhart, led the Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Burkhart shared how he and his staff’s focus this year is to create a positive school culture that is fun, holistically inspirational and fosters student growth.  Each week, during the morning announcements, Mr. Burkhart presents a challenge quote. His hope is for the students to not only remember the quote, but to put it into action. An example would be ‘Rise by lifting others,’ or ‘Let your words become actions.’ A short video, “We are Kenneth Cooper,” put together by Peak and leadership students, was shown demonstrating many of the weekly quotes.

Cindy Gibbs thanked Mr. Burkhart and said, “That was awesome!”

ITEM #2 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:

           Cancer Fund Drive Report – Dr. Dick Balenseifen, District Athletic Director

Dr. Dick Balenseifen shared that since 1975 Putnam City has raised over 3.6 million dollars to benefit cancer research at OMRF.  He expressed his thanks to Stephanie Treadway and the entire district for their past and present efforts.  Dr. Balenseifen prepared a report to show the breakdown from each site showing over $21,000.00 of current funds raised based on revenues per student. He highlighted the 1st place winners of the Cancer Drive in each category:  Elementary went to Will Rogers $5,127.21; Middle: Kenneth Cooper, $2693.60 and High School: Putnam City High School, $19,720.19.  Each winner will be presented with a traveling trophy.

Dr. Balenseifen introduced special guests: Dr. Linda Thompson, Zebba Mortazavi and Rachel Smith from OMRF and presented them with a check for $80,000.00.  Dr. Thompson thanked the district for all our district does for cancer research.

Cindy Gibbs shared her experience with cancer and thanked OMRF for all they do.

Next month we will host the Putnam City Cancer Classic to continue this tradition. This is a large fundraiser for Putnam City’s donation.

ITEM #3 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

Gary Janzen, a Putnam City West 1977 graduate and parent, shared some suggestions for district improvements

ITEM #4 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

The District’s esports program is off to an impressive start in all three Putnam City high schools! All three PC facilities are online, and teams are practicing with their state-of-the-art equipment! This week KFOR, Fox 25, Telemundo, and The Oklahoman all covered the launch of Putnam City’s esports. We are excited to see the scholarship and career path opportunities this makes available for students with an interest in this field. This makes Putnam City one of a small number of districts in the state offering esports, and the first district with three high schools offering esports. Putnam City High won Rocket League Grand Champion at their first tournament this weekend. See photos of the Putnam City High team below.

The newly renovated Putnam City High School varsity gym was full of students cheering on the Special Olympics Unified Partners volleyball teams. The volleyball match between the two Putnam City High teams was an exciting game! The Special Olympics Unified Partners also took their horseshoe talents to the State Championship, and coaches report they had an excellent showing! See photos below and in the right column.
The Putnam City Cancer Classic is scheduled for November 9th at Wheeler Park. This race benefits cancer research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. It’s a good opportunity for our students to see the importance of giving back to the community. Register online at www.putnamcancerclassic.com.

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill thanked Kenneth Cooper Middle School for all of the positive things they are doing at their school. Mr. Sherrill also praised Putnam City for their esports program and the grade requirements for it.

Charity Avery said she is proud that Putnam City has raised $3.6 million for OMRF. She also praised the Putnam City West band for doing a great job in competition. She said the parents and students are working very hard!

Becky Gooch said fellow board member, Gail LoPresto, shattered her ankle and is immobile. Becky expressed that she missed Gail, and sent her good wishes. Mrs. Gooch also praised the town hall meeting hosted by Senator Kirt and Senator Hicks. She said students from DDK Elementary performed, and there was a large audience.

Mrs. Gooch said we are blessed to have elected officials that value public education, understand it, and are true champions of it. She said the message she brought back from the meeting was that legislators need to hear from us. Mrs. Gooch also praised teacher, Katie Kinder. Mrs. Gooch thanked Tony and LuCinda Rodgers for supporting Putnam City West and the press box fundraisers at the football game.

Cindy Gibbs said she missed Gail LoPresto too. Mrs. Gibbs said she will be filling in for Gail while she recovers.

