Julie Yates
New buses have joined the fleet at Pryor Schools.
Superintendent Don Raleigh reported the seven new buses arrived last week and are being put into service.
All six fleet buses and one special needs bus were purchased with part of a school bond that passed a vote of the citizens last spring. The $13 million bond is funding facility and transportation improvements.
Pryor School Board voted to surplus and sell four 1995 model school buses.
Construction is underway at Roosevelt Elementary on the new gym. The new gym is going up on city park property beside the school grounds.
Bids have been accepted for the new facilities at Lincoln Elementary. The school is currently holding pre-construction meetings for the Lincoln project, which includes an early childhood center with a gym and commons area.
Jefferson and Washington Elementary Schools are receiving upgrades to the heating and air systems.
Bids on the high school are in the works, and bids for the junior high will follow. Additions to the high school will consist of four science labs and classroom renovations.
The junior high will get five additional classrooms and a secured entrance.
Raleigh reported technology upgrades are being implemented, which were also part of the school bond.
The school purchased some band equipment. A sample of new band uniforms are on hand to be viewed for purchase. The high school band received straight ones at the regional marching band contest at Broken Arrow last week.
Raleigh said school cuts in state aid have totaled approximately $65,000, plus line item cuts. Raleigh is expecting even bigger cuts than the
5 percent projection next month.
The school board approved hiring Jim Smith as an industrial arts teacher at the junior high for 2009-2010. The board hired Nancy Miller to fill the position of cafeteria manager at Washington Elementary for 2009-2010.
Resigning are Joe Eastham, junior high industrial arts teacher, maintenance man Ronnie Baker and Debbie Smith, Washington’s cafeteria manager.
Raleigh congratulated the boys and girls cross country teams for a fine season.
The girls cross country team placed sixth overall at the state meet in Edmond last Saturday. Kelsey Graham received all-state honors for placing sixth overall as an individual.
Nevada Campos was named all-state in softball.
The board set March 11, 2010 as Spring Parent Conference Day for pre-K through third grades.
