The Gore Board of Education convened for its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on February 12, addressing key agenda items that ranged from financial approvals to educational program enhancements.

Board member Gary Cunningham initiated the proceedings by proposing a motion to approve all consent agenda items. Some of those items included an updated SRO (School Resource Officer) contract with the town of Gore, the surplus of 20 old Smart Interactive white boards, 2024-25 Days to Hours Calendar adoption, purchase orders and a Building Fund purchase order, as well as a calendar change to virtual days, due to inclement weather conditions in January.

The board members unanimously approved the line items, along with substitute applications for Midge Johnson and Brooke Taylor.

In a subsequent motion, Board President Cody Sloan proposed to hear and approve the SBH Auditors’ report on the 2023 audit, with possible actions to accept or reject findings. The board unanimously supported the motion.

The board further solidified its financial stance by approving the 2023-24 audit contract and engagement letter with Bledsoe, Hewett & Gullekson.

Educational programs and extracurricular activities were not overlooked, as the board approved the appointment of Brandon Ellis as an adjunct for the Physical Education Course 3320. Additionally, requests for overnight stays for FFA events, a Character Council trip to Fayetteville, Ark., and a Powerlifting event in El Reno were all approved.

A significant decision involved approving the lowest responsible bid from Shawnee Lighting for $88,877.00 for the replacement of baseball field lights. This investment is expected to enhance safety and facilitate nighttime activities on the field.

The school board continued to support community engagement by approving the use of the batting cage for 12 and under softball practice from February through July.

The board also approved the application for E-rate discounts with USAC for the 2024-25 school year and endorsing the E-rate bid for WAN and Internet service contracts from Vyve LLC, the lowest bidder.

Informative reports were given by Principals James Bliss and Tonya Pugh, and Superintendent Lucky McCrary, who highlighted developments within the school, which included updates on construction projects, the Lower Elementary Bond project, district budget and OCR complaint #07214066.

With no new business to address, the meeting concluded at 6:41 p.m.

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.