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 September 16, 2019.
    b.    Purchase orders dated September 11, 2019 through October  1, 2019 inclusive for the 2019-2020 school year.
    c.    Financial Reports.
    d.    Activity Fund Cash Summaries.
    e.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
    f.    Project Applications.
    g.    Fundraiser Applications.
    h.    Sanctioning Applications.
    i.    Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
    j.    Renewal of AmeriCorps Grant Agreement for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year. ($223,852.00 from 20-11-777 grant funded and $224,294.00 from 20-11-000)
    k.    Renewal of Contract with Southern Region Education Board for on-site coaching at Putnam City West High School to organize and promote career pathways for students. ($11,880.00 from 20-11-511)
     l.    Renewal of Contract with Northwest Optimist for use of soccer fields for practice facilities by Putnam City High School. ($3,000 from 20-11-066)
    m.    Putnam City Athletic contract renewals through Kelly Sports:
            1.  OKC Authentic Development, LLC dba Marco’s Pizza.
    n.    Elementary and Secondary Contracts.
    o.    Overnight Travel.
    p.    Out Of State Trips:
            1.  Putnam City North Girls Basketball team to Jonesboro, AR on January 3 – 4, 2020.
            2.  Putnam City North Boys Basketball team to Hirschi, TX on November, 9, 2019.
            3.  Putnam City North Boys Basketball team to Duncanville, TX on November 29-30, 2019.
     q.   Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

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

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

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

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO TAKE ACTION ON SEPARATE RESOLUTIONS AUTHORIZING THE CALLING AND HOLDING OF A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE PUTNAM CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT TO  AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS.
 
Becky Gooch made a motion to take action on separate resolutions authorizing the calling and holding of a special election to be held in the Putnam City School District to  authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye.

Dr. Rhodes shared that for several months the 2020 bond package has been in the works. Upon approval, the bond election will take place on February 11, 2020 (Valentine’s week) and will be for $133,450.000.00.

Dr. Rhodes introduced Jordan Smith, our Financial Bond advisor.  He went over the bond and the district’s evaluation and what to expect in the future. He said it was nice to know our district shows a consistent growth.

Jay Sherrill asked when a list of projects covered by this bond would be published.  Dr. Rhodes said upon approval tonight to move forward, decisions would begin on how to use the funds.

Cindy Gibbs expressed her appreciation for everyone’s input and work on this bond.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA FOR OUTREACH PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION SERVICES PROGRAM. (NO COST TO DISTRICT)

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve agreement with the University of Oklahoma for Outreach Pre-Employment Transition Services Program. (No Cost to District). Charity Avery seconded the motion.
Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DISTRICT POLICY BB –  DISTRICT PROPERTY AND FACILITIES: SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT/TOBACCO USE POLICY.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve revision to District Policy BB – District Property and Facilities: Smoke Free Environment/Tobacco Use Policy. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye.

Dr. Rhodes stated Items #10-13 were all from new state legislation. He said Item #10 added vaping as prohibited as well as smoking/tobacco use.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DISTRICT POLICY BC –  SAFETY PROGRAMS: REPORTING CHILD ABUSE:

Charity Avery made a motion to approve revision to District Policy BC –Safety Programs: Reporting Child Abuse.  Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye.

Dr. Rhodes said in the past the law read any child abuse must be reported if under the age of 18.  The new law states that as long as they are a student, even if 18, 19 years of age, etc., child abuse is required to be reported.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DISTRICT POLICY DA – GENERAL PERSONNEL POLICIES: SUBSTITUTES.

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve revision to District Policy DA – General Personnel Policies: Substitutes. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye.

Dr. Rhodes said the state has increased the number of days a non-certified person can sub which is now 135 days.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DISTRICT POLICY EA –  GENERAL STUDENT POLICIES: SCHOOL CALENDAR.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve revision to District Policy EA – General Student Policies: School Calendar. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye.

Dr. Rhodes said it requires the school district to report our calendar by October 15th.

ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Jay Sherrill made a motion at 5:36 p.m. to adjourn. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, October 21, 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, October 21st, 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 Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: Vice-President, Cindy Gibbs and members, Becky Gooch, Charity Avery and Jay Sherrill; Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melani Mouse; Sandy Lemaster, board clerk; and others. President, Gail LoPresto was not present.

