(SPS) — Following the bulk approval of the majority of the 31 items on the Consent Agenda to start its May meeting, the Sapulpa School Board of Education turned its attention to closing out the 2020-21 school year and voting on employing Personnel for 2021-22.
Before any of the business on the agenda however, there was the matter of recognizing the eight educators who made up the contingent of Teachers of the Year and the three finalists for Support Employee of the Year.
Megan Hurt, Deanna Gardella, Laura Beverley, Jennifer Holt, Allison Ruth, Marika Haefner, Carl Fisher, Rebecca Braswell, Renee Martino, Michelle Benning, and Chad Brallier were recognized by Superintendent Rob Armstrong and congratulated by the Board. The District Teacher of the Year and Support Employee of the Year will be announced on Friday, May 14.
Three donations were approved during the Consent portion of the meeting. David Bacon of Assurance Restoration donated $500 to the Art Department. The family of former employee Elizabeth Blake donated $500 in her memory to go towards our sponsors, coaches, and athletes who participate in Special Olympics. Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association awarded a $1,000 STEM Grant to the Sapulpa STEM Program.
In Action Items, the Board discussed possible modifications to the district’s Return to Learn Plan, the guidelines the schools have followed to maintain the health and safety of students and staff this year.
Superintendent Armstrong presented COVID-19 case data in the state, county, city, and district which reflected a decline in cases across all data points. Within the district there is one reported positive case of the coronavirus among students and staff. With only eight days left in the school year, the decision was made to continue following the protocols of the Return to Learn Plan.
“The administration should be applauded, as well as teachers and support staff for navigating through this minefield,” said Board Member Larry Hoover of the school district’s ability to provide a safe experience this year.
A motion was approved to amend the protocol regarding face coverings. On June 1, face coverings will be voluntary with oversight left up to Superintendent Armstrong. The district will continue to monitor COVID-19 data in the community and if necessary, it will make changes to adjust to the health climate locally.
“I trust you guys to make the right decision,” said Hoover.
The district is currently following the health and safety protocols of the Yellow Level, however, if the number of New Cases in Creek County falls to below 1.43 when the new report is posted on May 12, the district will close out the school year in the Green Level.
Finally, in Personnel, the Board approved the rehiring of District Certified Staff, District Support Staff, District Administrators, District Directors, District Coordinators, Principals, Assistant Principals, and Deans of Students for the 2021-22 school year.
The next Regular Meeting of the Board will be on June 14.
