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Vian Schools report positive gains in State Report Card
Main, news
January 15, 2025
Vian Schools report positive gains in State Report Card
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor,

In a year marked by statewide academic challenges, the Vian School District celebrated notable successes in its 2023-24 State Report Card issued by the Department of Education in December.

The district demonstrated significant progress, surpassing statewide averages across most performance benchmarks and showing strong improvements from previous years.

Middle School excellence

Vian Middle School (VMS) emerged as a standout performer, ranking first in Academic Growth and tying for first in Academic Achievement among Sequoyah County middle schools. With scores well above the state averages in both categories, VMS secured an overall B grade, maintaining its toptier status for the second consecutive year. Though edged out for the county’s top spot by Muldrow Middle School—which achieved nearly perfect attendance— Vian Middle School’s academic growth remains a highlight for the district. Sallisaw Middle School, in contrast, earned a D in Academic Growth and a C in Academic Achievement, marking the lowest results among the county’s K-12 districts.

High School achievements

Vian High School (VHS) demonstrated noteworthy progress, improving its scores in every evaluated category from the previous year. The high school earned a C in Academic Achievement, ranking fourth among the county’s seven high schools. Despite this ranking, its score of 60 outpaced the state average of 49. Additionally, VHS made a significant leap in Absenteeism and Post-Secondary Opportunities, improving by a full letter grade in each category.

A major triumph for VHS was its graduation rate, where it led the county with a B grade and a 94% four-year graduation rate—well above other county schools, four of which earned Ds or Fs for graduation rates.

Districtwide progress

The district’s academic growth has shown impressive gains over recent years. Vian’s Academic Achievement score, which trailed the state average by eight points in 2021-22, now exceeds it by three points. The district’s Academic Growth score of 72 significantly surpasses the state average of 53.

Despite these gains, strin- gent state grading criteria mean that no Sequoyah County school achieved an overall A grade or an A in academic achievement or growth. Statewide, nearly three-quarters of schools received Cs, Ds, or Fs overall, underscoring the challenge of earning top marks even with above-average numerical scores.

Elementary School, attendance challenges Vian Elementary School received a C grade overall, mirroring the grades earned by elementary schools in Sallisaw, Roland, Gans, Central, and Brushy. Only Muldrow and Gore Elementary secured higher grades, each earning a B. Vian Elementary’s strongest showing was in attendance, where it earned a B—outperforming both the high school and middle school.

Absenteeism statistics revealed stark contrasts across the county. Muldrow and Roland benefitted from high attendance rates, with Muldrow Elementary reporting a perfect 100% of students in good attendance. Conversely, Vian Middle School and several other county schools received Fs for absenteeism, reflecting rates below 80%. These statistics include all absences, even those excused or suspensionrelated, potentially affecting the scores.

Demographic, administrative factors The state report highlighted demographic data showing that 54% of Vian students identify as American Indian, significantly higher than the state average of 11%. Additionally, 52% of Vian students qualify as economically disadvantaged, slightly surpassing the state average.

Efforts to improve attendance and expand post-secondary opportunities have been prioritized by Vian administrators. Recent leadership changes, including the hiring of a new superintendent, high school principal, and curriculum director in 2023, have driven renewed efforts to bolster academic performance and student engagement.

As the district continues to build on its successes, Vian’s administrators and educators remain focused on fostering an environment of academic growth and opportunity for all students.

Fire won’t stop the faith: Church continues rebuilding
Main, news...
Fire won’t stop the faith: Church continues rebuilding
By ALLY TROTTER NEWS INTERN 
July 16, 2025
One month after fire swept through the sanctuary of Vian Assembly of God, the church is rising from the ashes, determined to rebuild and continue its mission. Pastor John Bennett said he was out of to...
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Local cowboy representing state in World finals
Main, news...
Local cowboy representing state in World finals
July 16, 2025
Outstanding Sequoyah county cowboy Charles Lucas will be representing Oklahoma in the Wrangler Bull Riding world finals in Abilene Texas, July 28 through August 2. Charles is a sophomore at Vian High ...
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Gore Police leadership restructured in meeting
Main, news...
Gore Police leadership restructured in meeting
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
July 16, 2025
In a swift but significant decision during a special meeting on July 7, the Gore Board of Trustees approved a leadership change within the Gore Police Department. The meeting, called to order at 6 p.m...
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AG seeks deal to protect watershed
July 16, 2025
CLIFTON ADCOCK, THE FRONTIER, SPECIAL TO THE NEWS After a years-long legal battle with some of the world’s largest poultry producers over pollutants in one of Oklahoma’s most important waterways, the ...
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Cherokee Nation 2025 General Election
July 16, 2025
• July 19, 22, 23, 24 — Early Walk-In Voting; Absentee Drop Box • July 26 — Run Off Election
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Sallisaw man being held on $40,000 bond
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July 16, 2025
Ryan T. Dick, 52, of Sallisaw, is being held in the McIntosh County Jail pending his preliminary hearing on charges related to indecent photographs and videos sent to a former girlfriend and her mothe...
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Pritchett pleads guilty to illegally possessing firearms, ammunition
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Butler sentenced to probation for possessing stolen rifle
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A Stilwell resident with ties to Sequoyah County has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to possessing a stolen firearm, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District ...
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EMMA MURPHY Oklahoma ranked 49th in the nation for its state health care system, according to a report released last week. The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation supporting independent health car...
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Let’s Go Forth Proclaiming Jesus Christ!
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Let’s Go Forth Proclaiming Jesus Christ!
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Jesus said: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have command...
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Alive in Christ
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