Classes for the 2024-25 school year were set to begin Thursday, Aug. 15, with a lot of new things enhancing the district.

The Middle School gym has a new AC system and new fencing.

The High School has a new fence and gate and new carpeting.

The Elementary School has a new principal, Dorothy Moseley.

All of the schools have gone through months of renovations and repairs and cleaning.

During Monday’s monthly school board meeting the principals told the board about all of the things that had taken place on the various campuses during the busy summer months – when there was a lot of construction work, cleaning and repairs.

All of the administrators reported that their schools were fully staffed, something not every school in the state can boast about in this day when teachers seem to take the brunt of a lot of undeserving criticism.

Almost a dozen new hires were approved at the Monday meeting.

Not all of the teachers were certified, a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly common.

But many are adjunct teachers, those who have degrees but not necessarily in the subjects they will be teaching. The adjuncts are working on obtaining their certifications.

The adjuncts start out at a lower pay grade than degreed and certified teachers.

Lots of activities have taken place prior to the school startup.

Tuesday was meet the teachers night.

Also, Tuesday was a Back to School Bash at the Eufaula Middle School gym from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Gragg urged everyone to attend the event and enjoy the new AC unit in the gym installed during the summer months.

In addition to school supplies giveaways, there were food trucks and a variety of activities.

Friday night there will be a community kickoff parade on Main Street starting at 7 p.m. followed by a pep rally at Paul Bell Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

Other business

The School Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Eufaula to supply two School Resource Officers for t 2024-25 school year.

It also approved contracts with Brenda Dalton for Special Education Services and Kiamichi Tech Center in Stigler.

And OK’d accepting proposals from qualified banking institutions to provide full banking services for the school district.

Superintendent Monty Guthrie said he was not unhappy with the Bank of Eufaula, which currently provides those services, but he has received enquiries from other institutions requesting the opportunity to make bids.