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

Principal, Tracy Rogers, led the Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. Rogers said that Windsor Hills is focusing on literacy, specifically using technology to encourage students to read for fun. Students and teachers from Windsor Hills shared some of the creative ways their students are learning to love to read.  Ideas include:
•    class room doors decorated to honor specific authors so students learn more about the author.
•    a mini-library located in the hallway so students can borrow books for an extended period of time.
•    Bookflix – a play on Netflix that tracks “trending”, “read again” and “because you read…recommendations”.
•    QR Code book reviews where students record book reviews which are shared with others by scanning the QR Code which reveals the review and a photo of the student with the book they reviewed.

For their recent Arts & Literacy Night, Windsor Hills staff had a goal of collecting 10 books per student to give to the students and their families for their personal libraries at home. Due to generous staff, businesses and former students, they collected more than 12,000 books and exceeded their goal of 7,500 books. The books were distributed during the literacy event which also featured activities in each room that correlated to specific authors and books that students were studying.

ITEM #2 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:
          Budget Hearing – Shannon Meeks, Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer, Shannon Meeks presented the 2020 budget to the Board. Fiscal year 2020 is budgeted to end with a general fund balance of $11.5 million, or 7.35% of current year revenue. The ending general fund balance is essentially the “savings account” for the district. The budget recognizes a $4.9 million increase in state aid, offset by an additional $8.4 million in personnel costs. While the 2020 budget represents a $4.3 million dollar fund balance decrease, it is built using a conservative approach, assuming every budgeted dollar is spent and every job is filled. While staffing has been increased due to an enrollment increase of 233 students, the potential increase in state funding this brings will not be recognized until the mid-year state aid adjustment is received in December. Mr. Meeks said the goal is to budget conservatively which gives the district the flexibility to better absorb any changes that could negatively impact the district. Mr. Meeks also reported an action item will be included on the November 4, 2019 board agenda so that board members may record their vote.

Jay Sherrill commented on the Child Nutrition fund and asked if it were typical to include the renovations or new cafeteria instruction in the budget. Mr. Meeks said it was appropriate to include the Putnam City North cafeteria remodel and the new Capps Middle School cafeteria construction expenditures in the Child Nutrition
fund.
Becky Gooch commented that she is hearing that state funding will be “flat” this year and the 7.35% fund balance projected for the end of the fiscal year makes her nervous. There was some discussion on reviewing the district policy regarding the fund balance or “savings” and if the percentage needs to be adjusted. Board members communicated the desire to be wise in balancing expenditure and carryover percentages.

ITEM #3 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

Pam Doughty, an adjunct orchestra teacher for the district, requested that the district consider providing e-mail accounts for adjunct teachers so they can receive district information and can communicate more readily with parents.

ITEM #4 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

The Administration Team held their first Student Advisory meeting for 2019-2020 school year. The Superintendent’s Administration Team will meet with students from three more schools throughout this school year for the Student Advisory program.  Administrators eat with students and discuss their schools.  Students offer feedback of positive aspects and ideas for the future of their school. This first meeting was held at Putnam City North. The Administration Team will travel to Mayfield, Putnam City West, and Cooper this year. Last year they covered several elementary schools. The Administration Team was thoroughly impressed with the students and their discussions. Thank you to Putnam City North for hosting this event! We look forward to hearing from the other schools scheduled this year!

Mike Hardesty was awarded the Legacy Award from the Putnam City Museum committee at Putnam City High. The surprise award was revealed during a pep rally. Mr. Hardesty has served for decades at Putnam City High School. Several alumni attended to support Mr. Hardesty. Student Council and Leadership are two of the programs he has invested in while working with students at Putnam City High School.  Thank you, Mr. Hardesty, for your decades of service to Putnam City!

Over 800 orchestral musicians spanning from all across the state auditioned to earn a spot in the 2019 North Central Honors Orchestra (NCHO). Forty-four Putnam City orchestra students were selected for this year’s Honor Orchestra.  This is the largest number of Putnam City students to earn a spot at the Regional Honor Orchestra in over a decade!

