Advocating for public education

The Purcell Association of Classroom Teachers is on a mission – advocating for public education on a weekly basis with lawmakers at the Oklahoma Capitol.

Purcell Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sheli McAdoo  shared that with the district’s board of education at a meeting March 7.

P.A.C.T. is sending teachers to the Capitol each week.

“It is important that we continue to speak up for public schools and all of the great things happening in Purcell and across the state,” she said.

The superintendent also spoke of her “gratitude and appreciation” to outgoing board member Dru Smith who didn’t seek another term.

“His leadership has meant so much to me personally as the superintendent,” she said. “Dru has such a spirit of service and he will be missed tremendously.”

More praise was for the boys basketball team.

The Dragon squad was named Academic State Champions in Class 3A and will be recognized Saturday at the halftime game in the State Tournament.

McAdoo said the boys team will be honored at the April school board meeting.

She also expressed pride in both the boys and girls teams that ended their season at the Area Tournament in Enid.

“Both teams did a tremendous job this season and we are very proud of their run into the playoffs. There is a lot to look forward to in the coming season.”

She also cited 27 Purcell teachers who brought in more than $21,000 in Donors Choose grants.

The grant program was offered in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Also praised were the district’s special education paraprofessionals.

“They are amazing at working with students to help them succeed,” she told the board.

The board adopted a new policy for the Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Tax Credit and named the Purcell Public School Foundation as the agent to receive donations for the new program.

A contract with Bledsoe, Hewett & Gullekson was approved for the district’s 2021-22 audit and board members approved a 3-year contract with ISG Technology for a district firewall.

Building funds will be used to pay the $67,584.09 contract..

In personnel action, the board accepted the resignation of Emilee Smith, a paraprofessional at the elementary school, and hired Allie Lance as a paraprofessional at the high school.

Administrators re-employed for the 2022-23 school year are Jerry Swayze, Melissa Madden, Cindy Stone, Tina Swayze, Carol Testa and Carolyn Anyong.