Superintendent Lori Simpson was given an eighth term as Tonkawa Superintendent of Schools at Monday nights monthly meeting of the Board of Education.
She began her first term in July of 2014.
Board members Casey McAninch, Mary Allan, Nancy Appleman, Cara Beth Johnson and Jerry Hook voted unanimously to give Simpson an eighth straight term.
The board met in private for nearly an hour to do their evaluation of Simpson,
When they returned to open session, McAninch made a motion and Allan seconded to rehire Simpson.
Board President Johnson issued the following statement while casting her yes vote:
“This year has been full of uncertainty and challenges. Lori has shown her dedication to TPS and keeping as much continuity for students and staff as possible.
“In a time of economic uncertainty and turmoil, Lori has found funding that has helped support the district and its students.
“We are very proud of the fact that our students are connected and continue to be able to stay engaged with their teachers and fellow students. That is a direct result of the diligent work of the administration to ensure that every Tonkawa student has a computer and access to WIFI if it is not available at home.
“Lori has concisely communicated the updates through both phone calls and social media to inform parents and the community at large of the decisions that affect the district.
“Lori’s willingness to listen to dissenting opinions is appreciated. In these unprecedented times people have different perspectives and emotions run high, but Lori consistently looks at all factors and the implications on the district as a whole when making decisions, which is not an easy job.
“We can easily say that 2020 was a nightmare for all schools, but the Board has complete confidence in Lori’s abilities to lead our district through these times and protect the interests, health and safety of our students, faculty and staff,” she concluded.
Board member Allan praised Simpson’s “passion” for the job.
Simpson thanks board members for their vote of confidence. “It means a lot to serve the community where I was raised,” she said.
In other action, the board
-- Approved encumbrances totalling $186,145.81 with $37,045.02 from the general fund and $149,100.79 from bond fund 34.
-- Approved a request for TLE Qualitative Evaluation waiver and assurances.
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