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill said that he enjoyed Windsor Hills’ presentation and their focus on creating a love for learning within their students. He said he loves the “Pete the Cat” book series. He thanked Shannon Meeks for his presentation. He also wished everyone a nice, “well-deserved” fall break.

Charity Avery said she still remembered the Pizza Hut “BOOK IT!” program and how it encouraged her to read. She attended the Western Oaks Middle School 6th grade band concert and shared how moved she was to see her daughter playing in the band. She said that children with special needs can do anything!

Becky Gooch congratulated Mike Hardesty on receiving the Legacy Award, stating that he is the “epitome of a servant leader.”

Cindy Gibbs also congratulated Mike Hardesty and said he was truly dedicated and that the recognition was well-deserved. Mrs. Gibbs also said that Gail LoPresto is recovering well and hopes to be able to attend board meetings again sometime in November.

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 October 7, 2019.
b.    Purchase orders dated October 2, 2019 through October  15, 2019 inclusive for the
2019-2020 school year.
c.    Financial Reports.
d.    August Updated Activity Fund Cash Summaries.
e.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
f.     Project Applications.
g.    Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
h.    Renewal of Contract with Smart Start for service to families in Schoolwide Title I funded schools. ($2,600.00 from 20-11-538)
i.     Elementary and Secondary Contracts.
j.     Overnight Travel.
k.    Out of State Trips:
       1.   Putnam City West Boys Basketball Team to Wichita Falls, Texas on November 9, 2019.
l.     Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

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

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

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve the recommendation of employment of new personnel and reassignments as listed on the amended Attachment A that was provided to board members at the board table. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION FOR THE PUTNAM CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNUAL ELECTION TO THE OKLAHOMA COUNTY ELECTION BOARD.

Charity Avery made a motion to approve Resolution for the Putnam City School District Annual Election to the Oklahoma County Election Board for Board Seat #5. Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DISTRICT POLICY ED – GRADING, PROMOTION, RETENTION, AND GRADUATION: READING SUFFICIENCY ACT.

Becky Good made a motion to approve revision to District Policy ED – Grading, Promotion, Retention, and Graduation: Reading Sufficiency Act. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Charity Avery made a motion at 5:53 p.m. to adjourn. Jay Sherrill seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, November 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, November 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, November 1st, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: President, Gail LoPresto; Vice-President, Cindy Gibbs and members, Becky Gooch, Charity Avery and Jay Sherrill; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Tina Losawyer,  board clerk; and others.

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

Principal, Renita White, led the Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. White welcomed Board President, Gail LoPresto, back after her surgery.

Mrs. White said teachers from Dennis Elementary attended the CCOSA Winter Conference last year whose featured speaker was from Scholastic. They were inspired to make reading fun again. Their goal is for students to read because they love it and not to see it as a chore. Dennis is focusing on interactive activities to accomplish this goal. They’ve held book fairs offering buy one, get one free and sending students home at the end of the year with printed book bags stating “Stop the Summer Slide Back.” Donations from different sources were obtained for students unable to afford books. Every Dennis student was able to take a bag full of books home during the summer to read. Dennis has also created a reading exchange shelf and is implementing fun monthly activities.

Mrs. White showed a video highlighting this year’s theme “Read Everywhere!” It was created by Intern, Megan Abrams, and showed last month’s activity, “Reading Bingo.” She invited the board to play along. Students were shown reading in costume, against a tree, to a friend, their pets, etc. If students took a picture and sent it in they were given extra points. Music in the video was sung by 4th grade students, titled, “Read, Read, Read.”

ITEM #2 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:
          Putnam City Foundation Presentation – Jennifer Seal – President.

Putnam City Foundation President, Jennifer Seal introduced Foundation Board Members who were in attendance: Chuck Thomas, John Milner, DiAnne Bryant, Paul Hurst and Communications & Program Coordinator, Kris Baggerly.  Mrs. Seal was happy to share all goals from last year were met. She provided board members with a State of the Foundation 2019 packet and showed a video highlighting the following:

 

·        2018-19 Major Goals	·         Communications & Marketing	·         Social Media Growth
·         Friends of the Foundation	·         Fiscal Year Comparison	·         22nd Annual Golf Tournament
·         2019 Wall of Fame ·         Mike Mitchell	·         Major Programs	·         YES! Grants
·         Program Highlights	·         Planned Giving CareShare Endowment	·         Major Goals for 2019-20

   

Mrs. Seal was excited to announce the Foundation had incredible growth in many areas, including print, social media and financial support. She described a new program being implemented this year at each school site, the Ambassador Program. She also announced the 2020 Wall of Fame recipient, Dr. Greg Walton, a 1980 Putnam City High School graduate.

