Correction: This story was updated at 10:36 p.m. on May 5 to correct a quote from Office 3 Board member Annette Price.
The Norman Public Schools Board of Education approved a solar project agreement for Whittier Middle School, rejected the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program and heard updates on proposed renovations at Kennedy Elementary School during its Monday meeting.
Whittier Middle School solar project agreement
The news: The board heard information for an agreement on a solar panel project at Whittier Middle School.
The project would install a solar panel system on the school’s room that would generate 69.2% of the meter’s energy.
What they’re saying: Justin Milner, NPS associate superintendent and chief operating officer, and Tony Capucille, founder of the solar power capital partner Brightwell, presented the board with the agreement.
According to Capucille, the project consists of 598 panels that would produce 543,714 kWh and provide an annual carbon offset of more than 848 thousand lbs.
Whittier Middle School would provide no money in capital investment while reaping an estimated benefit of $1.92 million if the service agreement is bought out at a fair market value after seven years, per Capucille.
In April 2024, Brightwell installed a solar panel system at Norman North High School, which, according to Capucille, has reduced long-term operational expenses for NPS.
Upon agreement, Capucille said installation should occur late summer 2025 after engineering and permitting occur.
The vote: The board unanimously approved the project agreement.
Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program
The news: The board considered implementing the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program, an initiative created by the state legislature designed to retain teachers by allowing up to 10% of a district’s teachers to receive stipends.
The program has expanded from 15 districts to 74 districts this year. School districts that have implemented the program include Oklahoma City Public Schools, Union City Public Schools and Tulsa Public Schools.
What they’re saying: Holly McKinney, NPS executive director of teaching and learning, and Sarah Seymore, NPS director of professional learning and development, presented the board with information on the program.
In order to receive the stipends, McKinney said teachers must participate in additional work days, which will require them to either receive professional learning or provide professional learning.
Stipends for advanced designations require a minimum of three consecutive years of NPS experience, lead designations require a minimum of four consecutive years in the district and master designations require five consecutive years in the district.
For advanced designation, the stipends would be $3,000. Lead designations would qualify for a $5,000 stipend, and those with master designations would receive $10,000.
According to Seymore, the stipends are first come, first serve, meaning teachers will have more time to apply for stipends if the program is approved earlier.
The selection process consists of teacher applications, Oklahoma State Department of Education requirements, the NPS rubric and the district staff development committee.
Office 2 Board member Alex Ruggiers said four teachers have contacted him with worries of competition and resentment among the staff due to this program.
“I’ve not heard a lot of support from teachers on this,” Ruggiers said.
Office 5 Board member Tori Collier said she also received letters containing concerns about the program and how it’s intended to avoid pay raises for teachers.
Office 4 Board member Dawn Brockman said the program is challenging for her to agree with, comparing it to a “Trojan Horse.” Office 3 Board member Annette Price voiced similar concern, saying the program feels like a trap.
“This is a trap set for us by the state, …” Price said. “We do not need to allow an Apple of Discord to be in this district.”
O’Hara said he is conflicted because he does not want to block an opportunity for teachers to earn more money, but he is concerned about how stipend recipients will be publicly known.
Despite concerns, Seymore said the program has had a positive impact on other districts that have already implemented the program.
“It really has brought teachers together in a whole new way,” Seymore said. “Recognition of the work they do and an opportunity to do that has been the overwhelming response that we’ve seen.”
The vote: The board unanimously voted against the program. Board members encouraged McKinney and Seymore to conduct an anonymous teacher-wide survey across the district.
Kennedy Elementary School renovation updates
The news: The board heard updates about upcoming renovations for Kennedy Elementary School.
The project overview includes plans for an additional classroom, a multi-user restroom, a teacher restroom and a STEAM classroom. The renovations are part of the 2023 bond package and will be adjacent to the school’s recent storm shelter addition.
What they’re saying: Milner and Kenna Daniel, a partner with CWA group, presented the board with updates about the elementary school.
The project should not interrupt school activities given the location of the renovations, according to Daniel.
Daniel said she will have additional information about the project in July, and construction will begin May 2026. Daniel could not present a timeline for the renovations but said one will develop as the project ensues.
Annual graduation report review
The news: The board heard the district’s annual review on four-year graduation rates throughout the school district.
What they’re saying: Jennifer Beer, NPS director of secondary student services, and Hallie Wright, Norman High School principal, presented the board with the review.
According to data provided, there was an increase in dropout rates from the 2017-18 school year to 2022-23. At Norman High School, the rate increased from 0.1% to 4.4%, and the Norman North High School rate increased from 0.3% to 3.5%.
Beer said the increase in rates was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Norman High School’s dropout rate is higher than the most recent state average of 4.1%. The NPS district dropout rate, which includes alternative school Dimensions Academy, sits at 4.6%
The 2022-23 dropout rate for Dimensions Academy was 35.7%.
“Regardless though, it’s gotta be better,” Office 1 Board member Dirk O’Hara said.
Beer said there are plans to decrease dropouts and increase graduation rates throughout NPS. According to Beer, expanded programs, a renewed focus on improving attendance and addressing truancy, and increased mental health support are part of future plans.
Some of the programs have been in place for a few years, Beer said. In addition to existing programs, Wright said school counselors are the “point person” for students at risk of dropping out.
“We are willing to do whatever it takes to get those kids across the finish line,” Beer said.
This story was edited by Ana Barboza.
