Comanche staff members recognized

The Comanche Board of Education met in a regular session on Aug. 13.

During the meeting, Superintendent Julie Bills shared staff development activities and recognition with board members. She also shared the recognition for every five years of service.

n 5 years of service - Dilynn Hare, Keith Hare, Kallie Ogletree, Anita Montgomery, and Julie Bills

n 10 years of service - Shelbi Morgan and LeAnn Pollock

n 15 years of service - Kim Justus, Jeri McCaulley, Debbie Stonerock, and Tangi Zumwalt

n 20 years of service - Kelli Bolton, Laura Gordon, and Kristen Slovak

n 30 years of service - Stacey Bowen

n 40 years of service - Timothy Hughes

n 55 years of service -Freddy Hughes

“Freddy Hughes received a plaque for 50 years of service. Freddy is reliable and dependable. He shows up early and helps with the buses no matter what the weather. We appreciate him and his dedication. It is amazing to think that the district has three employees that have been with us for 50-plus years,” said Bills. “We are blessed to have them on our staff.”

Board members accepted the superintendent’s recommendation to approve a contract for career and technology education programs. The board also approved the hiring of Steven Dunham - Homeless Outreach Specialist, Terri Wilson - tutor, Carol Tomah - aide, Emily Hornberger - paraprofessional, Kacee Lawrence - paraprofessional, and Ariel Coder - part-time custodian.

The board approved various routine consent agenda items, including the minutes of the regular board meeting held in July. The board also approved that the district would cover the cost of lunches for staff who stay on-site during their lunch period.

Contract amounts for non-certified 10-month employees were approved, as were the athletic and non-athletic extra duty schedules.

Based on Bills’ recommendation the board also approved the participation of the district in the

Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program through the SDE. The teachers who qualify for the

Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program (OTEP) and are selected by a district administration committee based on history of merit and application receive additional financial compensation.

Comanche Public Schools can only designate five teachers districtwide. Qualifying teachers must spend the majority of their day in the classroom and be willing to have added days to their annual contracts to participate in additional professional development, analyzing district data, and district planning. The selected teachers will also provide professional development for other staff members during the school year.

Comanche’s 24-25 OTEP Teachers include Dilynn Hare, Jason Hawkins, Jeri McCauley and Kallie Ogletree. Bills shared that this is an exceptional team and all of the individuals represent the profession and the district at the highest level.

“These individuals are quality teachers who give back to the district and their fellow educators,” Bills said.

Bills, on behalf of the staff, expressed appreciation to the First Baptist Church for providing lunch and classroom supplies for the staff on inservice day.

The district students returned to class on Thursday of last week and Bills is excited to get the new year underway.

“We have excellent returning staff and have added to our programs with great hires over the summer,” Bills said. “I am ready to see what this year brings for our students.”