LONE OAK ISD board approves closure of Choice Academy campus; implements reduction in force

The Lone Oak ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously April 21 to close the Choice Academy/College Street campus for the 2025–2026 school year and to implement a related reduction in force.

“I move that we accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and approve a program change consisting of the closure of the Choice Academy/College Street campus,” said Nikki Haynes when she made the motion, which was seconded by Justin Ramm and passed 7–0. The board then voted to implement a reduction in force tied to that program change; the motion carried by the same unanimous tally.

Board members described the scope of the personnel impacts: the board accepted the Superintendent’s recommendation that the employment areas to be affected include "all grades, levels, subjects, departments, programs, and activities at the Choice Academy/College Street campus." That determination was moved by Nikki Haynes, seconded by Jeremy McClanahan, and recorded as passed 7–0.

Following the reduction-in-force motions, the board moved to propose the nonrenewal of two term contracts. Nikki Haynes moved to propose nonrenewal of Mr. Randy Cummings and to direct the Superintendent to provide written notice; the board approved the motion and also approved that if Cummings requests a hearing it shall be before the Board under LOISD Board Policy DFBB(LOCAL). The board took the same steps for Mr. Jerry Trammel; both motions passed unanimously.

The board’s record shows the actions were authorized on the Superintendent's recommendation; the motions and votes were recorded in the official minutes. The record does not include details about severance, recall rights, or timelines for notices beyond directing the Superintendent to provide written notice in accordance with Board Policy.