The Gore Public Schools Board of Education met on February 10 to discuss several important matters, approving a range of actions that will impact both the administration and students.

The board kicked off the meeting with the approval of the 2023-24 district audit report, presented by auditors from Bledsoe, Hewett, and Gullekson. The board also approved the auditor’s engagement letter and audit contract for the year.

Matt Barnes addressed the board regarding the district’s current cell phone policy, although no immediate action was taken. Additionally, the Gore Teachers Association announced it would be circulating a petition among the certified teaching staff to request a vote on whether to switch to a new bargaining organization.

A key motion to approve the 2025-26 school district calendar, which focuses on transitioning from days to hours, was approved. The board also gave the green light for several upcoming events, including the high school baseball team’s trip to Oklahoma City for a game at Bricktown Stadium on March 20, and an overnight trip for the FCCLA to attend the state convention in April. The 2025 school prom will be held at Connors State College in Warner on April 12.

Neisha Edwards also was approved as an adjunct instructor for academic credit in Anatomy for the 2024-25 school year by the board.

In an effort to improve district infrastructure, the board approved the application for Erate discounts for the 202526 school year, with a new internet service provider, Vyve LLC, selected for WAN and internet service contracts.

Finally, the board authorized a live auction for the surplus bus barn facility, to take place on March 8, or on the next available date in March.

The meeting concluded with reports from principals Tonya Pugh and Amanda Andrews, followed by an update from Superintendent Lucky McCrary on the district budget and construction updates. Mc-Crary also spoke about a plaque to be dedicated in memory of Charlie McConnell for the football press box.

No new business was presented, and the meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.

Special meeting

The board held a special meeting on Feb. 24, where they approved the minutes from the Feb. 10 meeting and policies on the use of the school’s baseball indoor battling facility by the public.

Also approved was the lowest bid of $12,000 from K4 Construction for the softball dressing room septic system.

Regarding possible action on the 2024-25 school district days to hours calendar revision due to inclement weather, the board voted to change the dates of Jan. 9 and 10, and Feb. 18, 19 and 20, unanimously.

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.