In Roland School Board meeting

The Roland Board of Education met on May 13 where they addressed numerous employment issues and renewed contracts for the upcoming school year.

The board began the meeting by unanimously accepting resignations from Linda Barnes, Kim Murphree and Trey Greer.

Following about an hour long executive session to discuss employment matters, the board returned to open session and announced no official votes or actions were taken.

The board then voted to table hiring a SPED teacher after it was announced Stephanie Upchurch had resigned from the position during new business; to employ certified personnel on regular contracts for the lower and upper elementary, and high school; employ all certified personnel on regular contracts (with the exception of Greer) for the middle school; and employ certified personnel on temporary contracts, all for the 2024-25 school year.

The board also approved accepting a contract from More Than Milestones Therapy Services for 2024-25, along with renewing membership with the OSSBA and policy services subscription through June 30, 2025. It was also noted that the board agreed to look at other options outside of the OSSAA if and when a public school activity association becomes an option in the future, according to meeting minutes.

In addition, a CCOSA Energy Efficient Framework Comprehensive Implementation Package Agreement was approved for 2024 through 2026; and a contract agreement with Rivermark Physical Therapy for the upcoming school year.

Following a recommendation from Superintendent Lori Wiggins following a presentation of temporary appropriations for the FY 202425, the board approved the line item.

Wiggins also told the board that Roland Schools was recognized in April at the National Safety Conference in Washington, D.C. for the efforts and improvements they have made using the Stronger Connections Grant to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

She also gave reminders of all the end of year activities, as well as bragging on students who had increased their ACT scores this year.

“Last Friday, over 25 students were rewarded for that achievement,” Wiggins said. “Improvements were made from a one point increase up to a 10 point jump. This is testament to the effort being placed on ACT improvement at the high school.”

Wiggins also bragged on Mrs. Amy Swafford’s diligent focus and lead in the area.

Also approved during the meeting was the audit engagement letter for the FY 2023-24 audit from Wilson, Dotson and Associates, PLLC, and the contract for audit of Roland Public Schools for 2023-24.

This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.