Development News for El Reno, Oklahoma

Board of Education Meeting Features Heroic Recognition, Student Delegates, Testing Program Update, and Multiple Waiver Approvals

The Board of Education meeting included several recognitions and acknowledgments. Governor Kevin Stitt presented the Heroic Oklahoma Award to Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School for his selfless act during an incident. The meeting also recognized the 2026 Oklahoma U.S. Senate Youth Delegates, Lakshmi Bersum and Cross Brown, who introduced their parents and shared their experiences. Employee recognitions included Vicki Hell for 30 years of service and Jennifer Weber as Employee of the Month. The board approved minutes from the April 23rd meeting. Dr. Ramel Mollins-Poland provided an overview of the Oklahoma State Testing Program, explaining its purpose and administration. Kristen Stevens presented staffing levels and financial updates for April, noting potential increases in employee numbers due to legislative session outcomes. The board approved statutory waiver requests for alternative education programs, allowing districts with fewer than 10 alternative education students to operate their own programs. Further action was taken on library media services deregulation requests, with waivers granted or postponed for several schools based on specific circumstances and timelines. A waiver was also approved for Deer Creek regarding library media specialist certification. Finally, the board discussed and voted on textbook funding flexibility waivers, denying the request for Crooked Oak and approving it for Sperry. A waiver was granted for non-certified substitute teachers exceeding hour limits for Midwest City Del City Public Schools due to unique circumstances, with a strong emphasis that this is an extraordinary remedy and not to set a precedent.