New Durant School District Superintendent Mark Moring attended his first official meeting of the Durant Board of Education on Monday.
Moring replaces Duane Merideth who retired effective July 1. Moring comes from the Davis School District where he served as superintendent for the past six years.
Although Moring did not take the reins until July 1, he has spent most of June here.
“I was here four days in May and all but two days in the month of June, so I’m getting as much information as I can and think I’m getting my sea legs under me now,” Moring said, after the meeting. “I can’t wait for the principals to get here and I can’t wait for the teachers to show up and that first day back with the teachers. It’s going to be exciting. I am so excited, more excited now than I was before.
“It’s a great town, great school and I can’t wait to find ways we’re good and find ways to get better.”
Moring spoke during the board meeting and he thanked Merideth, Assistant Superintendent Kenny Chaffin and all who brought him on board.
“I’m so glad that I was able to come in June and follow Mr. Merideth around,” Moring said. “He’s always just a phone call away and Mr. Chaffin and everybody has just been unbelievably supportive of this new transition. So, I just want to publicly thank them.”
Moring said he has toured all of the facilities, been informed about all of the projects as well as finances and technology in the school district. He also recently joined the Durant Kiwanis Club and has met many community members, including law enforcement.
“Last week, I visited the Boys & Girls Club, so I’m trying to get my feet wet and jumping in with both feet,” Moring said. “I’m just trying to meet as many people as I can in town.”
The superintendent said the district’s summer school program is phenomenal and that flooring is being installed at the middle school which should be completed by July 30.
He praised the alternative education Vision Academy site which he said looks phenomenal.
“It’s just going to be such a nice inviting place for those alt ed students who need something like that,” Moring said. “A lot of times, schools take their alternative education students and they’re almost forgotten about or put into a cinder block room over here.
“Those students, they need something extra and those students are reasons that we are here to provide them opportunities and I think when you walk in that building, you really take pride in the fact. It has new floors, new bathrooms, new classrooms, it’s new everything over there. I really think that’s going to go a long ways to those students that maybe have something going on in their lives, some difficulties and hopefully, be successful.”
Moring expressed excitement about what he has been learning and to be leading the Durant Independent School District.
“I’m incredibly honored and humbled that you guys have trusted me with this position,” he said. “This is a phenomenal, phenomenal school district.”
An update on construction of the new high school ag shop was presented. The building has been erected with metal walls and interior work is ongoing. Although the rain in the spring caused some construction delays, the building is expected to be completed in December.
The board accepted the following resignations: Julie Hitchcock, school psychologist; Torrie Palmer, business technology instructor at DHS; Josie Frazier, English instructor at DHS; Ashlee Walker, ELA teacher at DMS; Shannon Wagner, teacher assistant at WI; Melissa Brown, nurse assistant at WI; Baileigh Fisher, special education teacher assistant at WI, and Tony Bagby, maintenance department.
Board members approved the following employments: Letha Trent, licensed professional counselor from school-based mental health grant; Tracy Norwood, science instructor at Vision Academy; Brauna Nabors, English instructor at DHS; Kristal Brown, English instructor at DHS; Bruce Hill, part-time social studies instructor at DHS; Levi Knight, history/science instructor at DHS; Ryan Shahan, science instructor at DHS; Daniel Long, history instructor at DHS; Kim Mauck, computer technology instructor at DHS, transferring from social studies teaching position; Travis Smith, Pathways special education instructor, transferring from social studies teaching position; James Patterson, athletic training teacher/coach at DMS, transferring from social studies teaching position; Chance Williams, social studies teacher at DMS; Kara Denton, ELA teacher at DMS; Hailey Belvin, special education teacher at DIS; Melisa Burkhart, special education teacher at GW; Heather Smiley, special education teacher at GW, transforming from second-grade position to a kindergarten/firstgrade position in special education; Natalie Blackburn, special education teacher at GW; Katie Vanisacker, administrative assistant to the superintendent; Sandra Amos, office receptionist for Durant Schools; Meloni Wimpee, receptionist/attendance clerk at DHS; Amy Eldridge, A/C teacher assistant at DMS; Aubrie Solis, special education teacher assistant at DMS; Trista Nunez, nurse assistant at DIS; Johnny Burch, special education teacher assistant at DIS; Ashley Keeler, teacher assistant at GW; Racey Barton, special education teacher assistant at GW; Cheyanna Coy, special education long-term substitute at WI; Kendra Yandell, special education teacher assistant at WI; Autumn Simpson, special education teacher assistant at WI; Summer Kane, special education teacher assistant at WI; Kathey Kelley, special education teacher assistant at WI; Lesa White, kindergarten teacher assistant at NWH; Tiffany Hatch, special education teacher assistant at REL, and Sheryll Beaty and Regina Baily, transportation employees.
