By Randy Mitchell Two board members were sworn in Monday at the regular meeting of the Allen Board of Education.

The two members sworn in were Mike Todd, who successfully ran for Seat #3, which was vacated by longtime board member Robert Hammonds who retired in 2022; and Mario Gonzalez, who ran for and won the remaining four years of Seat #2, which was vacated by previous board member Brooke Baber, who resigned in 2022.

The board did not reorganize. Kelly Hurt remains President, Frankie Bell is Vice President, Ron Batey is Clerk, and Mike Todd and Mario Gonzalez are Members.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , Hammonds attended Monday’s meeting where Superintendent Jeff Hiatt presented him with a plaque of appreciation.

The plaque read: Presented To Robert Hammonds In Appreciation for Your 14 Years of Outstanding and Dedicated Service to Allen Public Schools as a BOARD MEMBER.

April 10, 2023. Presented by Allen Board of Education, Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students.”

Administrative Reports

Steve Butcher, High School Principal reported the HS baseball team currently has a record of 9-13. They will host Districts on Aporil 20-2122.

Slow Pitch Softball has an 8-13 record and will be going to Tuska for their Districts, also on April 20-21-22.

The Allen FCCLA Chapter competed in FCCLA Star Events (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Competitions at the State Level in March. All 18 Allen students who competed earned a place in the top three in the state recognition. Eleven students won their events; four placed second; and three placed third. First and second places earned the right to compete at the National Level in Denver, Colorado in July.

First place winners Tresley Mowdy, Maggie Yarbrough, Kryslyn Stephens, Lily Laden, Addision Prentice, Alexa Bailey, Ava Laden, Khloe Goodson, Caitlyn Williams and Grasyn Whitehead. Second Place winners were Noah Bray, Kiara Byrd and Jaiden Lindsey. Third Place winners were Kayla Nickell, Alyssa Royalty and Cherish Woodward.

The Allen FFA has been competing in academic competitions including Electric, Meat Judging, Environmental Factors, and Nursery Cultivation. Over 30 Allen FFA students competed in these contests.

Other Business

The board accepted the resignation of Cheryl Rowsey, who is retiring after more than 30 years with the district.

The board also accepted the resignations of Carrie Koonce, junior high math; Jonathan Walden, ag teacher; Nicki Walden, Pre-K; Gina Beasley, cafeteria; and Cheryl Rowsey, kindergarten.

The board hired Aaron Purkins for ag teacher and Shalee Burnett for junior high math.

All staff listed on the agenda were rehired for next year. Those listed were: CERTIFIED STAFF

1. Ronna Clark 2. Chad Colbert 3. Lesli Costner 4. Tee Henry 5. Kristy Hiatt 6. Joni Hill 7. Kaci Johnson 8. Stacy Laden 9. Lindsey Laxton (Thompson) 10. Greg Mills 11. Julie Mills 12. Shania Morgan 13. Lisa Peay 14. Allie Plunk 15. Jessy Ross 16. Pam Sanders 17. Sue Sanders 18. Jan Scott (Rutherford) 19. Melissa Sells 20. Dottie Slabaugh 21. Kevin Slabaugh 22. Terra Wainscott 23. LeeAnna Williams DIRECTORS

1. Joe Bakken 2. Shannon Butler 3. Mark Jones 4. Mary Pat Sappenfield 5. Josh Vaughn 6. Candice Wilson 7. Jimmy Wilson Action Items

The board approved all action items, which included: - An auditor engagement letter and contract for audit of fiscal year 2023 with Kerry Patten, CPA.

- OSSBA Policy Changes for board policies: FOB “Corporal Punishment and FOR5 “Restraint and Seclusion.”

- A senior class trip on May 5, 2023, to Six Flags over Texas in Arlington, Texas. Seniors have a class trip every year and, if the trip is out of state, it must be approved by the board.

Consent Agenda

The board approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes of March 9, 2023, Regular Meeting; the fiscal year 20222023 Purchase Orders and Encumbrances: General Fund numbers 296 through 309 ($92,877.61); Child Nutrition Fund numbers 38 through 39 ($30,326); the Treasurer’s report; the Activity Fund report; temporary appropriations for the fiscal year 20232024: General Fund $6,700,000; Building Fund $350,000; and Child Nutrition Fund $700,000; Overnight Trips: FFA—Tulsa for the State FFA Convention on May 1st-3rd; and Fundraisers (FCCLA for Nationals).