As the Freedom school board attendees gathered for the regular monthly meeting Monday evening, Principal Bryant Weber was in an excellent mood. The reason? Repairs completed on the gym and other areas; improvements to the school made, and even all the boxes removed. Polished and decorated on almost every surface with messages like “Freedom students are farm-tastic!” and little notes on doors about how students can handle difficult situations – the school is ready, and, it appears, so is everyone else.

Board members Kyle Rhodes, Phil Kirkpatrick, Robert Babcock and B.J. Baker were all present, along with Superintendent Frieda Burgess and Principal Bryant Weber. Board president Shane Morris was absent.

The first item on the agenda was a proposed executive session to discuss personnel issues, but Superintendent Frieda Burgess said she didn't need the executive session if no one else did, so no action was taken on that item.

Those personnel matters were handled later.

Personnel Matters

Two new adjunct teachers were hired. Burgess explained that an adjunct teacher is not certified, and their degree is not in history or whatever they're being asked to teach. Both new hires have a principal's degree, although neither has experience in that role yet. Still, having them on staff is a benefit.

These two new teachers are Gary Curtis, adjunct for Oklahoma history/government, visual arts, and computers for high school credit; and Margaret Smith, adjunct for physical science and computers for high school credit. The superintendent recommended the board approve the two hires, and that's what the board did.

Curtis was later appointed dean of students in the absence of the principal and superintendent. His having that principal degree made that possible. The board approved it.

District Finances

Then the group got to the main business at hand: the FY2024 Estimate of Needs.

Burgess explained the figures. “We ask the auditor to figure (our projected financial need) at 90 percent (of the previous year's collections), so we have 10 percent we're not planning on spending. Last year we were estimated to bring in $1.318 million but collected over $1.4 million.”

“He is estimating this year (… at) $1.447 million. That's what the excise board will approve for us to go ahead and spend, and hopefully we will collect at least that much.” She then pointed out that the general fund contains $1.447 million, while the building fund contains $849,410.

Additional insurance funds – $425,813.07 – received from OSIG to cover the cost of gymnasium, roofs, and electrical work were approved to be deposited into the building fund. “This is some of the final insurance money we will get,” said Burgess. “It's here, and we need to approve bringing it into our account so we can make payments.” She thought for a moment and said, “I think we'll hold that final payment until we’re sure” no little extra bills will be coming in. The item was approved.

Getting Ready for Future Students

The board also set up an account for the Class of 2029. The board had to pause to figure out what grade the Class of 2029 was in. “Sixth grade,” said Weber “It's not the littlest ones,” said Burgess. “That would be, what (…) the Class of 2037.” Everyone paused to consider this glimpse into the future. “Let's hope some of us are here to see it,” said Burgess laughing. “I will retire, Mr. Babcock,” she added, laughing. Babcock lowered his head and muttered “We'll see about that,” followed by much laughter.

The board went on to approve between 6 and 10 students with an American degree traveling to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, this October. Burgess warned, “We probably won't go next year, but next year will be our junior/senior trip,” so by alternating years, they can still offer these important trips.

Other Board Business

The consent agenda was approved, consisting of past meeting minutes, the treasurer's report, and encumbrances for general, building and child nutrition funds; signing warrants for those same three funds, activity fund reports, and 21 new district policies. “They're just regular policies that came from OSSA,” said Burgess.