board meeting

The Comanche Board of Education met on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, for a special meeting relating to the sale of the bonds. The board approved the selling of the bonds to American Nation Bank (Comanche Branch), Ardmore, Oklahoma in association with BOK Financial Securities, Inc, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

The board then met in regular session. Board Members approved various routine consent agenda items, including the minutes of the February regular and special meetings, the resignation of Tom Michel, and the treasurer’s report. The board also approved General Fund encumbrances and a contract with Chickasaw Long Distance.

Ms. Odom from Patten’s firm presented the 2021-22 audit page by page and answered questions from board members. Ms. Odom was complimentary of the central office staff and their cooperation during the audit. The audit report noted that no items were out of compliance with the rules and regulations of the Oklahoma State Department of Education and regulations related to the management of federal grants and programs.  Mrs. Odom did note that in the review of the Activity Fund records, two sub-accounts had negative balances, and recommended that no check be issued in excess of sub-account balances. A corrective action plan addressing this issue was prepared by the finance director and presented to board members.  Mrs. Bills complimented the central office staff and others throughout the school district whose diligence in managing school district finances contributed to a positive audit report.  

Bills shared with the board the recent accomplishments of the student body. She reported on numerous athletic accomplishments in the wrestling program, basketball programs, and weightlifting. The Lady Indians were named Class 3A Academic Champions. The wrestling program had 9 state qualifiers, and four top-four placers, and Comanche had their first female top-three.  Kooper Doucet was State Champion in his division. One powerlifter, Heath Hinshaw, qualified for State.  Bills reported on the Agriculture Education program OYE shop projects successes and the various livestock exhibitors at OYE. The band received superior ratings in sight-reading and in concert band and will be competing for sweepstakes at State for the second year in a row. Fame student art is being exhibited at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center this month, 

In other business, board members approved the rehiring of school district leaders for the 2022-23 fiscal year:

  • KIM JUSTUS - SPECIAL ED DIRECTOR 

  • TERRY DAVIDSON - FINANCE DIRECTOR

  • ROBIN TROUTMAN - ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

  • ANGELA ROUSE - MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

  • MORGAN MANNEN - SPECIAL PROGRAMS / TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR / INDIAN EDUCATION COORDINATOR

  • SEAN HUSHBECK - ATHLETIC DIRECTOR / TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR

  • ELIZABETH RESSEL - ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION / FEDERAL PROGRAMS/PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT / MCKINNEY- VENTO

  • KRISTEN SLOVACK - GIFTED TALENTED COORDINATOR

In her recommendation to rehire the directors, Mrs. Bills noted, “These individuals are dedicated and have helped to ensure that our students have had the opportunities for in-person learning and equitable distance learning when needed.”

Bills also recommended and introduced Jason Schreiner to the board and recommended him for the high school principal position. Jason shared his background and philosophy on education.  Bills stated that there were several great applicants, but he is the best candidate for this position. He has a multitude of skill sets - Federal Programs, internships, technology, alternative education, standards, engagement, as well as being an excellent communicator. Superintendent Bills stated that she believes he will set a new vision and goals for the high school students and teachers, as well as being a presence in the classrooms, hallways, and at events. 

Bills also recommended hiring Bill Smith for the general maintenance position left open by the retirement of Tom Michel.