New Administrators Focus on Trust Building at District Meeting

In the quiet halls of Bixby’s city hall, a group of eager scouts stood ready to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a tone of community spirit for the Board of Education meeting on July 17, 2024. With students away for summer break, the gathering focused on the progress and preparations for the upcoming school year, highlighting both challenges and triumphs within the district.

The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from the board, who acknowledged the ongoing construction of the new ninth-grade center gym, a project that is steadily advancing. The excitement was palpable as administrators shared updates on staffing changes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and trust among the new and returning staff members.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the concept of trust, illustrated through a metaphor involving coffee beans. The analogy, shared by a speaker during an administrative retreat, emphasized how trust can be built slowly but can be broken quickly. Each administrator received a bucket and a spoon as a reminder of their role in nurturing trust within their teams. This initiative aims to foster a positive culture as the district welcomes six new administrators and several staff members into new roles.

As the meeting progressed, the board addressed staffing updates, noting the fluctuating numbers of certified and support staff positions. While the district is actively working to fill vacancies, they acknowledged the challenges of maintaining optimal class sizes, particularly in certain grades. The board expressed optimism about the hiring process, highlighting the successful onboarding of new teachers and the engaging training sessions designed to welcome them into the district.

Looking ahead, the board shared upcoming events aimed at re-engaging families and students as the school year approaches. Plans for a lively welcome event for new teachers, complete with cheers from students and community members, were met with enthusiasm. The board also announced that a communication letter would be sent to families, detailing important back-to-school information and introducing the new leadership.

As the meeting wrapped up, the atmosphere was one of hope and determination. With a focus on building trust and community, the Bixby School District is poised to embrace the new school year with renewed energy and commitment to its students and families.