Durant Middle School math teacher Lisa Sager was a finalist for the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and she was recognized during last week’s meeting of the Durant Board of Education.
Sager was the Durant Teacher of the Year for 20222023 and she was one of 10 finalists for the 2024 state TOY that ultimately was awarded to Ada High School teacher Rachel Keith.
Durant Schools Superintendent Mark Moring said more needs to be done to recognize not only Teachers of the Year and state finalists, but all teachers.
“As I’ve gone around the last two months, I’ve seen some fantastic stories and stuff,” Moring said. “I think we need to tell our stories. I wanted to recognize Mrs. Sager at our meeting publicly because it’s a really big deal. It’s a huge honor, so I wanted to recognize her.”
A video was then played that showed Sager in her classroom with students.
“What I gather from the video, you don’t see kids sitting down at their desks,” Moring said. “You don’t see her sitting down at her desk. You see active teaching going on and that’s huge to me and that’s what I really like. There’s a time for that (sitting at desks) but learning doesn’t go on as much when your rear’s in the seat as it does when that teacher is active and tough and moving around the classroom.“ Moring then read comments from parents about Sager that included “Best teacher there ever was.”
Board member Chaz Polk said his children, including son Aiden, have been taught by Sager.
“Aiden is a sophomore and he is way better at math than anything that I have tried to teach him like cleaning his room and picking up stuff,” Polk said.
Moring recalled what he said during a meeting for teachers and staff.
“I said, ‘Teachers, coach them hard but love them harder,” and that’s what I see there,” Moring said. “When they know you love them, they’ll run through a brick wall for you. Truly real authentic learning takes place.”
Board member Joyce Northcutt said she has a granddaughter that was in Sager’s classroom. She said Sager made sure all students understood the concepts.
“You laid the foundation that is so strong that she’ll be able to go on and do all kinds of math stuff because of what you did in the classroom,” Northcutt said. “The State of Oklahoma lost when they didn’t pick you but the students here in Durant are winners because you’re back in the classroom and that’s where we need you. We don’t need you flying all over the country. We need you here. I know you were maybe a little disappointed that you didn’t win but in my book, you did win and we all won.”
Sager was presented a gift basket from the board.
In other agenda items, board members were presented a construction update from Mid-Plains Construction on the high school agricultural building. The exterior has been completed and work inside is ongoing. The building is expected to be completed in December.
The board approved new hires.
Duane Merideth retired July 1 as superintendent of Durant Schools, but he is now back on board as facilities and construction coordinator for the district. Moring said Merideth will be a benefit in this capacity by moving the school district forward.
“I don’t want to neglect anything else that we have going on as well and I feel that’s one of his strengths,” Moring said. “So, that’s my vision of how I would like to move forward this school year and some of the projects and envisioning on what we need to do on our next bond issue as well.”
The board approved the following new hires: Kristie Daniel, school psychologist; Melissa Simpkins, business technology instructor at DHS; Jeana Garcia, special education instructor at DHS; Daniel Wesley, special education teacher assistant at DIS; Lisa Ardrey special education teacher assistant at DIS; Alisa Carter, nurse assistant at WI; Makayla Biggerstaff, special education teacher assistant at WI; Brittany Stafford, special education teacher assistant at WI; James Dunn, P.E. assistant at WI; Kathleen Burnette, special education teacher assistant at GW; Brandie Gardner, special education teacher assistant at GW; Tiffany Watkins, special education teacher assistant at GW; Madeleine Creel, kindergarten teacher assistant at GW; Joyshinee Burns, special education teacher assistant at NWH; Summer Kane, special education teacher assistant at NWH; Sherri Sharp, nurse assistant at NWH; Frankie Cosby, transportation employee, and Phillip Hales and Josh Cappel, maintenance employees.
The following resignations were accepted by the board: Susanne Hamil, special education teacher assistant at DIS; Coda Cotton, P.E. assistant at WI; Julianne Fields, special education teacher assistant at WI; Racey Barton, special education teacher assistant at GW; Cara Carlock, special education teacher assistant at GW, and Sheryll Beaty, transportation employee.
The board also approved the following agenda items: - Contracts with DeDe Counseling Service and Linda McGowen, school psychometrist.
- Approved a trip from Sept. 26-30 to Washington D.C. for six students and two sponsors to participate in the HOSA Washington D.C. Leadership Conference.
- Approved a memorandum of understanding of an inter-agency agreement between The Chickasaw Nation Early Childhood Program and Durant Public Schools.
- Approved sanctioning of the Athletic, Band, Choir and FFA Booster Clubs for the 2024-2025 school year.
