The Morris Board of Education held its regular meeting last week, covering a robust agenda that included board officer elections, lease-purchase updates, facilities planning and several personnel and contractual decisions. Superintendent Becky Alexander provided key updates on district projects and financial planning, including the ongoing construction of the new cheer and safe rooms, as well as potential renovations to district buildings through bond funding.

--- Board Leadership Rotation The meeting began with a reorganization of board positions. Mark Mabrey was nominated and approved as the new Board President, with Robert Frost as Vice President and Dana Mims as Clerk. Board members Kendall Warren and James Allred Jr. round out the five-member governing body.

--- Facilities Planning & Bond Preparation Much of the meeting focused on current and future building projects. Superintendent Alexander noted she will meet with the district’s construction manager next week to finalize pricing on the cheer room project, which is set to be built before the adjoining safe room.

In a key discussion on funding, the board approved a contract with BWA Architects to assist with planned renovations to existing school buildings. The project is anticipated to cost approximately $2 million and would be funded through a bond issue, with services contingent on the bond’s passage. Alexander emphasized that BWA will handle the renovation side of the bond, while CWA Group will oversee the cheer and safe rooms through FEMA allocations.

Board members discussed the potential overlap between the two firms and the need for clear coordination, particularly concerning geotechnical engineering assessments for areas like the gym floor. The board decided to table a decision on further engineering proposals until more specific guidance could be obtained.

Alexander reported that the cheer and safe room projects will cost approximately $3.8 million in total, with $2.46 million allocated for facility upgrades via BWA and $1.1 million for the cheer/safe room project under CWA.

--- Lease-Purchase & Equipment Acquisitions The board also reviewed the district’s three-year lease-purchase plan. Several items are nearing payoff, including a construction lease and two activity buses. However, Superintendent Alexander raised concerns about the aging Arden City vehicle and passenger van, both of which have high mileage. To address future transportation needs, the board approved a lease-purchase of a 14-passenger white activity van through Midwest Bus Sales for approximately $28,393 over three years. Notably, this van does not require a CDL license, providing more flexibility for staff use.

Additionally, the board approved a new lease agreement with ACS for updated copiers. The change will cost only $108 more per month than the current lease while supplying new machines to all campuses.

--- Financial Reports & Projects In her financial report, Alexander noted the district’s building fund remains healthy, and the carryover could exceed $1.3 million this year. She announced plans to install a sprinkler system for the football field, following water line issues with the City of Morris. The district is also evaluating improvement options for the softball and baseball facilities, with input from coaching staff expected once a new softball coach is hired.

--- Consent Agenda & Personnel Changes The board approved the consent agenda, which included routine reports and purchases. Several transfers were approved within the activity fund, including a $1,800 transfer from the Morris Athletic Booster Club to the academic team for championship rings.

--- Community Engagement & Programs The board approved a Memorandum of Agreement supporting a community-led STEM and career-readiness program. Only four schools in the area were selected for the opportunity, which will be funded by a Penn Road grant thanks to the involvement of a parent serving on the JOEM committee.

Alexander highlighted the school’s commitment to safety by renewing a contract with Interquest Detection Canines for drug sweeps, which occur four times annually. The board also renewed outside contracts for occupational and physical therapy services, with the potential to include speech therapy if needed this fall.

--- Academic & Student Highlights Among the accomplishments celebrated, the superintendent noted a 100% student participation rate in the ACT - a first in her career. She also shared updates about upcoming testing, senior events and a revamped senior luncheon that replaced the traditional banquet, resulting in stronger parent engagement and attendance.

--- Potential Property Sale for Settlement Relief In a discussion under miscellaneous items, Superintendent Alexander brought up the possibility of selling the district-owned but unused Liberty School property. The building is in severe disrepair, and efforts are underway to locate the legal heirs or secure permission to sell the land as a way to creatively manage settlement obligations facing the district.

--- Legislative Updates

Alexander shared updates on education-related bills still active in the Oklahoma Legislature, including: • SB 215: A proposal for a math proficiency initiative similar to reading sufficiency programs.

• SB 758: Legislation concerning limitations and allowances for virtual learning days.

• HB 1727: A bill expanding education access for teachers’ children after 10 years of service.

• SB 139: A potential law addressing student cell phone use in schools, allowing districts to opt out.

--- Staff Changes

The board accepted the resignations of the following staff members: • Jack Dingus

• Maggie Bailey

• Greg Seaman New hires approved during the meeting include:

• Nancy McCune, Morris Elementary Principal 25-26

• Lauren McCullah-Long, Morris Elementary Counselor

• Stephen Castlebury, Certified Teacher

• Nathan Leithead, Certified Teacher The next regular board meeting is scheduled for May 14. However, a special meeting to discuss personnel was scheduled for Thursday, April 17, at 8 a.m.