The Muldrow Public School Board of Education held its regular meeting on Dec. 9, where board members addressed a range of important issues, from staffing and pay increases, to school construction projects and new district policies.
One of the key decisions made during the meeting was an increase in substitute teacher pay. The board approved a raise in the daily pay for non-certified substitutes to $70 and certified substitutes to $85, effective Jan. 6, 2025. The move aims to help attract and retain qualified substitute teachers in the district. In addition, Spencer Gordon was approved as a substitute for the remainder of the school year.
The board also approved several major construction and renovation projects. These included air conditioning for the elementary P.E. building, renovations to the softball field, a new weightlifting facility, and addressing plumbing issues at the field house. Additionally, the board voted to start a middle school wrestling program for the 2025-26 school year.
In related news, Childers Architect was hired to provide design plans for future construction needs that require architectural or engineering expertise.
Several transfers within the district’s athletic and activity funds were also approved, including moving money from the football concession stand to support various other student activity accounts, such as cheerleading, band, basketball, and track programs.
A series of district policies were updated, including changes to policies EHBC and FE. The board members also approved a memorandum of understanding with CREOKS Health Services, Inc., which will enhance health services for the district’s students.
During the meeting, Superintendent Roger Sharp presented a proposal from the Baseball Boosters to construct a new 30×40 dressing facility near the home dugout area, with a $20,000 donation pledged by the Booster Club to fund the project.
The board discussed the possibility of additional upgrades, including a press box and a covering for the baseball field bleachers. More details on these plans will be provided at the January meeting.
Sharp also presented updates on the construction of the Don Morton Animal Science addition, annual school election filings, Sequoyah County Tournament bracket, December calendar, and reviewed the annual state accreditation report for all three building sites.
A personal leave request for employee Baylie Sessums was approved, and the board acknowledged several resignations from staff members, which included Lacrisha Ardrey, Kathy English, Jamie Rose, Durhonda White, and Frankie Wilson.
Looking ahead, the board emphasized continued focus on improving school facilities and educational programs. The proposed wrestling program and updates to the athletic facilities are just a few of the many initiatives underway as Muldrow Public Schools continues to grow and evolve.
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.
