Elementary School Awarded $65K Technology Grant
Reorganization of the board was the first order of business at the regular monthly meeting of the Sulphur Board of Education Monday night.
Officers for the 2026-27 school year will be President Bear Runyan, Vice-President Jenny Trett and Clerk Benji Sartors.
Board member CliffAgee, who ran opposed in the recent board filings, was administered the Oath of Office by Board Attorney Fob Jones.
Following the re-organization, Vice-President Trett took over the meeting in the absence of the president.
Superintendent Matt Holder presented the treasurer’s report to the members. Holder said the district is in good financial standing with combined cash balances of more than $10 million, up from the same time last year.
Holder updated members on recent state legislation affecting schools for the coming year including the permanent no cell phone policy from bell to bell, and the additional instruction days added to the school calendars beginning in 2027-28. Holder told members the Sulphur calendar already meets the criteria without having to add more days.
In the principal’s reports, Sulphur Elementary Principal Shannon Muck told members the elementary school had received notification of being awarded a OETT (Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust) Grant for the coming year in the amount of $65,000.00. Sulphur was one of 21 schools to receive the grant. A total of $40,000.00 will be used for equipment, and $25,000.00 will be used for professional development.
Muck, as well as middle school principal Steven Pyle also reported that state testing is complete and the year is winding down with last day of school May 14. High school graduation will be held May 15 at 8:00 p.m. at Agee Field.
Members approved the AWARE manager contract for the 2026-27 school year through September when the grant program will be ending.
Also approved for the 2026-27 school year was the Sylogist and ERATE annual contracts.
Josh Brewer was approved to be added to the substitute list.
Following a short executive session, members returned to regular session and accepted the retirements of Lacrinda Howard and David George; the resignation of Courtney Troxxel; the employment of Kailey Eaton as middle school custodian, and Lawton Tyson as middle school math teacher; rehiring all certified staff, support staff and summer workers.
