It was a packed house at the January Board of Education meeting as students, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate student achievements and plan for future district growth. With an agenda that included student recognitions, program updates, and long-term planning, the meeting reflected a district focused on honoring success while thoughtfully preparing for the future.
Student accomplishments were a highlight of the evening. The board recognized the Pryor High School Pom Squad, celebrating the team as the 2025 Large 5A Hip Hop State Champions. Coach Rachelle Stimson shared her pride in the athletes, describing the squad as a dedicated group that represents the District with excellence both on and off the floor.
The board also celebrated the achievements of Pryor’s Unified Cheer Team, enjoying a spirited performance by the recent Special Olympics gold medal winners. Special Education Director Leslie Burnett and team coach Tonya Mitchell introduced the athletes and highlighted the teamwork and perseverance that led to their success.
Student voice and leadership were also front and center. House leaders from Lincoln Elementary expressed appreciation to the Board for its continued support of student leadership and learning, reinforcing the strong connection between district leadership and campus culture.
District governance and long-range planning were central to the evening’s discussions. The Board voted to approve extending the employment contract of Superintendent Dr. Lisa Muller through the 2028–2029 school year, affirming continued leadership and stability as the district plans for future growth.
The Board also approved a resolution authorizing the calling and holding of a $98,115,000 bond election to fund construction of a new middle school, complete Phase II of the stadium project, and fund ongoing facility maintenance, such as roof replacements, HVAC systems, and parking lot improvements. With consistent leadership in place under Superintendent Dr. Lisa Muller, the proposed bond represents a continuation of purposeful planning to meet the district’s growing needs.
If approved by voters, the proposed new middle school would help alleviate overcrowding and prepare the district for future growth. Plans include converting the current middle school into an intermediate elementary campus serving 5th and 6th grade students, freeing classroom space for Pre-K through 4th grade at existing elementary schools. The newly constructed middle school would serve 7th and 8th-grade students. Phase II of the stadium project includes the addition of a practice facility and a field house to support student athletes and district programs.
Updates on student-focused programs further highlighted the district’s commitment to well-rounded learning experiences. Child Nutrition Director Amy Floch shared positive news about Pryor’s school lunch programs, noting that returning to Opaa! as the district’s food service provider has resulted in increased student participation—now at its highest level in more than four years.
Floch also highlighted the continued success of Nutrition Advisory Council (NAC) meetings, which provide students with hands-on, small-group experiences focused on healthy nutrition while enriching cultural understanding. Activities have included cooking fry bread and carving pumpkins. Looking ahead, an upcoming Opaa! Challenge will invite middle and high school FCCLA students to submit original recipes for taste testing, with the winning entry advancing for possible inclusion in the Opaa! cookbook.
Together, the recognitions, leadership decisions, program updates, and planning discussions underscored Pryor Public Schools’ commitment to celebrating its students, supporting meaningful learning experiences, and maintaining steady leadership as the district prepares for the years ahead.