Board Highlights

Gerard Nsabimana, minister of Wesley United Methodist, led a moment of silence and invocation.

Avery Martin (left), fourth grader, and Kylah Gower, fifth grader, led the flag salute.

Several Sequoyah Elementary students showcased their creations for International Dot Day, a day inspired by the children's book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. The Dot relates a story of a caring teacher who encourages a student to be brave enough to "make her mark." Sequoyah students each created their own special dots for an elaborate art display in the hall of their school. Thank you to the Sequoyah students who explained their artwork to the board.

During the superintendent's report to the board, Dr. Aaron Espolt recognized Shawnee High School Swim Coach Valarie Colburn for receiving the OSSAA Oklahoma 2023 Coach of the Year for her sport. Athletic Director Dax Leone and Assistant Athletic Director Julia Holland joined board members in congratulating Coach Colburn.

The OSSAA coach of the year award goes to the coach and program that exemplifies leadership, a true spirit of competition, and sportsmanship. This award qualifies Coach Colburn to be eligible for consideration for the Regional Coach of the year (surrounding 6 states) and a process that could see her selected as the NFHS swim coach of the year for the nation.

Amanda Chandler, Shawnee Middle School counselor, was selected as the October Shawnee Star Employee of the Month. Ms. Chandler's nominators described her as offering "the highest level of support to students and staff."

Ms. Chandler was noted as being an advocate for therapy dogs in the district, and she brings her own therapy dog, Bandit, with her to SMS. She is also a ROX facilitator, which is a program benefitting 8th grade girls.

She is known for being tech savvy and is instrumental in creating processes and procedures that streamline enrollment, student advisory, student safety, and more. She helped all counselors in the district by creating the district's counseling hub.

Joining Dr. Espolt and board members congratulating Amanda Chandler were SMS Principal Keely Tolin and Assistant Principal Hannah Holland.

In addition to the information above, Dr. Espolt included the following in his report:

• Homecoming is this Friday. The coronation begins at 6:15 p.m. on the campus of OBU.
  
• He showed board members a new storm recovery page on the Shawnee website that will provide transparency and explanation throughout the rebuilding process. He also described ongoing recovery work with the PAAC gym floor replacement, the transportation building demolition, and the replacement of air conditioning units in the north wing of Will Rogers.
  
• Espolt thanked wrestling team parents for volunteering their time to set up at the Union Street Gym. That gym will be used this wrestling season.
• He described the great efforts at Shawnee Middle School for Gifted and Talented education. He said more than 120 people attended a GT informational meeting, and he called upon Assistant Principal Hannah Holland to describe the initiatives ASPIRE and Kidvation to board members.

Board Clerk April Stobbe thanked everyone across the district for the work they are doing with storm recovery. Board President Clif Harden congratulated Shawnee Middle School for the work they are doing with ASPIRE.

The board made the following decisions during the meeting:

• approved all consent docket items;
• approved the request for supplemental appropriations to the General Fund. Espolt explained the request is due to Title funds arriving after the approval of the Estimate of Needs;
• approved the request for supplemental appropriations to the Insurance Recovery Fund;
• approved an agreement with D.A. Lamont Consulting Services for FEMA consultation related to tornado damage. Espolt explained that hiring a consultant is typical after a large natural disaster so that all FEMA requirements are met. He also mentioned that the City of Shawnee had contracted with a FEMA consultant, as well;
• approved a modified 2023-2024 academic calendar. The revision means students will attend school in person on May 3, 2024. March 29, 2024, is now a digital day. Espolt said the change was recommended by parents, staff, and the community for the need to have in-person school on May 3 for Little Olympics;
• approved a modified 2024-2025 academic calendar. May 2, 2025, is now an in-person school day to allow for in-person school for Little Olympics;
• approved a board policy revision for BH Sexual Harassment. The revision is due to an updated law;
• approved the JUUL Settlement Agreement;
• approved the installation of additional brick to portions of the EIFS walls at the Shawnee High School PAAC building contracted with A & S Commercial Roofing & Contracting using Pottawatomie County sales tax funds;
• approved an upgrade of SHS's Vocational Agriculture Building to a metal roof structure with A & S Commercial Roofing & contracting using Pottawatomie County sales tax funds; and
• approved all personnel as presented.

The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

Current Shawnee Public Schools Board of Education meeting agendas and minutes are available at our public link. Board meetings are usually scheduled for the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Board Room located at the SPS Central Office, 326 N. Union.

Email: communication@shawnee.k12.ok.us
Website: www.shawnee.k12.ok.us
Location: 326 North Union Avenue, Shawnee, OK, USA
Phone: 405-273-0653
Facebook: facebook.com/shawneeschoolsok
Twitter: @ShawneePublic