CPS hires new staff as year gets started

The Comanche Board of Education met on Tuesday, Aug. 12, to approve new hires and several key programs for the upcoming school year.

Superintendent Julie Bills recommended the approval of a contract for career and technology education programs. The board also approved several new hires to fill teaching and support roles.

The board approved the hiring of the following individuals:

n Terri Wilson and Karee Presgrove as reading instructors.

n Katy Morrow for a paraprofessional position.

n Chuck Brown as the high school English teacher.

n Kyle Foster as a history teacher and the new high school baseball coach.

Superintendent Bills expressed enthusiasm for Coach Foster’s addition to the district, citing his extensive playing experience from the high school to professional levels, as well as his coaching background with Rush Springs. Bills noted that Foster will also assist with other athletic programs.

The board also approved the district’s continued participation in the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program (OTEP) through the State Department of Education (SDE). This program provides additional compensation to qualifying teachers who commit to extra professional development, data analysis, and mentoring other educators.

The following teachers were selected for the 2025-2026 OTEP team:

n Dilynn Hare

n Jason Hawkins

n Jeri McCauley

n Shelbi Morgan

n Kallie Ogletree

n Jessica Rice

Bills praised the selected teachers, calling them “an exceptional team” who “represent the profession and the district at the highest level.”

In other business, the board:

n Approved routine consent agenda items, including the minutes from the July meeting.

n Approved the continuation of covering lunch costs for staff who remain on-site during their lunch break.

n Discussed upcoming staff development activities, which will focus on enhancing teaching strategies and becoming a highly reliable school. These activities are in partnership with Region 9 and the Priddy Foundation.

n Superintendent Bills extended gratitude to the First Baptist Church for providing lunch and classroom supplies to staff during their recent in-service day.

Bills noted that students returned to class last Thursday and expressed excitement for the new school year, highlighting the “excellent returning staff” and “great hires” made over the summer.