ITEM #3 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

ITEM #4 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

This week, a detailed list of proposed projects for “The 2020 Bond” will go live on our District website. Employees and patrons will be able to view the specific needs that have been identified at each site, after extensive assessments and input from District staff and the community. Follow Putnam City Schools on social media for the announcement when the list is posted this week. The vote for “The 2020 Bond” is February 11, 2020.

Congratulations to the Putnam City West Girls Cross Country Team for winning The Oklahoma Big 10 Cross Country Championship! They moved on to finish in 9th place at the State Cross Country Championship. That is the highest finish in Putnam City West history. A special congratulations to Tiffany Watson for finishing 9th and making the All-State Team.

The National Merit Scholarships Corporation has released semi-finalists in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program, and two Putnam City students are on the prestigious list.  MacKenzie Kelsoe from Putnam City West and Nathanial Black from Putnam City High both made the list. The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to both of our semi-finalists!

ITEM #5 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill thanked the Foundation for all they do for Putnam City Schools. Mr. Sherrill said he loved the reading Bingo cards presented by James L. Dennis. Mr. Sherrill also said his aunt attended the All Class Reunion and pancake breakfast at Putnam City High School, and she said it was a fantastic event. He thanked all of the alumni.

Charity Avery thanked the Foundation for their presentation. She also said the reading challenge from James L. Dennis was fun. Ms. Avery congratulated the PCO GOATS, a team who won 1st place in the PM session of Junior Achievement. Each Putnam City high school was represented at the event.

Becky Gooch thanked Jennifer Seal and said, “Our district is better because you are in your position.” Mrs. Gooch also thanked James L. Dennis for their presentation.

Cindy Gibbs said she visited the “Making of Men” class at Putnam City North presented by Steve Davis. She thanked Carole Buhr for letting her attend the class to experience it. Mrs. Gibbs also said her granddaughter’s class received a YES! Grant from the Foundation. She appreciates the benefits students receive from the Foundation’s projects.

Gail LoPresto said she is glad to be back after being unable to attend meetings after an injury. Mrs. LoPresto said she attended her husband’s Putnam City High 50th class reunion. She said she loved listening to people talk about all of the great changes at the school. She also enjoyed the All Class Reunion.

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 October 21, 2019.
        b.    Purchase orders dated October 16, 2019 through October 30, 2019 inclusive for the 2019-2020 school year.
        c.    Financial Reports.
        d.    Activity Fund Cash Summaries.
        e.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
        f.    Project Applications.
        g.    Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
        h.    Renewal of Contract with Deborah L. Primeaux, Native American Consultant. ($1,050.00 from 20-11-563)
        i.    Elementary and Secondary Contracts.
        j.    Overnight Travel.
        k.    Out Of State Trips:
               1.  Putnam City West Girls Basketball Team to Duncanville, TX on November 29th – 30th, 2019.
               2.  Putnam City West Boys Basketball Team to Duncanville, TX on November 29th – December 1st, 2019.
               3.  Putnam City West Boys Basketball Team to Springfield, MO on December 13th – 14th, 2019.
               4.  Putnam City West Boys Basketball Team to Las Vegas, NV on December 17th – 22nd, 2019.
        l.    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

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

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DISTRICT POLICY BB – DISTRICT PROPERTY AND FACILITIES: USE OF FACILITIES.
 
Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve revision to District Policy BB – District Property and Facilities: Use of Facilities. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes said this policy was brought before Board Members on October 2nd and apologized that the revision adding “vaping” to the policy was done on an older version of the policy. The revision being voted on at this meeting adds the information on “vaping” to the correct version. He explained a new state law regarding vaping in schools necessitated the policy revision.

