The Cleveland Board of Education met on August 3, 2026, to conduct regular district business, approve annual agreements, and review progress on initiatives supporting students, staff, and our community. As we prepare to welcome students back, the board addressed a variety of operational, financial, and facility-related items that will help support another successful school year.

Consent Agenda Approved

Board members approved a series of routine beginning-of-year items that help ensure district operations run smoothly. These included financial reports, contracts, facility use agreements, and partnerships that expand services and opportunities for Cleveland students.

Among the approvals were:

• Treasurer's Report and Financial Reports
• Speech pathology contract with Robert Kirschner
• Janitorial services contract with Grimsley's
• Memorandum of Understanding with the Oklahoma School for the Deaf
• Memorandums of Understanding with GRAND Mental Health
• Partnership with Central Technology Center allowing students to earn academic credit through CareerTech coursework
• Service agreement with Cleveland Area Hospital for student drug testing and speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy services
• Occupational therapy services contract with Sue Goza
• Civil Rights Assurance Statement with Oklahoma State University
• Memorandum of Understanding with Dayspring Counseling Services
• Contract with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education for state program assistance and salary supplementation
• Tulsa Teachers Credit Union Select Employee Group membership
• Community facility use requests, including Little League Football and the Lea Roberts Primary Gym
• Memorandum of Understanding with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
• Additional fundraising requests and student activity travel requests

These approvals help provide important academic, behavioral health, career readiness, and extracurricular opportunities for Cleveland students.

Library Media Services Waiver Approved

The board approved a Library Media Services Deregulation Waiver for the 2027-2030 school years.

Under Oklahoma requirements, school districts that do not employ a full-time certified Library Media Specialist in every building must apply for this waiver. Approval allows the district to remain compliant while continuing to provide library services to students.

Adjunct Teaching Appointment Approved

The board approved an adjunct teacher for the 2026-27 school year to teach a fifth-grade elective course. Adjunct appointments provide the district flexibility to offer quality educational experiences by utilizing individuals with specialized knowledge and expertise.

Board Authorizes Next Steps for Facility Improvements

A significant portion of the meeting focused on two resolutions related to future district facility improvements. The board approved resolutions authorizing agreements with the Cleveland Educational Facilities Authority (CEFA), an important step in pursuing facility improvements through lease revenue bond financing. While the legal language may sound complex, the purpose is straightforward. Oklahoma law requires school districts to work through a public trust, such as CEFA, when utilizing this type of financing structure.

The approved actions authorize:

1. Leasing certain district property to CEFA as part of the financing process.
2. Subleasing that property back to Cleveland Public Schools so district operations continue uninterrupted while projects are completed.

These resolutions establish the legal framework necessary to continue investing in district facilities while working within the district's available financing options.

Major Encumbrances and Investments

The board also reviewed and approved district encumbrances. Notable expenditures included:

• New bleachers for the Agriculture Barn to better accommodate student programs and community events.
• New lighting projects for athletic facilities, improving visibility, safety, and the overall experience across district athletic fields.
• Payment of annual bond interest obligations.
• Payment of the first installment associated with the district's lease revenue bond obligations.

These investments reflect the district's continued commitment to maintaining facilities, supporting extracurricular programs, and meeting financial obligations responsibly.

Tiger Vision Project Update

Board members received an update on the district's ongoing Tiger Vision facilities initiative.

Phase 1: Indoor Practice Facility

• Approximately 95% complete

Phase 2: High School Renovations

Including:

• Roof improvements
• Science laboratories
• Special education classrooms
• Health Careers classroom
• Lecture room

Status:

• Approximately 90% complete

Phase 3: Middle School and Intermediate Campus Improvements

Including:

• Middle School gymnasium and locker rooms
• Intermediate cafeteria improvements
• Event Center wrestling facilities

Next Steps:

• Subcontractor bids anticipated in September
• Construction expected to begin in November

Phase 4: High School West Side Renovations

Including:

• Fine Arts spaces
• Gymnasium improvements
• Kitchen renovations
• Cafeteria upgrades

Next Steps:

• Design work anticipated during Winter 2026-27
• Construction anticipated during Summer 2027

The Tiger Vision initiative continues to make significant progress as the district works to improve learning environments and student opportunities across all campuses.

Policy Review Process Underway

The board also reviewed recommendations from the district's legal team regarding annual policy updates. These suggested revisions will continue through the board review process before any final action is taken by the Board of Education.

Community Partnerships Worth Celebrating

As the school year begins, Cleveland Public Schools would like to extend special appreciation to several community partners whose generosity helped welcome staff back for another year of service.

A huge thank you goes to Cleveland Care & Rehab for providing breakfast bagels for district staff during the start-of-school activities. Their support and encouragement are greatly appreciated.

We would also like to recognize Kristina Horine of Blue Sky Bank and Cleveland Board of Education member, who provided gourmet cookies for staff during Open House events across the district. These thoughtful gestures help create a positive and welcoming start to the school year for our employees.

Community partnerships like these remind us how fortunate we are to live and work in a town that consistently supports its schools.

Looking Ahead

With the first day of school here, excitement is building across every campus. While much of the work leading up to the school year involves planning, preparation, and checklists, the true purpose of our work returns when students walk through our doors. Every position within Cleveland Public Schools plays an important role in the success of our students. The greatest privilege, and responsibility, of public education is knowing that what we do matters each and every day. We are grateful for our staff, supportive families, community partners, and Board of Education as we begin another school year dedicated to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed.