The Poteau Public Schools board approved a package of routine and policy items on the consent agenda, and took separate votes on several operational items.

Financial staff reported November revenues were down versus last year because of delayed Title funding and prior-year ESSER timing, and noted the district had already purchased two route buses, an agricultural truck and completed HVAC and flooring work. The activity fund balance was reported at $777,806.

The board approved minutes from Nov. 10 and Nov. 21 and the financial reports and encumbrances. Finance staff reviewed multiple purchase orders, including PO 661 and 662 related to electrical work and a vault box for electric buses; PO 692 was identified for two electric Bluebird buses (post-discount). The board discussed the buses’ approximate price and approved the related encumbrances.

On the rural literacy grant, staff said the district received $11,000 and requested approval to use it primarily to pay stipends to teachers delivering high-quality literacy tutoring. A packet line listed an amount of "900" for stipends; board members asked whether the grant could also cover supplies and were told supplies could be paid in addition to stipends. The board approved using the grant funds as presented.

The board also approved an amendment to DEC‑R7 (maternity leave) to eliminate the requirement that employees be on staff one year before receiving district-paid maternity leave, allowing up to six weeks of paid leave as a recruiting and retention measure; staff estimated the maximum district cost per instance at about $3,000. The PHS handbook was modified to reflect current practice allowing students to leave campus for breakfast before the bell.

The board approved a yearly memorandum of understanding with Carl Albert Mental Health to provide wraparound services for students who need help beyond the district’s capacity; the MOU carries no direct cost to the district.

Student activity items approved included FFA out-of-state trips to Fort Smith (Feb. 4) and Conway, Ark. (Feb. 12) and a slate of activity fundraisers submitted for the 2025‑26 school year.

All actions on these consent and operational items were approved on roll-call votes recorded at the meeting.