Troutman steps down as elementary principal

The Comanche Board of Education met on March 12 for a regular session. Board members approved various routine consent agenda items, including the minutes of the February regular meeting, the resignation of Kim Clampitt and Robin Troutman, and the treasurer’s report. The board also approved general fund encumbrances and E-Rate supported contracts with Chickasaw Long Distance and RCN.

On March 13, Troutman wrote a Facebook post on the elementary’s school page about her decision to leave:

“Today, I will end my journey with Comanche Public Schools,” Troutman said. “Due to an ongoing medical condition, I will not be returning to school after Spring Break. I wanted to let you all know how wonderful this chapter of my life has been serving as a leader in this wonderful school district, which using Mr. Davidson’s words, ‘This Is a Special Place’. I wish an abundance of success to our families and students. I will miss seeing all of the faces, getting the hugs, and talking to parents about the joys of their lives, your kiddos. I have enjoyed working in the company of the most talented teachers and staff while here learning together to make an outstanding academic and school environment for your kids to learn and families to visit. Thank you for your kindness over the years, I can’t think of a better exit than with this school system. It’s been an honor.”

In other business, Ms. Odom from Patten & Odom, CPAs, presented the 2022-23 audit page by page and answered questions from board members. Odom was complimentary of the central office staff and their cooperation during the audit. The audit report noted that no items were out of compliance with the rules and regulations of the Oklahoma State Department of Education and regulations related to the management of federal grants and programs. Odom did not have any notes or comments on any items of the audit. Superintendent Julie Bills complimented the central office staff and others throughout the school district whose diligence in managing school district finances contributed to a positive audit report.

Bills shared with the board the recent accomplishments of the student body. She reported on numerous athletic accomplishments in the wrestling program, basketball programs, and band. The Indian basketball team was named Class 3A Academic Champions. The wrestling program had six state qualifiers and CPS’s first female state champion - Brook West. Gage Jensen was the state runner-up in his division. Bills reported on the Agriculture Education program and OYE projects. The band received superior ratings in the solo and ensemble contests. Bills also reported on Fame student art being exhibited at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center during March and reported on various FCA activities.

In other business, board members approved the rehiring of school district leaders for the 2024-2 fiscal year:

n Terry Davidson - Finance Director

n Kim Justus - Elementary Principal

n Megan Stuckey - Elementary Assistant Principal

n Angela Rouse - Middle School Principal

n Jason Schreiner - High School Principal

n Morgan Mannen - Special Programs/Technology Director

n Sean Hushbeck - Athletic Director/Transportation Director/Indian Education Director

n Elizabeth Ressel - Alternative Education/Federal Programs/Professional Development/McKinney-Vento

n Kristen Slovak - Gifted Talented Coordinator

In her recommendation to rehire the directors, Bills noted, “These individuals are dedicated and have helped to ensure that our students have had opportunities for continued growth.”

In other business, Bills reported on bond updates and followed up on the parent concerns of ADA building compliance and Child Nutrition.

The Board also approved an extension of Superintendent Bill’s contract and also approved the contract to purchase a lot adjacent to the school property.