Cleveland Schools October Board of Education Update

The Cleveland Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on October 7, 2025. Below are highlights from the discussion and actions taken.

Routine Items Approved
As part of the consent agenda, the board approved routine financials, reports, and agreements, as well as several student and activity requests:
Overnight Travel: Cleveland High School Student Council will attend the State Convention.
Fundraisers:
CPAC Pancake Breakfast
Baseball Cookie Dough Sales
Girls Soccer Pancake Breakfast
Varsity Cheer Zumbathon
Transportation Requests: Approval of student transportation for church and student activities.
Facility Use Requests:
Project Graduation student events in the Ag Barn and High School Multipurpose Room
Oklahoma 2nd Amendment Association Candidate Forum (House District 35) in the Cafegymatorium
House District 35 Candidate Forum

House District Forum
With the resignation of the previous office holder, a special election is scheduled this fall for State House District 35. Four of the six candidates will participate in a candidate forum hosted at Cleveland Schools.

As the largest school district in District 35, we have invited all four candidates to walk the halls of our schools before Fall Break. This gives them the chance to see firsthand the teaching, learning, and student life that happens each day in public schools.

2025–26 Budget Adoption
The board approved the district’s annual budget, which follows Oklahoma’s “estimate of needs” format—approving the maximum legal spending limits for each fund.

General Fund: $19,862,149.03
Building Fund: $2,856,622.45
Child Nutrition Fund: $1,440,928.78
Building Bond Fund: $846,450.00
Sinking Fund: $1,674,055.83

Key Takeaways
Cleveland Schools is carrying over about $5 million from last year.
State law requires the district to spend down at least $500,000 this year.
Current projections show more in expenses than new revenue—not a crisis, but a challenge that requires thoughtful planning.

One of the biggest pressures is declining enrollment, which directly reduces state funding. The district is responding in two ways:

Telling our story better—making sure families know the unique opportunities Cleveland Schools offers.
Carefully documenting every student’s needs and qualifications—ensuring the district secures every available dollar to support them.

These efforts—sharing our story, accounting for every kid, and being thoughtful with our spending—will put us in a strong place moving forward.

School Board Elections
The board approved a resolution for the upcoming 2026 school board elections, which will include:
Ward 1 – 5-year term
Ward 3 – 2 years remaining in current term
Ward 5 – 4 years remaining in current term

Major Purchases & Projects
Highlighted encumbrances approved at this meeting include:
$32,840 – Palo Alto (network security)
$11,128 – Renaissance Accelerated Reader program
$95,000 – National Fitness Campaign partnership

The Fitness Court Project is moving forward, and will serve both students and the Cleveland community as a public wellness space.

Facilities & Renovations Updates
Tiger Vision Indoor Facility: Final design and runoff remediation are wrapping up. Subcontractor bids open November 6, the final step before construction scheduling.

HS Renovations, MS Addition, and IS Addition: All entering design phase this month.

MS/HS Furniture: New furniture arrives this week. Surplus furniture and donated supplies are being offered through a community bidding and pick-up process.

Strengthening Board Connections
We announced plans for semester walk-arounds with school board members, giving them firsthand opportunities to see classrooms in action and connect with students and staff.

Looking Ahead
Cleveland Schools remains focused on responsible financial planning, student-centered investments, and transparency with our community. By working together and telling our story, we can continue to keep Cleveland strong for every student.