Board awards construction bids, adopts budget and authorizes bond sales

At its January meeting the Norman Public Schools Board of Education approved multiple construction bid packages, adopted a necessary student-medication policy, approved an amended fiscal 2025–26 budget and authorized the planned sale of two series of general obligation bonds.

Facilities staff presented the Health Services Center scope (interior renovations, ADA restroom upgrades, new millwork and security hardware) and reported 26 sealed bids across trades; the board approved the bid package on roll call. For Jackson Elementary staff presented full classroom and restroom renovations, ADA upgrades and facade work and reported 38 sealed bids; the Jackson bid package was also approved by roll call.

Policy updates included a proposed communications policy and a new open records policy (BOE 2017) presented for information. The board adopted a new administration-of-medicine policy (4016) to satisfy accreditation requirements; staff noted the district will continue studying whether to provide stocked EpiPens at school sites.

Chief financial staff reported an unexpected midterm state aid adjustment, increasing the per-weighted-student factor by $71; staff adjusted the amended 2025'026 budget to incorporate that change and modest additional departmental needs. The amended budget was approved by roll call.

Bond counsel explained plans to authorize the sale of two series of bonds previously authorized by voters in 2023: a $39,060,000 general obligation combined-purpose series and a $3,940,000 federally taxable series. Counsel described a February bidding timetable, five-year repayment structure and legal requirements for board authorization; the board approved both resolutions.

The board then held administrative reports, convened an executive session under Title 25 OK Stat. section 307 (b)(1) and (b)(7) for the superintendent evaluation, and returned to open session with no votes taken in executive session before adjourning.