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STAFF REPORT

Budget Hearing – Ryan Spilman – Chief Financial Officer

BOARD ACTIONS

The Board approved the following agenda items:

• Recommendation of employment of new personnel and reassignments

• Motion regarding approval of the Proposed Amended Operating Budget for FY 2026 as presented November 3, 2025, pursuant to School District Budget Act

• Motion regarding granting easement access to the City of Warr Acres for the property located at 50th and Meridian

• Motion regarding a Facilities Management Portal Agreement with Facilitron, Inc. for management of public facility rentals for the 2025-2026 school year

• Motion to enter into an Agreement to purchase core network switches from United Data Networking

• Motion to enter into an Agreement with AeroIT to purchase head-end equipment, transceivers and optics for fiber WAN connectivity

For a full list of Board meeting items and attachments, please view the full agenda on our website.

COLLETTE SHEPARD-MCINTIRE 

Mrs. Shepard-McIntire congratulated the Teachers of Distinction. She also commented on the PC Foundation’s very successful Wall of Fame event. 

CHARITY AVERY

Mrs. Avery congratulated the Teachers of Distinction. She acknowledged recent festivities in the District and thanked everyone for their hard work to put them on. 

JAY SHERRILL

Mr. Sherrill echoed the other Board members.

STEVE BURGER

Mr. Burger commented on the PC Foundation’s Wall of Fame event, calling it the nicest one that he has ever attended. He spoke to the positive effects of not having cell phones in schools and the evidence he heard recently from a Guest Teacher. He gave a shoutout to all of the amazing things happening in the District that are regularly highlighted through our Communications Department. He encouraged everyone to fill out the feedback form for the Superintendent Search. The survey closes on the 13th, and the actual job application will be open through the first part of December. Lastly, he provided some athletics updates and spoke to the crossover between fall and winter sports. 

Meeting Date: Monday, November 3, 2025, 5pm
Location: PC Centennial Center, Gail LoPresto Board Room
1914 Centennial Pkwy, OKC. OK. 73122
In Attendance: Board Members: President Steve Burger, Vice President Jay Sherrill, Charity Avery, and Collette Shepard-McIntire; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, Board Clerk Stephanie Knox
Next Meeting: Monday, November 17, 2025, 5pm

Recently, we had the honor of recognizing our first-ever Putnam City Teachers of Distinction throughout the District. This program is an extension of the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program through the State Department of Education. The applications of teachers who met the criteria, went through a rigorous selection committee.  Ultimately, 11 fantastic educators were chosen by Putnam City  and approved by the State Department of Education.

Congratulations to the following Teachers of Distinction:

Allison Becker, Dennis Elementary

Lisa Boser, Rollingwood Elementary

Gladis Cabrera, Cooper Middle School

Jamie Causey, PC North High School

Linda Evans, PC High School

Cecelia McTighe, Dennis Elementary

Ryan Murphy, PC High School

Patrick Orth, Cooper Middle School

Joshua Paxson, Dennis Elementary

Eloise El Qacemi, Capps Middle School

Jeremy Scott, PC North High School

These teachers exemplify exceptional teaching practices that have a profound and positive impact on students and their colleagues. Being a Teacher of Distinction celebrates their mastery of content and instruction, along with the ability to inspire growth, mentorship, and leadership within their school community.

I’d like to extend a very heartfelt “Thank You” to all who have stepped up to provide food for families.   I am so proud of the Putnam City Schools community; we are the strongest, when we come together and work for a common cause. Students, staff, and families throughout our District may be facing challenges right now due to the disruption in SNAP benefits. However, Putnam City has always been a strong community, and it is during times like these that we can prove it. An email was recently sent to all families from the District and PC Foundation outlining the resources available for families who may need help, as well as information for ways families, who are able, to help others. I encourage any family in need of resources to contact our incredible counselors, and if you missed the email, it can be found on our District’s website. Together, we can move forward boldly and ensure our students continue learning, stay healthy, and families are supported. 

And finally, I’d like to tell you about a very exciting event coming up in the Rotunda at the Centennial Center in November.  We love to highlight, congratulate and honor our graduates. Last month, the PC Schools Foundation honored Mayor David Holt as the newest inductee into the Foundation’s Wall of Fame.  On Monday, November 17 from 4:00-6:00 pm, the State’s foremost authority in the field of history, Bob L. Blackburn (PC High ’69) and  foremost authority in local, state and national parks, Brian Dougherty (PC West ’75) will present an Author Talk and Book Signing of their recently released book, Parks of Oklahoma City: A History. They are very graciously donating all proceeds from the purchase of the book to the PC Schools Foundation, which supports numerous projects across the District. This is a great opportunity to meet the authors, purchase a quality book and support the Foundation.  

-Dr. Fred Rhodes

November 25-28 Thanksgiving Holiday- No School/ District Offices Closed

In Putnam City, our teachers shape their own learning journey at the 2025 District Teaching & Learning Conference, every educator chose sessions that fit their students, their style, and their goals. From reading literacy to AI integration, they left with new tools and strategies they can use in the classroom immediately.

Sweet treats, cool beats & happy kids, Putnam City West Fall Festival had it all! 

Arbor Grove Elementary kicked off Red Ribbon Week with a burst of color! Students and staff showed their Red Ribbon Week spirit by dressing in their brightest outfits, celebrating making healthy choices.

3rd–5th graders at Ralph Downs Elementary celebrated Halloween a little differently by learning all about leadership from Boomer, the University of Oklahoma’s mascot! Boomer, Speedy, and our Roadrunners practiced “getting into character” and talked about the importance of following through and being respectful.

The Rolling Thunder Book Bus visited Dennis Elementary! Students got to climb aboard, explore the shelves, and pick out a free book to take home and enjoy.

After a SPOOK-tacular 3rd grade play and Monster Mash dance party, families joined Title Night to enjoy stories, games, and free books. Title Nights across Putnam City make learning together at home fun and easy!

An extension of the OSDE Teacher Empowerment Program, these PC educators applied, met the qualifications, and were chosen for their demonstration of exceptional teaching, leadership, and impact in our classrooms and communities.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

• Jamie Causey, Putnam City North High School

• Jeremy Scott, Putnam City North High School

• Patrick Orth, Kenneth Cooper Middle School

• Gladis Cabrera, Kenneth Cooper Middle School

• Allison Becker, Dennis Elementary School

• Cecelia McTighe, Dennis Elementary School

• Linda Evans, Putnam City High School

• Ryan Murphy, Putnam City High School

• Eloise El Qacemi, Capps Middle School

• Joshua Paxson, Dennis Elementary School

• Lisa Boser, Rollingwood Elementary School

Out of more than 107,000 applicants nationwide, only 1,238 students were selected for their academic excellence, leadership, and service. We’re proud to see Marcello representing Putnam City among the nation’s best and brightest!

Putnam City Schools is committed to caring for every child and family in our community. Our schools, counselors, and community partners are working together to make sure each student has what they need.

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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.