District Receives Nearly A Quarter Million Dollars From Invested Funds
Sulphur Public Schools will begin the year with approximately $2.2 million carry-over from the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
That was the assessment of Sulphur Superintendent Matt Holder, who told the Sulphur school board members, “I feel good about where we are at financially,” during the group’s regular monthly meeting Monday night.
In the treasurer’s report, Holder told members the cash balances in all funds totaled more than $9 million. The funds include the general fund, child nutrition, building fund, bond fund, sinking fund and the gifts fund.
Holder also reported that the district had received approximately $242,000.00 in interest during the past year. The interest comes from money that is not currently being used which is invested. It is basically free money for the district and reflects the good stewardship of the staff.
Holder presented members with a preliminary first rendering of the some of the proposed renovations for the inside of the Vo-Ag building. The renovations are part of the bond issue.
Holder told members the new buildings are getting closer to completion although a definitive date has not been received.
Holder reported the new lights for the football field, that were approved a few months ago, should be going up in the next week.
During the principals’ reports, all the building principals reported that enrollment is still on-going and that the janitors seemed to be ahead of schedule in the deep cleaning and repairs to the buildings.
Elementary Principal Shannon Muck also reported that the Pre-K classes were full for the first time in the past few years.
Holder also told members that the elementary library and music classes, previously held in the basement of the elementary school, had all been relocated to upstairs in the building.
Athletic Director Corey Cole told members Summer Pride began today (Monday) and that most of the sports’ schedules for the coming year are complete.
Members approved a 10-cent raise in lunch costs to students for the coming year. This is a mandated increase. Lunches in the elementary school will now be $2.60 while the upper classes rate will be $2.85.
In other board action, members approved several annual contracts, including the following:
•Comprehensive Employment Service agreement with the OSSBA; •OSSBAmembership renewal for the 2026-2027 school year;
•contract with KRush College and Career Guidance;
•continued compliance with the Children Internet Protection Act;
•agreement with Southern Oklahoma Technology Center to provide course credits for academic classes allowed by the state department education;
•updated class size capacities;
•approved Brooke Wood as Board Minutes Clerk for 20262027;
•approved Brooke Wood as encumbrance clerk for 2026-2027;
•approved David Harp mas Treasurer and Misty McDonough as Deputy Treasure for 20262027; and
•approved pay dates for 20262027 school year.
Following a short executive session, members approved the resignation of Kristy Null and the employment of Valerie Stout, Kirby Keesee and Ryan Piper.
The new school year will begin with teacher’s reporting for duty on August 7, 10 and 11 for inservice. Student’s will begin the first day of the new year on August 12.
All five board members were present at the meeting.
