The Vian Board of Education convened for its regular monthly meeting on July 14, where members addressed a packed agenda focused on campus improvements, policy updates, staffing, and continued efforts to strengthen academic performance at the elementary level.

Superintendent John Brockman opened the meeting’s reports by updating the board on the nearly completed demolition of the old high school building.

“We’re in the final stages now, and everything has gone smoothly,” he said.

In a welcome surprise, testing revealed that the natural gas lines in the area remain intact, eliminating the need for costly replacements.

One section of the building, the old library, was intentionally preserved and is now being considered for rehabilitation as a future band room.

Brockman warned, however, that while the space is structurally distinct and in better shape than the rest of the demolished building, the renovation could face high costs due to building code requirements. The board expressed support for continuing to explore cost-effective options.

Another major focus of discussion was standing water that frequently pools northwest of the B.J. Traw Gymnasium.

Brockman reported that the Town of Vian has offered assistance in developing a new drainage solution.

Elementary improvement plan unveiled

One of the most in-depth conversations of the evening centered on the Elementary School Improvement Plan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at raising test scores, improving student behavior and boosting the school’s performance on the Oklahoma State Report Card.

Following meetings with leaders from higher-performing schools, Vian’s administrators have implemented a new approach that places strong emphasis on individualized student tracking, increased math instruction expertise and improved classroom discipline. Two new math teachers were recently hired for fourth and fifth grade, and advanced students will be offered “pullout” sessions while struggling students receive more targeted co-teaching support.

Discipline was also a point of emphasis. Under the new plan, principals will observe classrooms daily, and disruptive student behavior will result in consistent consequences. Corporal punishment remains an option, and the administration is finalizing plans for inschool and after-school detention programs. The new policies also raise expectations for teacher professionalism, including attire standards and a reduction in in-class phone use for non-emergency communication.

Board members expressed strong approval.

“There’s a clear recognition that these issues matter, and they’re being taken seriously,” one member noted.

Administrative, financial matters

As part of the start of the new fiscal year, the board approved annual expenditure authorizations totaling just over $2.23 million, a slight reduction from the previous year. These “blanket” encumbrances cover recurring costs such as utilities, transportation fuel and insurance. Board members noted that actual spending will likely fall below the authorized limits, but additional approvals will be sought if expenses exceed estimates.

In addition, the board approved updated student and faculty handbooks for the elementary, middle and high schools, along with the athletic handbook. Notably, the elementary handbooks incorporated several of the policies from the new improvement plan. Middle school principal Kyle Sumpter led efforts to align his school’s policies more closely with the high school. A separate policy for all-school homecoming events will be developed by high school administrators.

Other approvals included the district’s updated salary schedule, which now reflects new state guidelines adding tiers for teachers with over 25 years of experience. Extra duty stipends, totaling $289,000 and accounting for roughly 5% of the district’s annual payroll, were also authorized to compensate staff for extracurricular responsibilities and additional instructional duties.

The board voted unanimously to begin using Arvest Bank purchasing cards, citing better online access and financial tracking than the outgoing Armstrong cards. It also formally accepted the resignation of elementary paraprofessional Kristen Harrison, who stepped down for personal reasons.

During public comment, local resident Anita Davis encouraged continued community participation in a T-Mobile promotional event, reiterating her support for outside initiatives that benefit the school.

Executive session

After a closed executive session, the board approved several personnel actions. Crystal Taylor was hired to teach fourth and fifth grade math, a key component of the new improvement plan. Maria Casteel was approved to replace the departing paraprofessional. Additional approvals were granted for adjunct teaching assignments, routine employee contract renewals and administrative staff positions.

Brockman’s contract was also renewed for the 2025-26 school year, receiving a unanimous vote of confidence from the board.

The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m., following a full evening of action reflecting the board’s commitment to academic improvement, financial responsibility and operational progress heading into the new school year.

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.