The Norman Public Schools Board of Education approved a personal electronic device ban and the establishment of the NPS Foundation as a qualified public school foundation at its special meeting Monday.
Proposed cell phone policy
The news: Stephanie Williams, NPS executive director of student services, and Courtney Scott, NPS chief communications officer, presented a proposed policy regarding personal electronic devices for students.
The policy comes after the Oklahoma legislature passed Senate Bill 139 in May, which bans personal electronic devices in public schools from bell-to-bell, meaning from the start of the school day to the final bell at the end of the day. The bill requires each school district adopt a policy complying with the bill for the 2025-26 academic year.
According to Williams, exceptions are made if the device is used as a health monitor, assistive technology or during an emergency. Students who violate the policy would be subject to confiscation of the device or further disciplinary action in the case of multiple violations, Williams said.
What they’re saying: Office 4 Board member Dawn Brockman said the policy was going to be an adjustment for students and teachers, but would ultimately help students.
“It’s going to be tough, but good things are tough,” Brockman said. “Accept that and accept the challenge. Let’s go. Let’s help our kids.”
Williams said the board will discuss implementation of the policy with school staff next month.
“Those conversations in July are going to be critical to determine what (staff needs),” Williams said. “We most certainly want it to be doable and sustainable for them.”
The vote: The board unanimously approved the policy.
NPS Foundation
The news: The board considered a resolution to approve the NPS Foundation as a qualified public school foundation, allowing the foundation to operate as a nonprofit and able to receive qualifying donations for the taxable year.
The NPS Foundation was formed in 1984 by donations from 78 community leaders. The foundation was created to enhance education in Norman schools. While donations are still made to the foundation, the resolution allows for the foundation to receive tax credit for these donations.
What they’re saying: Justin Milner, NPS associate superintendent and chief operating officer, said the foundation helps find new ways to bring more resources into NPS classrooms.
“We want to express our appreciation, as always, to the NPS Foundation for their continued support,” Milner said.
The vote: The board unanimously approved the resolution.
Proposal for the district’s insurance renewal
The news: Tyler Jones, NPS chief financial officer, presented a proposal for the district’s insurance related to worker compensation, property and liability insurance.
What they’re saying: Jones said that after seeing a rise in the district’s insurance costs over the past several years, he was excited to see the market start to decrease.
“That’s a really, really positive direction to be moving,” Jones said.
The vote: The board unanimously approved the proposal.
2024-25 amended budget presentation
The news: Jones also presented an amended budget for the 2024-25 school year.
What they’re saying: Jones said the board waited to look at the amended budget until some final numbers were in. He said the board has benefited from estimating a lower budget to keep costs down.
“We have a really conservative budget philosophy to start,” Jones said. “That always pays out for us at the end.”
The vote: The board unanimously approved the proposed budget.
2025-26 proposed budget presentation
The news: Jones presented the 2025-26 proposed budget, which included a state funding increase in the teacher salary schedule.
House Bill 1087, which was approved by Gov. Kevin Stitt on June 10, increased annual teacher salary increases, or steps, from 25 to 35 years. Each step on a teacher’s salary schedule represents a salary increase.
Jones said NPS was already budgeted for teachers to reach step 31 before the bill passed, meaning NPS teachers will receive an annual pay raise for up to 31 years, according to reporting from Oklahoma Voice.
What they’re saying: Jones said the district will benefit from the state salary schedule change because money has already been allotted space in the budget.
“That’s a real positive for the district financially,” Jones said. “We’re able to use some of those funds to fund teacher pay raises, operations, all the things we need to fund.”
The vote: The board unanimously approved the proposed budget.
Declaration of school year calendar method
The news: The board voted to use a calendar method of hours instead of days following the passage of House Bill 1087, which updated language regarding length of the school year.
What they’re saying: Holly Nevels, NPS associate superintendent and chief human resource officer, said operating in hours provides more flexibility in the event of unexpected school closures.
“It allows us also to save some time for those inclement weather emergency situations,” Nevels said.
The vote: The board unanimously approved the declaration.
Appointment of new employees
The news: The board voted to appoint Kristen Earley as principal at Roosevelt Elementary School, Miranda Stewart as assistant principal at Adams Elementary School, Sally Salmons as assistant principal intern at Jefferson Elementary School, Chabeli Montoya as Spanish Language Academy Site coordinator at Truman Elementary and Haley Drusen as NPS general counsel.
The vote: All appointments were approved unanimously.
This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Natalie Armour.
