Bond projects moving along for school

The Comanche Board of Education met in a regular session on Oct. 10 with the board approving various routine consent agenda items which included the approval of the September regular meeting minutes. The treasurer’s report, activity fund report, transportation contract with Duncan Public Schools, and encumbrances were also approved.

Superintendent Julie Bills informed the board of the status of the bond projects. The playground work was expected to begin in October, weather pending. The track was completed earlier this month, and the roofing project at FAME is complete other than the gutters. Bills shared that the zoning committee met on Oct. 14 and the building plans will go before the city council on Nov. 7 for the remodel and safe room. Based on the city’s approval the project will then go out for bid.

Bills shared with the board about the State Department of Education’s Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program. This is a grant program through the SDE that matches with the district to provide an incentive for teachers of different mastery levels. The top 10% (5) teachers, would receive a stipend ranging from 3-5 thousand dollars per teacher. The teachers will have added days to their contract and required professional development through the SDE. Bills also discussed with the board the topics of late start Wednesdays for Professional Learning Communities versus professional days in the calendar and the district goals.

Superintendent Bills reported that the October parent-teacher conferences were split into two days. She shared that the conferences were conducted through a blend of virtual, phone, and in-person formats, with in-person preferred by most parents.

Bills reported on the accomplishments of various student groups. The board was informed that the district will offer junior high slow-pitch in the spring and possibly high school. Bills shared that The Pride of Comanche Marching Band has participated in several parades. The academic team has had several wins during the seasons and will compete for the opportunity to go to the regional meet in the upcoming weeks. Cross Country and football are both closing in on the ends of their seasons.

In other business, the board approved a new policy addressing the Student Extra Curricular Competitive Activities Drug Testing Policy. This policy brings clarification and specifics. The board hired Melissa Scifres for the paraprofessional position and Carol Tomah for the reading tutor position. Kecia Hancock moved to the middle school secretary position and Ashley Lewis moved to the elementary secretary position left vacant with the board’s acceptance of the resignations of Kat Dodd and Julie Garner.