Dr. Rhodes indicated that there are other parts of Policy BB – District Property and Facilities that are being reviewed and there may be additional revisions brought before the board at a future date.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020 OPERATING BUDGET.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Operating Budget. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion at 5:36 p.m. to adjourn.  Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, November 18, 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, November 18th, 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, November 15th, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: President, Gail LoPresto, Vice-President, Cindy Gibbs and members, Becky Gooch and Charity Avery; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Sandy Lemaster, board clerk; and others. Member, Jay Sherrill was absent.

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

Principal, Shanda Brody led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Moment of Silence. She introduced Charles Lance and Deborah Eastman who are sponsors of the competitive archery team at Hilldale Elementary. This is the 2nd year for the program at Hilldale and is open to 4th and 5th grade students. Last year students placed 16th out of 32 teams competing at the state level. Their goal this year is to place in the top 10 at state competitions in February so they can compete in national competitions. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife provides free training for certification in basic archery instruction. Student, Addison Allred shared her thoughts on how the archery program has benefitted her. A video featuring archery students was shown.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

ITEM #3 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

It was a historical Veterans Day Assembly at Putnam City West when Medal of Honor Recipient Master Sergeant Matthew Williams and Senator Jim Inhofe spoke to the student body. Master Sergeant Williams made only a few select stops across Oklahoma after receiving his medal.  Putnam City West was chosen as a tour stop because of their strong JROTC program.  The assembly was a fantastic way to honor our veterans, and an exciting opportunity for students to ask questions to Master Sergeant Williams and Senator Inhofe. Putnam City West students were great representatives of Putnam City with their respectful demeanor.

From the beautiful weather to the lively cheering at the finish line, the Putnam City Cancer Classic was a huge success!  While it was a wonderful morning to run your best 5K time or to visit with your friends, the money raised for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is the real prize!  There were nearly 1,200 Putnam City students and employees that participated to raise money for cancer research at OMRF. Congratulations and thank you to all 424 runners who participated in the in the 5K and to the walkers and runners who had fun in the Fun Run!

There are more congratulations to share from our district!  The Oklahoma Music Educators Association named Moriah Holmes the Outstanding Young Music Educator for the year! Mrs. Holmes was Teacher of the Year at Apollo Elementary last year. She will be honored at the Associations State conference in Tulsa in January.  

ITEM #4 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Charity Avery said the Hilldale archery program is awesome and commended the student, Addison for being courageous and speaking in front of an audience. She said her grandson recently participated in the Lake Park Alphabet Fashion Show. She also reminded the audience that the Stars of the Future event would be held at 10am, Thursday the 21st at Putnam City High School. She asked the schools to please send board members invitations to their events and performances so members could attend. She said it is hard to try to track the events on the school’s individual calendars but she does check and respond to e-mails so would appreciate receiving information on upcoming events. She wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving!

Becky Gooch also praised the Hilldale archery program and presentation and encouraged the staff and students to enjoy the Thanksgiving week.

Cindy Gibbs also enjoyed the Hilldale presentation and the student speaker. She has a relative that teaches archery and was able to take his team to national competition in Kentucky. She said it provides great experiences for the students. She also wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

Gail LoPresto wanted to also express her best wishes for the Thanksgiving holiday and appreciated Hilldale’s presentation.

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 November 4, 2019.
      b.    Purchase orders dated October 31, 2019 through November 12, 2019 inclusive for the 2019-2020 school year.
      c.    Financial Reports.
      d.    Updated September Activity Fund Cash Summaries.
      e.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
      f.    Project Applications.
      g.    Fundraisers.
      h.    Secondary Contracts.
      i.    Overnight Travel.
      j.    Out Of State Trips:
                1.  Putnam City North band students to San Antonio, Texas on April 16th – 19th, 2020 to perform at the Director’s Choice Convention.
                2.  Putnam City West girls basketball team to Las Vegas, Nevada on December 18th – 21st, 2019 to compete in the Tarkanian Classic.
                3.  Putnam City High wrestling team to Coppell, Texas on December 20th – 21st, 2019 to compete in the Coppell Christmas Classic.
      k.    Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented on the amended Attachment A provided at the board table. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #6 – 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 the recommendation of employment of new personnel and reassignments as listed on the amended Attachment A that was provided to board members at the board table. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH ONENET FOR INTERNET SERVICES FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR. ($72,900.00 FROM 21-11-094)

