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Superintendent flags potential state rules on spending, teacher rehiring; board accepts resignations and approves personnel items
Summary
Superintendent discussed pending legislation on instructional‑cost thresholds and teacher rehiring rules; the board accepted a member resignation effective March 13 and approved several personnel items including reemployment, new hires and summer special‑education para pay.
Superintendent Kietnick briefed the board on several bills moving through the Oklahoma Legislature and the board took action on multiple personnel matters, including accepting a board member resignation.
Kietnick highlighted House Bill 1280, a proposal to require that 60% of school spending be classified as instructional costs. He said the current state average is about 56.6% and that, under the bill as presented, items such as child nutrition, counseling and transportation may be excluded from the instructional calculation. He told the board the bill could require districts to shift funds 2% per year until they reach the 60% threshold and warned staff are watching for changes.
The superintendent also pointed to Senate Bill 26, which would let retired teachers return to the classroom after 60 days at full pay without the current multi‑year restriction. Board members said the change could ease staffing shortages.
The board accepted the resignation of Board member Jody Thompson effective March 13, 2025, and discussed the process to fill the vacancy for Seat Number 5, which will be appointed by the board and later stand for election. The superintendent described the process: interested citizens will submit to central office, staff will verify residency in the ward, and the board will interview candidates in the April meeting.
In executive session the board discussed personnel matters and then returned and approved the resignations of Karen Barnes and Lacey Miller and approved reemployment for certified staff and the employment of new hires including a high‑school teacher/coach, a PKMS sixth‑grade math teacher and a primary early‑childhood teacher. The board also approved a special‑education summer para position at $15 per hour, noting the funding is dependent on federal support.
Board members approved the personnel items by roll call.
