Alva Review-Courier -

The Alva Board of Education meeting was accompanied by the hum of fans Monday afternoon. Board members gathered in the high school library for social distancing but the room was lacking air conditioning. All board members were present.

During the meeting, the board voted unanimously to hire a new high school principal and a new Lincoln Elementary principal, filling vacancies left by resignations.

Cory Smith will be the new high school principal. Superintendent Tim Argo told the board that Smith will be moving to Alva from Hugo. He has seven children, three of whom are school age. One is out of school and three are too young for school.

New Lincoln Elementary Principal Jenny Webster has been with the Cherokee school system. Argo said she earlier taught third grade in Alva. She has two school age daughters.

Board members approved renewing contracts for a list of certified teachers for the next school year. Argo said they refer to them as "career" teachers because they have reached tenure. Another list of certified teachers was approved for temporary contracts that will end with the school year.

The board voted to approve five teachers for extended school year services from May 20 through June 30, 2020. Brandi Peace, Marcus Mead, Dalton Beeler, Lalonie Kern and Laura Lamkin will be providing special education summer school for students.

Two speech pathologists were also approved for the May 20-June 30 extended school year services. Beki Houston and Hattie Potter will be working with students who need speech therapy during that time.

Supt. Argo told the board that from April to April, Alva School District revenue was down over $1.1 million from gross production, REA tax and school land earnings. "That's probably not a surprise," he said. "We all know the economic impact COVID-19's had, and it's certainly impacted our district on local revenue."

He said it appears the state will "hold education harmless" in next year's budget but he received an email saying there would be some cuts in the neighborhood of two to four percent. That can also change because as enrollment increases and schools go back on the formula, it decreases that amount. "So a lot of unknowns, a lot of uncertainties," he concluded.

With classes closed, there was very little action in the activity fund accounts. Fundraisers are being wrapped up. There were two inter-account transfers. Basketball gate revenue was distributed out to various sports according to a set percentage. The other distribution was to Alva Middle School activities. Any AMS activity group that worked the concession stand received $100 for each time worked.

Supt. Argo praised the school cooks, support staff and volunteers who helped to provide meals for students since the school closure. "They've done a fantastic job," he said.

Through their efforts, 240-250 meals per day have been delivered, and an average of 340 meals per day have been served. "I want to thank all of them for their hard work," Argo said.

The board approved encumbrances totaling $18,464.61 and payroll of $222.61 from the general fund. Argo explained the Index of Oklahoma item usually means repairs of door locks or the inspection of fire alarms. The school's attorney was paid $3,000; Jana Hickman was paid $7,800 for contracted occupational therapy services that will continue through the summer as part of the federal and state required services. A payment to Josten's was for diplomas. The payroll amount was for substitute teachers who worked just before the school closing.

Jane McDermott asked how occupational therapy is accomplished with school closed. Argo said special education services, physical therapy and occupational therapy are being handled virtually.

In his superintendent's report, Argo said, "It obviously continues to be a really fluid situation as far as summer reading academy. We've had questions about summer driver's ed. We've had questions about sports teams." The school doesn't have directives yet on what those guidelines will look like. He said he received an email Monday from the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association that sports facilities will remain closed until June 1.

Argo said when the school gets those directives, they will be communicated to staff, coaches and sponsors and be addressed with special or regular board meetings as needed.