The Henryetta Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 14, at the Board of Education office located at 1600 W. Gentry. The meeting included departmental reports, reorganization of board officers, new hirings and several significant financial approvals as the district looks ahead to the 2025-26 school year.

--- Reports highlight academic progress, student achievements The meeting opened with a series of reports from district administrators, each offering insights into student progress and recent achievements.

A district representative reported that spring STAR benchmark testing in math and reading has been completed for most students, with DIBELS testing used for younger grades. The elementary school has also finished all required safety drills and principal observations for the year. State testing for grades 3–5 is set to begin this week, with practice sessions already conducted in the STEM lab. The representative also praised the recent performance at the town theater showcase, commending the students’ talent and effort.

Henryetta Middle School’s STEM program was celebrated for its showing at the state competition in Norman. Students Travis Johnson and Wyatt Harris earned third place in the flight duration category, while Molly Chu and Rayden Jacobs constructed a balsa wood tower capable of hold- ing 561 pounds. Additionally, Avery Bruce, Elijah Miller and John Russell earned third place in the catapult design competition.

The high school counselor reported that most testing has been completed, including the College and Career Readiness Assessment (CT test). The FAFSA portal is working smoothly, with 70% of senior students having submitted their applications. Updates were also shared regarding Oklahoma State University’s changes to its concurrent enrollment program, which now simplifies the process for parents and students.

--- New board members sworn in Newly elected board members Wesley George (Seat #5) and another for Seat #2 were officially sworn in during the meeting. The board then voted to retain its current officer structure:

• Misty Morris - President

• Pam Bealko - Vice President

• David Molet - Clerk

• Ginny Holder and Wes George Members The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 10 regular meeting and special meetings held March 19, April 1 and April 3.

--- Personnel & Financial Decisions The board voted to approve the hiring of Denise Gray as an assistant girls basketball coach and teacher for the 2025-26 school year.

They also accepted the excessive accrued activity absences for the 20242025 school year, allowing students to maintain eligibility despite exceeding standard limits due to school-related activities.

Temporary appropriations for the 2025-2026 school year were approved, allowing the district to continue operating ahead of receiving its full budget allocation. The board also approved a revised audit contract with Bledsoe, Hewett & Gullekson, reflecting a $25,000 increase in audit fees.

--- Contracts approved

Several important contracts were approved during the meeting:

• LocalTech for technology maintenance and consulting (2025-26)

• Interquest Detection Canines for campus security services (2025-26)

• Weaver Drug Testing for student drug testing services (2025-26)

• Sylogist for student information and appropriated fund software systems (2025-26) A discussion on hiring a dedicated financial advisor was discussed between Superintendent Jason Price. This move could save the district $36,000 and includes training current staff to handle financial operations, with the aim of achieving full inhouse management within a year.

No decision was made at this time, to allow time for more discussion and inquiries.

--- Fund Transfers & Upcoming Events The board approved the transfer of $14,500 from the athletic account into spring sport sub-accounts, including:

• Slowpitch Softball - $2,500

• Cross Country - $3,000

• Boys Golf - $1,250

• Girls Golf - $1,250

• Tennis - $2,500

• Baseball - $4,000 Fundraisers for the 2024-2025 school year were also approved, along with updates related to financial planning for the district’s 2024 festival.

The meeting concluded with no new business raised and a unanimous vote to adjourn.

--- Henryetta Board of Education Members

• Misty Morris, President

• Pam Bealko, Vice President

• David Molet, Clerk

• Ginny Holder, Member

• Wes George, Member