Becky Gooch made a motion to approve contract with OneNet for Internet Services for the 2020-2021 school year. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH COX COMMUNICATIONS FOR WAN SERVICES FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR. ($317,100.00 FROM 21-11-094)

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to approve contract with Cox Communications for WAN Services for the 2020-2021 school year. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Becky Gooch made a motion at 5:14 p.m. to adjourn. Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

 

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, December 2, 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, December 2nd, 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, November 22nd, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: President, Gail LoPresto, Vice-President, Cindy Gibbs and members, Jay Sherrill and Charity Avery; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes; Sandy Lemaster, board clerk; and others. Member, Becky Gooch arrived after the start of the meeting.

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

Coronado principal, Stephanie Wallace led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Moment of Silence. Vocal music teacher, Shellie Thompson and the 5th grade choir performed Christmas music for the board members and guests.

ITEM #2 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

Mayfield Middle School students and parents shared their concerns about class sizes at the school and crowding on buses transporting students to the school. They also encouraged additional staffing to better support English Language Learner students, saying it would be beneficial for all Mayfield students. Speakers included: Melvin Lister IV, student; Gustavo Villanueva, student; Edith Villanueva, parent and Jorge Gamboa, parent.

Putnam City Orchestra teacher, Levi Dobrinski thanked the board and administration for their support of the arts in the district. Additional orchestra staffing has resulted in students achieving new levels of success and superior ratings for all the Putnam City orchestras at recent competitions. He also said there would be a Silver Strings concert on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at Putnam City High School and they would be performing selections that they will play on New Year’s Day in London, including an original piece commissioned specifically for the London performance.

ITEM #3 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

The next generation of Special Olympians had their moment to shine at “Stars of the Future.”  These Putnam City Pre-K students got to experience the fans and fun of Special Olympics for the first time.  It was a great day at Putnam City High for the youngest of athletes and the crowd to enjoy.
“Pawsitivity” Week at Putnam City North hosted by The Psychology Club was a huge success!  Daily activities were planned to encourage kindness.  KFOR covered one of many events during the week, Cardigan Day.  Students and staff sported cardigans in honor of Mr. Rogers and the basic foundations he taught of being kind to others. The week created positive morale among students and staff.  Putnam City North hopes to keep the positive momentum going throughout the year.
Your last chance to hear the Silver Strings before they perform in London is Tuesday, December 3rd.  The talented musicians take the stage at 7:00pm at Putnam City High for their district concert. You won’t want to miss their historical talent!  These musicians have made an accomplishment for the Putnam City history books! Congratulations to our eight orchestras from all three Putnam City schools that competed in the OSSAA’s fall orchestra concert.  For the first time ever in Putnam City’s history, all eight received straight superior ratings across the board. These are the highest marks that can be given.  Great job!
The Annual Visual Arts Specialist Exhibit is on display now through January 16th here at the Administration Building.  The exhibit is entitled, “Your Art, Your Story” and highlights a variety of artistic styles from our visual arts specialists from each school in the District.  

ITEM #4 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jay Sherrill thanked the students, parents and teachers that spoke tonight, saying that education is a partnership of all those parties. He said their participation was “fantastic” and that the board would work with the administration to research their concerns. He encouraged anyone that had concerns or information they wanted to share with the board, to do so. He again thanked all those that spoke for doing so and wished “happy holidays” to everyone.

Charity Avery wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. She thanked all the public participants for speaking, saying that she appreciated them for addressing the board and bringing their concerns to the board’s attention. She thanked Levi Dobrinski and all the orchestra teachers for their hard work and congratulated the orchestra students for their success. She said that Levi does an awesome job and she has seen the growth in the orchestra program at Putnam City West. She wanted also to congratulate the Putnam City
West cross country girls team for the recent recognition in the newspaper.

