May 12, 2025 Board Meeting News & Updates

May 12, 2025 Board Meeting Highlights:

ROLL CALL

All Board members were present.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

No public participation

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

The Piedmont Public Schools Board of Education and Administration proudly recognized Lee Hughes and Cindy Randolph for their years of dedicated service to our district. As they prepare to retire from Piedmont Public Schools, we extend our sincere gratitude for the lasting impact they’ve made on our students, staff, and community.

BUSINESS ITEMS

A. The Board approved the revised Rates of Pay for FY25 to add Summer Pride High School Coordinator Rate of $50 per hour

B. The Board discussed and approved the Negotiating Team for the District in negotiations with the Piedmont Association of Educators for the 2025–2026 school year. The team remains the same as last year. The board expressed appreciation for the strong working relationship and the benefit of not requiring a third-party negotiator.

C. The Board approved the service agreement for Capturing Kids’ Hearts and Flippen Leadership Blueprint training, using $42,500 from the General Fund. A fifty percent grant from the CKH Foundation reduced the total cost. The goal is to train all teachers and administrators, focusing on building strong student connections to support learning.

D. The Board approved use of the Piedmont High School name by the Oklahoma State High School Clay Target League, contingent on participants acknowledging it is not a district-sponsored activity. The league is a national club with over 60,000 participants, but it is not OSSAA-sanctioned. Joe Crawford will volunteer as the sponsor. Legal review required a waiver and disclaimer. Currently open to grades 9 and up, with plans to expand.

E. The Board approved a revision to Policy FE-S (Transfer Policy) to include virtual students in transfer capacities. This change allows virtual students to enroll through the transfer process, participate in athletics and activities, and requires them to be on campus at least one hour daily. The update reflects legal guidance and current trends, ensuring compliance while allowing growth. Board members noted that other districts are accepting virtual students for athletics. Piedmont has five high school teachers dedicated to virtual instruction, and funding is equivalent to that of on-site students.

IMPORTANT

F. The Board approved the adoption of Policy FNH – Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Policy, with added language to align with new state law. The policy requires devices to be put away from the first bell to the final dismissal bell each day. The policy was required due to a new state law. Important comments per the meeting are outlined below.

A committee of IT, HR, administrators, and students developed the policy in anticipation of the law following a district-wide cell phone use survey.
The 2025–2026 school year will serve as a trial period, with flexibility to revise the policy as needed.
Additional language from the law was added for clarity: “from the first bell ringing to start the school day until the dismissal bell at the end of the school day.”
Consequences begin with a warning for a first offense; specifics will be outlined in student handbooks.
Athletic periods fall outside of instructional time, allowing flexibility for phone use at the coach's discretion.
The policy emphasizes increased instructional focus while allowing for updates based on experience and feedback.
Strong communication with families will be prioritized, especially regarding emergencies and contacting students.

CONSENT AGENDA

The Board approved all consent agenda items A-V.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Ms. Jennifer Fuller, Chief Financial Officer, provided a comprehensive financial report to the Board.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Board did not convene into executive session.

ACTION ITEM

A. The Board approved employment as listed on Attachment C.

B. The Board approved the re-employment of certified staff as listed on Amended Attachment B.

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Dr. Eichelberger shared an enrollment update as well as an update regarding new hires for the 2025-26 school year. Staff retention has risen from 75 percent to 94 percent in just two years. While salaries remain competitive, the district’s collaborative culture and strong relationships are keeping staff in Piedmont. Even with some new positions added, overall staff growth is slowing, from 25 percent new staff last year to a projected 6.6 percent in 2025–26.

Graduation is set for May 15 at the Bennett Center, with live streaming available for family and friends who cannot attend. Each graduate will receive a free printed photo from the district.

This summer, our Middle School of Piedmont science rooms will undergo a $180,000 renovation, including new plumbing, chemical-resistant countertops, lighting, and more.

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