Alva Review-Courier -

In a special noon meeting Monday, the Alva Board of Education accepted a letter of resignation from Superintendent Dr. Tim Argo. His resignation doesn't take effect until June 30, 2024. Board President Jane McDermott opened the meeting with members Shane Hansen, Karen Koehn and Kevin Pingelton present. Larry Parker was absent for health reasons.

"I just want to thank the board again for your support," Argo said quietly. In addition to current board members, he also thanked former board member Tiffany Salter in his resignation letter.

"It's been a great job. Alva Public Schools means a great deal to me," he said. "I felt like Mrs. (Dixie) Meyer set a really neat, good example of unselfishness by turning in that resignation letter so early to allow this district to find someone to teach biology, and I think a good example for myself. So you guys have got plenty of time to find that replacement. So thank you all very much."

He was referring to a resignation letter from Meyer at the Oct. 9 board meeting, tendering her resignation effective June 30.

"1999 is when you came to Alva to be our middle school teacher," said McDermott as she referred to some notes. "That was a big year in Alva. We won the national championship. Quite a memorable time!"

She spoke of his time as a teacher and then principal at Lincoln Elementary. "Saw a lot of exceptional policies and things that are still going on at Lincoln today," she commented. "Assistant superintendent for one year when we knew we wanted someone to work with Mr. (Steve) Parkhurst for a year." Parkhurst preceded Argo as superintendent.

Marione Martin

Alva Board of Education President Jane McDermott thanks Superintendent Tim Argo for his years in the school system. The board accepted his resignation effective June 30, 2024.

Argo will have served as superintendent for six years when he leaves the position. "I doubt that we'll ever be able to hire someone, Tim, that has been through the district like that. And I think that speaks volumes to us of your commitment and all that's gone on through your vast experience plus getting your ultimate education. I'm proud of you most for that!" Argo earned his doctorate this year.

"Thank you. God speed and blessings to you and your family! Your life's going to be full of many, many more blessings," McDermott concluded.

After voting to accept Argo's resignation, the board entered an executive session to discuss employment of a superintendent for the 2024-2025 school year. When the board returned to open meeting, Koehn made a motion to contract with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association to assist in the search for a superintendent. Hansen seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.