Low dropout rate

Purcell High School experienced a 1.2 percent dropout rate during the 2020-2021 school year, well below the state average of 5.5 percent.

That fact was shared by Principal Jason Sanders during Monday’s school board meeting.

The county average was 1.5 percent.

The 1.2 percent accounts for four students who dropped out of Purcell High School that year.

Sanders also reported on the school’s remediation figures among graduates who enroll in college and are required to take remediation classes in one or more subject areas – English, math, reading and science.

Of 88 graduates in 2021, 40 enrolled in college.

Seven of the 40 were required to take a remediation course in math, four in English and two in reading.

Sanders put those numbers “at the low end” of state figures. The principal said the school’s alternative education program is taught in the classroom by “very experienced” teachers and is not an online program.

Superintendent Sheli McAdoo told the board that the high school band won the high visibility award and an outstanding rating at the recent OBA competition.

The McClain County Health Department and Chickasaw Nation will offer free flu shots to students, faculty and staff later this month.

Shots at the high school and junior high school will be given October 21 and the elementary and intermediate schools are on the schedule for October 28.

McAdoo said work on the high school gymnasium floor is finished.

She mentioned cross country boys placed third at a Lexington meet.

The board heard a favorable audit report for the district from Jeff Hewett.

In other business, board members:

• approved a proclamation recognizing the 1972 state championship football team;

• approved a resolution calling for an election for Office 3;

• awarded a contract to Merritt Tennis & Track Systems to repaint the track to 2022 standards for $5,500. Dragon Fire All Sports Booster Club will pay $3,500 and the district will pay the remaining $2,000, and

• approved $29,130 to upgrade the district’s system automation.