When David Eads returned to eastern Oklahoma as superintendent at Central Public Schools in July 2023, he brought with him not only a wealth of administrative experience, but a track record for passing bond issues to bolster the school district.
Now he’s doing the same for the Sequoyah County school located on 4670 Road.
In February, Eads spearheaded a $705,000 bond that passed easily by almost 69 percent of the vote (213-97). It was the first bond proposition passed by school district since the early 1990s.
So when Eads addressed to the Sequoyah County Commissioners at last Monday’s meeting, he was able to report some of the fruits of his labors.
Two of the many priorities Eads had on his list were the construction of an agriculture building for a new Ag program, and doubling the seating capacity at the Central gymnasium. Both of those projects are underway, and the school recently received its first Ag truck for Central FFA. He then said plans for the gymnasium and the Ag building have been submitted.
Eads also told the commissioners funding has been secured for a new 3-, 4- and 5-year-old playground for $25,000. “That’s moving pretty good. We hope to have that by the time school starts.”
He also said the school has signed a contract for a five- acre tract adjacent to the cafeteria. “We’ve got plans for that five acres moving forward.”
In addition, he said the school’s Summer Pride program is going well, and that the new weight room for girls “was a big hit.”
Eads then announced that, after working with child nutrition officials at the state level, “for the next five years, everyone will eat free at school. That’ll help a lot of parents out.”
Invoking modesty, Eads summed up his report with “other than that, it’s been pretty slow.”
But the commissioners didn’t miss the opportunity to offer their praise.
“You’ve done an outstanding job,” District 3 Commissioner Jim Rogers said, a sentiment echoed by District 1 Commissioner Ray Watts and District 2 Commissioner Beau Burlison.
“I’ve been at other schools in the last 29 years where we didn’t always have an ‘as vested board’ as we do at Central. They are very supportive,” Eads said of the school board.
Other business
In other business, the commissioners approved two additional bids for six-month road materials to ensure resources are available for county projects, but awarded proposals based on cost, proximity and availability.
The awards are through Dec. 31.
The two bids were in addition to the 22 bids opened and approved a week ago.
Assistant District Attorney Andy Williams had authorized the opening of the additional bids from JOB Construction and U.S. Lime.
The commissioners also opened bids for the fire training facility driveway, and accepted the bids as presented.
Approval of a bid, however, was tabled until the July 1 meeting. Bids were received from Double O Services, IPS Construction, J.G. Concrete & Construction, and Phillips Excavation.
The commissioners approved surplussing a vacuum cleaner and scanner from the county clerk’s office, and approved a disaster recovery plan for the county assessor’s office.
Jace Goodwin, Agriculture and 4-H educator for the county’s Oklahoma State University Extension Office, announced his resignation effective last Friday. He is returning to teaching at Stilwell.
The commissioners reluctantly approved his resignation.
