The Meeker Board of Education this week adopted a resolution to name the athletic facilities in honor of Virgil Fowler who is retiring this year.
The board voted to name the athletic facilities “The Virgil Fowler Athletic Complex.”
Fowler announced in March he’s retiring and said he’s completing 40 years at Meeker. He said he attended Meeker schools as he was growing up.
Fowler is currently serving as the Dean of Students of the Middle School and has for a number of years.
During Monday night’s meeting, School Supt. Jeff Pruitt pointed to Fowler’s accomplishments to the district and impact he’s had on kids.
“This is our appreciation to a man who has spent 40 years of his life dedicated to the kids,” Pruitt said.
Pruitt said during a meeting a couple of months ago, “I haven’t had a better employee to work with than Virgil Fowler. He’s Mr. Meeker to me,” he added.
The Board also adopted another resolution to participate in a lawsuit against the State Board of Education concerning charter school funding.
Pruitt explained to the board members that around 200 school districts have joined in the lawsuit. He estimated cost to the district for its participation to be about $1,000-$1,100.
“Even though we don’t have a charter school within our district, this will impact us and other rural schools,” he advised the board. Pruitt estimates the loss of funds to Meeker schools at about $32,000 if the Board of Education decision isn’t overturned.
He informed board members what the State Board did was unconstitutional and State School Supt. Joy Hofmeister, who is a member of the board, voted against the motion calling it just that.
Later in Monday night’s meeting, following an executive session, board members approved continuing contracts for certified staff and support staff for the 2021-2022 school year and also Extra Duty contracts for the 2021- 2022 school year.
They also accepted the resignation of elementary school teacher Shannon Foye, high school secretary Karlene Gregory and encumbrance clerk Patty Gatlin.
In other business, the board: Voted to allow First Baptist Church to use a bus to transport
In other business, the board: students to Falls Creek.
Approved allowing the Meeker Chamber of Commerce to use buses to transport students to Prague for the summer swim program.
Approved a contract with Alcohol and Drug Testing Inc., for 2021-2022.
Approved a contract with Allison Brown as director of Federal Programs for 2021-2022.
Approved a contract with Jennifer James, Physical Therapist for 2021-2022.
Approved 2021-2022 Temporary appropriations.
Approved the child nutrition procurement plan.