The Sulphur Board of Education members were updated on the tornado clean-up at the regular monthly meeting Monday night.
Superintendent Matt Holder stated that fifteen- months’ post tornado and Sulphur Public Schools is still battling insurance claims.
During the April 27, 2024 tornado, the school district suffered significant damages all across the campus, including losing the entire bus fleet, bus barn, fences, roofs, awnings and much more. Since the event, school officials have been battling with the district’s insurance representatives without much success.
To date, the district has spent approximately $3 million in repairs but have only received $800,000.00 in claims, said Holder. Repairs that have been made do not include the bus barn and maintenance barn that were destroyed.
Holder told members the district has now entered into litigation with the insurance company. The Petition filed in Murray County District Court on July 30, 2025 lists Sulphur Public Schools as Plaintiff and Oklahoma School Insurance Group; Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. and The Bill Beckman Company as Defendants. In part, the company’s involved claim some of the damage received by the tornado sits in a flood zone even though flood waters did not cause the damage, according to the school.
Although the district should be eligible for FEMA Funds, that will only come after all insurance claims are settled. The school’s insurance premium for the year is $400,000.00.
Holder said the district’s financial status allowed for the repairs to be made and the buses to be replaced without putting a dire burden on the district.
In the financial report, Holder said the school carry- over funds for the 2025-2026 school year stand at approximately $2.2 million as of June 30, 2025.
Holder presented the financial report which revealed a cash total in all funds of $8,357,583.20. This includes the general fund, child nutrition, building, bond, sinking and gift funds.
In the superintendent’s report, Holder publicly thanked all the business for supporting the school and teachers by providing breakfast and lunch this week during in-service. The teachers reported back to class on Monday and students will begin their first day of school on Thursday, August 7.
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Holder also reported that the first Sulphur Schools Podcast was released this week. The podcast will done at least once a month, maybe more to keep the students, parents and citizens informed of what is going on in the district. Holder said “this is a good way to tell our story, and positive way to get our story out there.” The first podcast features Holder interviewing High School Principal Clete Cole. The new media room and equipment used in the podcast was made available by a grant received by the school. The equipment will also be used as a learning tool for the high school students who are interested.
Athletic Director Corey Cole outlined the upcoming fall sports start times. Cole stated softball gets underway next Tuesday, cross country in next couple of weeks and football practice begins next Monday.
Cole did elaborate on a new OSSAA heat policy (wet-bulb) rules’ crack down. The rules are very stringent in regard to temperature, humidity, etc and the amount of time practice can be held during certain conditions. As a result, Cole said the football practices will be held in the evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The building principals all reported a great first day of in-service and all stated they are excited to get back to school.
Kim Crawford presented the Sulphur Public Schools Curriculum and Framework to the members. The plan outlines the core classes from Pre-K-12 grade as well as electives. Holder told members the plan puts “everyone on the same page with a master plan. It is one of the best things we have done here in Sulphur Schools.” The board approved to adopt the plan as presented.
Student lunch prices will show a slight increase in the new year. Lunches will increase by 25 cents in all buildings except the elementary with a 15-cent increase. The board approved the increase as proposed.
Members approved the hiring of four adjunct teachers for the 2025-2026 school year. The hires are as follows: Summer Preast (Biology and Anatomy/ Physiology); Kari Seitz (Physical Science); Tanner Barnes (Ancient World History and Geography); and Connor Webb (PE).
The 2025-2026 contract with Ron White for IT services was approved.
Following a short executive session with no action taken, members returned and approved resignation of Sasha Keck; employment of Jerra Webb and Amber Beaver as paraprofessionals and the extra duty pay scale for 2025-2026.
Members tabled action on the 2025-2026 student handbook.
All five members were present at the meeting.