Becky Gooch apologized for arriving late for the meeting. She said that she missed the public participation portion of the meeting but thanked those that spoke and said she would be asking questions so she would be filled in on their concerns. Mrs. Gooch said the PTO Council’s Principals’ Brunch will be held on Thursday, December 5th, saying that it is always a highlight of the year especially with the student performances. She thanked everyone for their hard work in putting on the event. She also wished everyone a Happy New Year and Merry Christmas.

Cindy Gibbs concurred with the other board member comments and wished everyone “Merry Christmas”. She said she sensed that the students that addressed the board were nervous and she said she really appreciated them coming and sharing their concerns. Mrs. Gibbs thanked the schools and teachers for all the music programs during this time of year. She recently attended the Harvest Hills 1st grade holiday program where her granddaughter performed and said it was “delightful”. She said she appreciates how the music teachers include so many students, giving them opportunities for solos and individual parts that help to build the children’s confidence. She recorded the performance and said she has watched it several times because it “touched her heart”. Mrs. Gibbs said those types of events are so important for the students and their families and she really appreciates the efforts the staff put into preparation.

Gail LoPresto said the speakers’ comments this evening made her feel sad. She apologized for not being able to get out to the schools in her district explaining that she had broken her ankle in September and had been immobile. Mrs. LoPresto provided her cell phone number – 405-623-7600 – and said, even though her mobility is currently limited due to her injury, she is still available to discuss concerns and to be involved in providing solutions. Mrs. LoPresto announced that she had filed for re-election to the board and also extended her holiday greetings to the staff and district.

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 November 18, 2019.
b.    Purchase orders dated November 13, 2019 through November  19, 2019 inclusive for the 2019-2020 school year.
c.    Financial Reports.
d.    October Activity Fund Cash Summaries.
e.    Activity Fund Transfer List.
f.     Fundraisers.
g.    Sanctioning Applications.
h.    Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
i.     Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Oklahoma for education teaching students Clinical Experience/Practicum/Internship. (No Cost to District)
j.     Renewal of Agreement with Bethany Public Schools for shared services regarding transportation and supervision of swim teams to competitions. (No Cost to District)
k.    Secondary Contracts.
l.     Overnight Travel.
m.   Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented on Attachment A. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #6 – 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 the recommendation of employment of new personnel and reassignments as Attachment A. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2018-2019 INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT BY EIDE BAILLY.

Jay Sherrill made a motion to approve the 2018-2019 Independent Audit Report by Eide Bailly. Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Jay Sherrill thanked all the staff who assisted during the audit, noting the amount of work that goes into an audit. Dr. Rhodes explained that each year Eide Bailly assigns a different team to conduct the audit so it is never the same staff even though the district has been using Eide Bailly for several years.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ADJACENT TO PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL.

Cindy Gibbs made a motion to Contract for Sale and Purchase of Real Property located adjacent to Putnam City North High School. Charity Avery seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

Dr. Rhodes explained that the seller is New Covenant Christian Church and there probably aren’t other buyers interested in the property due to the location and accessibility. The church had contacted the district about purchasing the property back in the spring and there were some concerns about a new septic line and division of the property which has now been resolved. The acreage and the upcoming bond election will allow the district to evaluate the parking lot and improve traffic flow and parking at Putnam City North.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING AN ONGOING EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, AS REQUIRED BY DISTRICT POLICY AND PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1).

At 5:29 p.m., Becky Gooch made a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting an ongoing evaluation of the Superintendent, as required by district policy and pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1). Cindy Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #10 – ACKNOWLEDGE RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

At 6:40 p.m., President, Gail LoPresto acknowledged return to open session and requested the Board Clerk record the minutes of the executive session.

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board members, Jay Sherrill, Charity Avery, Becky Gooch, Cindy Gibbs and Gail LoPresto and Superintendent Dr. Rhodes met in executive session for the purpose of conducting an ongoing evaluation of the Superintendent, as required by district policy and pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1).

No action was taken.

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

There was no new business.

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

Jay Sherrill made a motion at 6:41 p.m. to adjourn. Becky Gooch seconded the motion. Vote: Sherrill, aye; Avery, aye; Gooch, aye; Gibbs, aye; LoPresto, aye.