Hennessey’s school board members approved a state bid of $108,961 from Midwest Bus Sales for a 2021 Thomas activity bus.

The 44-passenger bus is $12 higher than the 40-passenger Blue Bird bus, but it has a front and rear camera system, Superintendent Dr. Mike Woods told the board at its meeting last Tuesday night.

Delivery will be 90-120 days, but it could be sooner.

“They may have one in stock,” Woods said.

He said bus drivers told him to stay away from air brakes.

“This one has hydraulic brakes,” Woods added.

The school is currently using yellow school buses for activity events.

Woodssaidtherewasalso a Coach bid of $340,000.

Board members present at the meeting were President Patrick Griffin, Vice President Dr. James Matthew Matousek, Clerk Luke Lough and Joe Garrison. Absent was Cristopher Choate.

New Band Director

Woods told the board he’d recently accepted a resignation, but didn’t say who had resigned.

When asked by the Times & Free Press reporter after the meeting who had resigned, Woods said it was band director Matthew Houston.

His written resignation was effective immediately and dated Oct. 8.

Houston was in his second year at Hennessey.

The Times & Free Press was notified Wednesday that the board will have a special meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, to hire a band instructor on a temporary certified contract for the rest of the school year.

Board Member Filing

Dec. 4-6

The board routinely approved calling the annual election for the board seat No. 5 held by Griffin. When asked before the meeting, Griffin said he was unsure if he would file.

Filing is Dec. 4-6 at the Kingfisher County Election Board.

If three or more file for the one seat, there will be a primary election Tuesday, Feb. 11.

If only two file, then the election will be April 7.

OSSAA Reclassification

Griffin said that Principal Angela Avila’s monthly mid-high school report showed there are 232 students in grades 9-12.

He said the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association uses the first quarter numbers for reclassifications.

She said her last report to the state showed 228 students.

“We’re right on the bubble,” Griffin said. “You don’t want to be the smallest school in 2A, or any class.”

He said coaches are unable to schedule any games for next year until they find out which class they are in.

There was discussion that Hennessey is now in 2A football and 3A basketball and baseball.

“We’re in 3A volleyball with Chisholm,” said Griffin. “We’ve got to get private schools out of there.”

“You’re right. Chisholm is almost a private school,” said volleyball coach Matt Means from the audience. That caused smiles.

Teachers of the Month

The October Teachers of the Month are Amy Hostrasser, elementary school (second grade teacher) and Lisa Bossa, middle school (social studies).