Broken Arrow board approves $17,949 STEM grant, multiple personnel appointments and authorization to negotiate with BAEA

The Broken Arrow Public Schools board unanimously approved multiple routine items during its meeting, including a $17,949 Oklahoma CareerTech lottery STEM grant, several personnel appointments and authorization to begin negotiations with BAEA for the 2026–27 school year.

Grant and recognition: The board amended an information item to a vote and approved acceptance of a $17,949 STEM grant written by Kimberly Murray (Sequoia). Murray told trustees she will use the funds to buy equipment and teach students Photoshop, video production and other career skills and said she is taking students to nationals June 21–25.

Personnel actions: The board approved the appointment of Julie Sunderland as the district’s new director of teaching and learning (a new instructional‑team position); Katie Jones as assistant principal at the Freshman Academy; Alice Schneider as assistant principal at the high school; and Amanda Hunley as principal of Aspen Creek Early Childhood Center. Sunderland was not present; several other appointees addressed the board.

Consent and bargaining authorization: The board approved the general consent agenda items 14–69 and unanimously authorized staff to enter contract negotiations with BAEA for the 2026–27 school year.

Executive session: At the meeting’s close trustees voted to move into executive session by roll call.

Votes at a glance:
• Approval of May 11 meeting minutes — motion by John (surname not specified); second by Dr. Williams. Vote: Williams — yes; Mrs. Taylor — abstain; Dr. Roulette — yes; John Cochrell — yes; Mr. Allen — yes. Motion passed.
• Acceptance of CareerTech STEM grant ($17,949) — motion and second; roll-call approval (all present voted yes).
• Appointment of Julie Sunderland — approved by unanimous roll call.
• Appointment of Katie Jones — approved by unanimous roll call; Jones addressed the board.
• Appointment of Alice Schneider — approved by unanimous roll call; Schneider addressed the board.
• Appointment of Amanda Hunley — approved by unanimous roll call.
• Authorization to enter negotiations with BAEA (2026–27) — approved by unanimous roll call.
• Motion to enter executive session — approved by unanimous roll call.

Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the meeting transcript and are included in the meeting’s speaker list.