School safety and security was at the forefront of conversation May 8th during the regular meeting of the Allen Board of Education.

Superintendent Jeff Hiatt and Shannon Butler, Allen Schools’ resource officer, addressed the board during administrative reports.

They provided an update on safety issues that have been resolved, and plans for additional issues moving forward that will be handled to make Allen Schools’ better.

The system is adding security film to all exterior doors, which makes the glass shatterproof from anything or anyone trying to breakin.

Two-way radios for optimum communication from building to building in case of emergencies were added, and the system continues to add cameras where they are needed.

“We are continuing to fix doors,” Hiatt said. “All exterior doors hopefully will be access control before next school year. We have rekeyed all locks on interior and exterior doors and have a quick safe unified system moving forward.”

The school system added a much-needed security fence around the buses and vehicles due to the constant break-ins.

Hiatt said a nicer, secure fence will be added around the playground for next year during the summer.

“We are fixing sidewalks and walkways to make them all handicap accessible,” Hiatt said. “We have added vape sensors to bathrooms. We will be doing training with teachers and staff moving forward to be ready for any unforeseen intruders. We are also doing training to help the staff identify potential highrisk students that could be violent.”

Consent Agenda

The board approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes of the April 10, 2023, Regular Meeting; the fiscal year 20222023 Purchase Orders and Encumbrances: General Fund numbers 310 through 333 ($83,220.57); Child Nutrition Fund numbers 40 through 42 ($23,500); Treasurer’s Report; Activity Fund Report; Overnight Trips: 1). High School Cheer camp in Norman June 2nd-June 4th. 2). FCCLA Nationals in Denver, Colorado, July 1st-6th. 3). High School Band in Weatherford July 9th-14th. 4). Junior High Band in Weatherford June 25th-28th, 5). High School Girls Basketball in Warner May 22nd-24th and Vinita June 18th-21st; Fundraiser for fiscal year 24 (Football, Girls Basketball, and Softball); Renew Drug Testing Consortium for Bus Drivers; Travel Requests 2022-2023 numbers 11 and 12; and Summer Extra-Duty Pay at $10/hour.

Action Items

The only action item was a vote to approve or disapprove a Resolution for Schools and Libraries Universal Services (E-Rate) for 2023-2024. This resolution authorizes filing of the Form 471 application(s) for funding year 2023-2024 and the payment of the applicant’s share upon approval of funding and receipt of services.

The board approved the item.

“E-Rate is federal money we get to pay for our internet services and infrastructure at school (including routers, wireless access points, etc.),” Hiatt said.

Executive Session

The board entered into executive session and, after returning, accepted resignations from Melissa Sells and Chad Colbert, effective May 12th.

The board hired Linda Baber (part-time) for Junior High English Language Arts teacher for fiscal year 2023-24.

The board also hired Steve Butcher (JH/HS Principal) additional duties of the athletic director for fiscal year 2024.

Elementary school summer school contracts were approved for this summer, and coaching assignments were discussed but not approved yet for fiscal year 2024.

The board hired back all teachers and staff that were on the agenda list for fiscal year 2024.