Tahlequah Public Schools is proud to offer strong academic programs, highly competitive athletic teams, and award-winning arts and music opportunities. The programs and services we provide go above and beyond what many districts can offer, and we are grateful for the exceptional community support and partnerships that make this possible.
We kicked off the new school year with a celebration alongside the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce. Staff were honored with breakfast, coffee, activities, and generous gifts from local businesses. This year, even more cash gifts were awarded, demonstrating the deep appreciation our community has for educators. The Tahlequah School Foundation also provided boxed Vidalia sandwiches for staff lunches across the district and continues to recognize excellence by honoring our Teachers of the Year with financial awards.
This year’s District Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Mendy McKee. Our Site Teachers of the Year are:
· Tiffany Cacy – Sequoyah Elementary
· Amy Batie – Cherokee Elementary
· Megan Teehee – Greenwood Elementary
· Tara Donatelli – Heritage Elementary
· Mendy McKee – Middle School
· Gary McClure – High School
The atmosphere of gratitude was overwhelming as our teachers, and staff were celebrated by community stakeholders. We will continue building on this positive culture to ensure success for our students, schools, and community.
To strengthen our team, TPS has welcomed 18 new teachers and 22 new support staff. Each has chosen to join Tahlequah Public Schools to make a positive difference in the lives of students. All staff received updated safety training and professional development in district policies, expectations, effective teaching strategies, and technology. In addition, every new teacher is paired with a mentor to ensure ongoing support and success.
Looking ahead, September 9 is an important date for our district. On this day, registered voters within the Tahlequah Public Schools boundaries will have the opportunity to invest in our schools, community, and future. Our proposed capital investment plan will provide students with safer schools, updated facilities, and enhanced academic and extracurricular opportunities—without raising the tax rate.
This $51,310,000 investment, spread over 17 years, reflects months of collaboration with students, parents, staff, and community members. Because it is structured as a continuation of the community’s existing investment, no tax rate increase is expected. For more than 20 years, our community has consistently supported this level of funding, and this plan continues that legacy.
The bond proposal requires a 60% supermajority to pass and will appear on the September 9 ballot as two separate propositions, as required by Oklahoma law:
· Proposition 1: $49,435,000 for facility and technology improvements
· Proposition 2: $1,875,000 for transportation-related purchases
Renderings of potential projects and additional bond-related information are available on our district website and Facebook page.
We are excited about the year ahead and remain committed to excellence in education for every student. As always, I welcome feedback, questions, and ideas from our stakeholders. Please feel free to contact me at 918.458.4100 or by email at mashburnd@tahlequahschools.org.
Bonded together, we will continue to build a bright future for Tahlequah students.
Written by DeAnn Mashburn/Assistant Superintendent