Superintendent touts accreditation, academic progress and staff recognition; board views memorial video for late employee

Superintendent Bart Banfield used the Jan. 23 board meeting to report on academic tracking, accreditation, student activities and employee recognition at EPIC ONE ON ONE CHARTER SCHOOL.

Banfield reviewed monthly academic-progress snapshots showing improvements in English-language arts and math mastery and noted special recognition for schools and principals leading standards mastery. He told the board the district’s accreditation status for 2024–25 from the Oklahoma State Department of Education was “accreditation with no deficiencies,” and he recognized the compliance team for the result.

Banfield also shared community and student highlights: the HUGS project that shipped 60 care boxes to service members, a Tulsa Mid-High arts activity and Heritage Academy bilingual classroom work. He described the EPIC employee appreciation awards held Dec. 13 that presented more than 342 awards, including recognition for high-performing teachers, department choices and retirees.

The meeting included a recorded student testimonial video about the flexibility EPIC’s program provided to support an elite gymnastics schedule and college recruiting travel. The board also viewed a remembrance video for Jennifer “Jen” Lake, a longtime EPIC employee who had worked closely with many families. Several speakers offered personal reflections in the meeting and during the video tribute; board members called Jen Lake’s contributions “an unforgettable mark” on students and families.

Banfield closed the superintendent update by noting National School Board Recognition Month and thanking board volunteers for their service to students across the state.

No formal board action was required on the superintendent’s report items presented on Jan. 23.