Dedicated to public education, school board members across the state are committed to providing every opportunity possible to students in their community. January is School Board Recognition Month, providing local schools and communities the chance to honor Oklahoma’s more than 2,500 elected school board members for their dedication and service.

Seminole Public Schools has five school board members: Lisa Cobb, Marci Donaho, Shevlyn Foutz, Mark Schell, and Claudia Willis. They were recognized and honored by administration and staff during the board’s monthly meeting on Jan. 14.

“Our school board members share their time, their vision and their voice to shape the direction of Oklahoma public education,” Superintendent Dr. Bob Gragg said. “We are proud of our school board members and the dedication they have to making our district the best it can be. School Board Recognition Month is a great time to say thank you and celebrate the accomplishments of our elected board members.”

During the January board meeting, the board was presented a demonstration by the Northwood Robotics team, by the students who will be traveling to Florida with this summer to compete in a National Robotics event. The board also heard presentations regarding possible funding for a National Fitness Campaign that could result in a state-of-the-art outdoor fitness center being constructed at Seminole High School; and a proposal to install solar panels at several Seminole Public School buildings that could potentially save the district more than $2.5M. by reducing utility costs over the next several years.

Following an executive session, the board approved an extension of the superintendent’s employment contract for the 2025-2026 school year, including cost of living increases consistent with recent step raises for Seminole School employees district-wide.

Following the Consent Agenda, which was approved as listed on the agenda, the board heard reports from the grade level principals and district administrators regarding the recently released state report card. The state report card has been consistently inconsistent in the most recent years.

“It has been a moving target with those statelevel changes, and even so, as the data was uncovered for Seminole Schools it seems that the teachers, staff and administration are making great progress and on the right track for our students to be achieving academic successes day-by-day and year-byyear. We are blessed by great teachers, employees, parents, community, and most importantly by so many great students,” Gragg said.

Gragg reminded those in the community to say a word of appreciation to local school board members in recognition of their dedicated service.