Hennessey Public Schools “runs a tight financial ship,” “buildings are fabulously maintained” and “the district strongly supports classroom technology.”

That’s what the president of a North Carolina-based consulting firm told the school board last Monday night about the district’s February performance review.

Each time Tatia Prieto announced commendations, she also gave recommendations.

They included:

• “Establish a budget process that is timely, easily understood, and involves all,”

• “Add two full-time custodians” at The Dome, and,

• “Not all teachers embrace technology, some think it’s a fancy white board…Adopt explicit expectations for teacher and administrator technology competence.”

Prieto said they also recommend a formal policy for the general fund balance with a minimum and maximum.

“But I understand Oklahoma schools aren’t always sure how much money they will receive each year from the legislature, Prieto said.

Consultation is free to the school “courtesy of your state legislature and the State Department of Education,” said Daniel Craig, executive director of Prieto Prismatic Services.

The “Quality and Accountability’s School Performance Review” is not required, but was done at the request of Superintendent Dr. Mike Woods, said Craig.

Members of Prismatic’s team spent two-and-a-half days in February (one during a snow day) at the school gathering information.

The review includes 67 recommendations and 15 will cost more, such as adding “at least a half-time counselor at the middle school.”

Top recommendations:

• Develop a succession plan (Hire a successor-in-waiting for the maintenance director position and someone to assist in the transportation director’s duties and drive a bus).

• Develop and implement curriculum alignment frameworks and teacher accountability measures.

• Expand space for student eating.

• Implement an instructional technology plan.

The school is not required to complete any of the recommendations, but if the district choose to do so it could take up to four years for completion, board members were told.

The company said the review will be posted on its website (PrismaticServices.com).

Board members present at the on-site meeting were: President Dr. James Matthew Matousek; Vice President Luke Lough, and Patrick Griffin. Via Zoom was Joe Garrison. Clerk Cristopher Choate was absent.

Also at the board table were Superintendent Dr. Mike Woods and Timberly Jech, business manager and recording clerk.

Staff in the audience were Angela Avila, Barry Crosswhite, Stacey Schovanec, Paul Hix, Todd Cameron, Kathi Reilly and Autumn Blackburn.

Others in the audience were Hennessey Police Chief Hank Weber, Officer Aaron Pitts, Lacy Vadder, Chandra Seiger and Tony Blackburn.