Poteau School Board appoints new member

Poteau School Board appoints new member

Poteau School Board members appointed Troy George to fill the Seat 5 position on the board at Monday night’s meeting. George is pastor of Poteau First Baptist Church and replaces Matt McBee, who resigned earlier.

Policy approved

A policy relating to gender identification was approved. Students must use the restroom that matches the gender they were assigned at birth, or they may use a separate facility. The policy also sets disciplinary actions for misusing the policy.

Teacher recognized

Nikki Steelman, pictured, was recognized as Pansy Kidd Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Kelly Watson was named sponsor of the newly formed Rodeo Club.

Pirate football fans may get to own a piece of team history soon. The board declared some surplus items to be junked or sold, including the Costner Stadium scoreboard. Devin Cochran said he hopes the new scoreboard will be delivered by February in time for the old one to be auctioned off during the annual football awards banquet. The old softball field scoreboard and an obsolete ramp also were declared surplus.

Fundraisers, trips approved 

The board also approved several fundraisers and out-of-state trips for the coming months.

Resignations

In personnel matters, they accepted the resignations of Finance Director Valerie Martin, Vo-Ag teacher Crystal Shipman and Maintenance person Jerry Beal.

Hires

The board agreed to hire Finance Director Shannon Barnes, Head Soccer Coach Billy Adean, Aviation instructor Randy Steelman and Vo-Ag teacher Justin Payne.

Story written by KEN MILAM