State board grants full accreditation to Pontotoc Technology Center
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Summary
After an accreditation visit found no areas of noncompliance, the board voted unanimously to grant full accreditation to Pontotoc Technology Center with a 90‑day action plan for minor improvements.
The Oklahoma CareerTech State Board voted unanimously to grant full post‑secondary accreditation to Pontotoc Technology Center following a hybrid site visit conducted Nov. 7–9, 2023.
Miss Ventress, presenting the accreditation team’s findings, reported the examiner team reviewed the center’s operations, interviewed 22 stakeholders and observed program areas; examiners found no areas of noncompliance and recommended full accreditation. "The examiner has found no areas of noncompliance, and we recommend the board grant full accreditation to Pontotoc Technology Center," Ventress said.
Pontotoc superintendent Travis Graham told the board the process allowed the school “to tell your story” and cited partnerships with East Central University, Mercy Hospital and Chickasaw Nation hospital that provide pathway credits and placement opportunities. Graham said Pontotoc’s positive placement rate is typically in the mid‑90s.
The board asked about college credit agreements and pathways; Graham described MOUs that enable students to earn credit through local higher‑education partners for IT, biotech and nursing‑adjacent instruction. A motion to approve accreditation was moved, seconded and passed unanimously during roll call.
The accreditation, as presented, gives Pontotoc 90 days to submit an action plan that includes one improvement opportunity from each of the first six standards; agency staff will monitor those plans and offer assistance as needed.
The board extended congratulations to the superintendent and staff for a smooth accreditation process.
