Hulbert BOE updates policies, retirement plans
The Hulbert Board of Education discussed policy updates, 401(a) matching, and an AED donation at its Sept. 12 meeting.
The board approved several policy amendments and a new policy about the use of automatic external defibrillators. The district has received a new AED unit through a donation from Cherokee Nation Emergency Medical Services. Superintendent Jolyn Choate said over 20 staff members were trained on how to use them in case of cardiac emergencies.
The student retention policy was shortened; the document was previously several pages long, but is now a few paragraphs. This policy says students shall be promoted or receive credit if a grade average of 60% of the course study has been completed, as determined by the teacher.
Elementary and middle school students must achieve a 60% in at least three major courses, which include math, language arts, science, reading and social studies. A placement committee including the principal, counselor, and the students’ teachers will consider the students’ ages and test scores, along with their school work, to make the final decision on whether a child will have to repeat a grade level.
The Strong Readers Act policy was updated due to changes made to by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. The Strong Readers Act was previously titled the Reading Sufficiency Act. It outlines how the school will test students in kindergarten through the third grade at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year to track reading skills and identify students who need additional support.
The district has also updated the attendance policy to clarify that guardians will required to notify the school and provide documentation to excuse absences related to illness, medical appointments, legal matters, religious holidays, therapy, and 4-H activities.
Students on a Diabetes Medical Management Plan will notice a new addition to the policy, which includes a stipulation about students being able to use a personal electronic device, such as a cell phone as a tool to help monitor glucose levels.
During the meeting, the principals and directors offered reports to the board. Elementary Principal Taf Morphis said the Cherokee Nation reached out to him about a grant opportunity to supply the student greenhouse.
Cole Purget, middle school and high school principal, said the Hulbert 4-H Club won the Baled It contest at the Cherokee County Fair, and that he was impressed with the students’ behavior.
“Our kids have such good manners, and I am sure proud of that,” said Purget.
Purget said that this year, they have implemented an “advisory” period on campus, during which students can go to their teachers to get extra help.
During her report, Choate said the district has received a grant from the Cherokee Nation of over $18,000 to help fund desktop computers and robotics programs in the district. This is in addition to the donation of AEDs by Cherokee Nation EMS. Choate said this donation allows the district to have an AED in every building on campus.
The board approved a resolution to begin offering a 401(a) plan matches to certified and support staff. A 401(a) is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan, similar to a 401(k) plan. Choate said this was presented to the board as a teacher retention measure.
The Chase Morris Sudden Cardiac Emergency Response Plan was approved. This plan provides guidelines on the required training, medical emergency plans and drills, required by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
Action to hire Logun Saiz as a computer science adjunt instructor was approved. Other approved actions include adjusting purchase orders, funds transfers, and travel requests, staff contracts for the 2025 school year, and the hiring of a special education teacher.
What’s next
The next Hulbert Board of Education meeting will be Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium.