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August 18, 2025
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
BOARD ACTIONS
The Board approved the following agenda items:
Recommendation of employment of new personnel and
reassignments.
Motion regarding changing financial institution for Putnam City High School Activity Fund Accounts from First Bethany Bank & Trust to Bank of Oklahoma beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.
Motion regarding appointment of members to the District Gifted Local Advisory Committee (LAC) for the Putnam City Gifted Program for the 2025-2026 school year.
Motion regarding revision(s) of District Policy CF – Travel and Expense Reimbursement.
Motion regarding revision(s) of District Policy CC – Purchasing.
Motion regarding Contract with Speech Pathway, LLC., for as needed speech and language services for students in Putnam City Schools and private schools for the 2025-2026 school year.
Motion regarding ratification of the 2025-2026 Negotiated Agreement between the Board of Education and the Putnam City Association of Classroom Teachers.
For a full list of Board meeting items and attachments, please view the full agenda on our website.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
COLLETTE SHEPARD-MCINTIRE had no comments.
CHARITY AVERY expressed her enthusiasm for how this year’s Convocation went. She spoke to the progress in inclusiveness in the District, especially for students with all abilities.
JUDY MULLEN HOPPER also expressed her enthusiasm for Convocation. She thanked all of the Legislators who were in attendance. She is very thankful for all of the new safety measures that are in place this year and thanked Chief Stout. She spoke about how much she loved this year’s District theme, “‘What If’ Starts Here.” She continued with the ‘What If’ theme and said, “What if all schools partner with the Foundation and their mentor program?” She encouraged retirees and community members to sign up to mentor through the PC Foundation’s mentoring program.
JAY SHERRILL echoed the enthusiasm for Convocation. He thanked all administrators, teachers, and staff for their hard work to get the year off to a fantastic start.
STEVE BURGER mentioned the Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet and encouraged attendance at the event. He also highlighted the upcoming ribbon-cutting for the Putnam City Centennial Center on October 6th. He mentioned Fall athletics and activities and urged community support of these events.
Meeting Date: Monday, August 18, 2025, 5pm
Location: PC Administration Building
In Attendance: Board Members: President Steve Burger, Jay Sherrill, Judy Mullen Hopper, Charity Avery, and Collette Shepard-McIntire; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, Board Clerk Stephanie Knox
Next Meeting: Monday, September 8, 2025, 5pm
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
The first day of the 2025–2026 school year got off to a great start across the District! Students arrived eager to begin, teachers and staff were prepared to welcome them, and the atmosphere in our schools was filled with excitement. The smooth start reflects the hard work that took place over the summer, from preparing classrooms and finalizing schedules to ensuring our buildings were ready for students. Thank you to our teachers, support staff, and administrators for playing a critical part in making the first day a success.
We also want to extend appreciation to our local news partners for the coverage they have provided leading up to and throughout the start of school. Their support helped tell the story of the great things happening in our classrooms, on our campuses, and throughout our community. Every day last week, Putnam City was featured in local news to tell stories about new safety measures, live coverage of the first day of school, and new staff members. We appreciate AJ Graffeo and the Communications team for all their work to make this positive news about public education happen.
Looking ahead, we have several big events on the calendar. On August 25th, we will induct a new group of distinguished honorees into the Putnam City Athletics Hall of Fame. This tradition allows us to celebrate athletes, coaches, and teams who have made lasting impacts on our athletic programs. Then, in October, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt will be inducted into the Putnam City Foundation Wall of Fame. Mayor Holt is a proud graduate of PC North! His leadership and service to Oklahoma City make this recognition especially meaningful. We are also excited to open the new Centennial Center soon, which will feature an exhibit honoring Mayor Holt with personal memorabilia from his school days, in the Rotunda for all to enjoy.
As we begin this new school year, I am encouraged by the momentum already in place. We have dedicated staff, supportive families, and students who are ready to learn and succeed. With that combination, the opportunities before us are limitless. This year, our District’s theme is “’ What If’ Starts Here.” It is a reminder that every idea, every effort, and every step forward helps write the next chapter. I look forward to seeing how our students, staff, and community bring these stories to life throughout the school year.
-Dr. Fred Rhodes
DISTRICT DATES & EVENTS
September 1- Labor Day No School
September 19- Teacher Collaboration Day, No School
HAPPENING AROUND PC
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
From the first bell to the last high-five, the first day of school was pure magic. Every school in Putnam City came alive as we kicked off a brand new year! Thank you for letting us be part of your child’s story
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
In Putnam City, even practicing routines is fun! We visited Apollo Elementary on the second day of school to see how our littlest learners are settling into their new classrooms. From tidying classroom supplies and checking out library books, to sharing toys on the playground, our students are growing up before our eyes.
NEW SEASON, FRESH SERVES!
Capps Middle School held volleyball tryouts this week, and the talent was on full display. Returning players shared tips and tricks with younger hopefuls, helping them place the ball just right. We can’t wait to see where their season takes them!
PUTNAM CITY ATHLETES ARE READY TO COMPETE
PC High football kicked the year off with their annual intrasquad scrimmage, showing off plenty of talent and passion. All across the District, teams are preparing for a season worth showing up for!
OMNI HOTEL DONATES SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO ROLLINGWOOD ELEMENTARY
Recently, the OMNI Hotel held a school supplies drive and donated the supplies to our own Rollingwood Elementary! Thank you to everyone who participated and to OMNI Hotels! These supplies will go a long way for our Rockets.
INFORMATION & REMINDERS
Family School Year Calendar
STORIES MAKING HEADLINES
KFOR: A First-Year Teacher Comes Home
News 9: PC Schools Launches AI Weapon Detection Software
News 9: Superintendent Dr. Rhodes Looks Back at Career After Retirement Announcement
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Putnam City Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, identity, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, or disability. Translations are completed by Google Translate.