In a special meeting held on June 26, the Gore School Board of Education made significant decisions regarding contracts, building/facility use, and the establishment of a student intern program for the upcoming school year.

The meeting, called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Cody Sloan, saw the attendance of board members Jeremiah Perryman, Cody Sloan, Ryan Hoog, Lester Keathley, and Gary Cunningham, along with Lucky McCrary, Superintendent, and Belinda Madding, minutes clerk.

The board swiftly approved the Consent Agenda items, which included various general fund and building fund purchase orders, a resignation from Jordan Smith, District extra duty stipend pay scale for 2023-24, and the establishment of several committees.

The board also approved assignments and authorizations for employees for the 2023-24 school year, and concurrent enrollment with Connors State College and Carl Albert State College for high school credit.

Additionally, it was decided that three buses and a tractor listed as surplus items should be auctioned off following a motion from Sloan, which was seconded by Keathley.

The next agenda item involved the approval of the property and casualty insurance quote for the 2023-24 school year from OSIG, which received unanimous approval from the board.

The board addressed a request from Little League Football for building and facility use. After considering the requirements, such as maintaining insurance coverage, possessing a 501c form, and ensuring a keyholder employed by Gore Schools is present during football games, the motion was unanimously granted.

The board approved staff employment for the 2023-24 school year, which included Jeanna White-Child Nutrition Support, Trinity Hobbs-Support, Nick Murray-Upper Elementary/High School History (temporary certified), and a temporary teacher for music/band director; as well as the District Certified Salary Schedule for the same period. All motions related to employment matters received unanimous support from the board.

The board voted to table item 8, which was to take possible action on 11- and 12-month employee contracts for 2023-24.

Furthermore, the board agreed to establish a Student Intern Program for the upcoming school year, a motion proposed by Sloan and seconded by Gary Cunningham. The program aims to provide valuable learning opportunities for students, and its approval was met with unanimous agreement.

During the meeting, the principals of the schools presented their reports, followed by a report from Superintendent McCrary, who gave updates on the District, summer work and construction, Ski Hut property purchase and federal programs.

Sloan motioned for the board to convene into an executive session to discuss the Superintendent evaluation, and all members voted in favor. Following, Sloan acknowledged the return to open session, where it was reported that no votes were taken during the closed meeting.

This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.