The Comanche Board of Education met in a regular session on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Board members approved various routine consent agenda items, including the calendar year 2023 board meeting schedule and the approval of a resolution calling for the annual school board election. There will be two seats up for re-election. They are seat number four, which has a 5-year term of office ending in 2029, currently held by Cody Gerard, as well as board position number two. Marty Clark was appointed to serve in position no. 2 when it became open due to Peyton Hale moving to another area within the district. Seat 2 has three years remaining in an unexpired term. The board also approved the General Fund, Bond Fund, and Child Nutrition encumbrances.
Bills reported that on October 1 there were 862 students enrolled, which is a decrease of 36 students as compared to last year. She also shared the success of the Cross Country teams, band, FFA, Unified Sports, and academic teams. Bills announced that Comanche will host the Stephens County Tournament in February. Comanche FFA attended the National FFA Convention where they were recognized as a 3 Star Chapter.
Sources of funding are being explored for the purchase of letterman jackets this year for all students' lettering in a sport or activity. Superintendent Bills hopes this will encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities and increase school pride.
Mrs. Bills also announced that five teachers, the district limit, have applied for the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Plan stipends available through the OSDE. The district is required to match the stipends. These teachers will have additional days added to their contract to assist the district with analyzing student data and preparing for professional development.
According to Bills, the district leadership team is exploring the possibility of implementing a plan for “late-start Wednesdays” in next year's calendar rather than scheduling professional development days. That time each Wednesday morning will provide professional staff the opportunity to develop Professional Learning Communities within the school setting to increase student achievement.
Bills reported on the progress of the bond projects. The elementary playground improvement project was delayed due to inclement weather and delays within the company, but progress is now being made. The roof repair project at FAME Academy has been completed. A pre-bid conference is planned for November 21st for the new music facility/safe room project and the conversion of the old band room to a new commons area. The bid opening is set for November 29, 2023.