Muskogee delays start of school year

By Cathy Spaulding
Phoenix Staff Writer

July 24, 2008 11:55 pm

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Muskogee Public Schools is moving the first day of class to Aug. 18, four days after originally set, because of technology and construction issues.
The Muskogee Board of Education is expected to vote on the date change at a special meeting 3 p.m. Monday at the Board of Education Service and Technology Center, 202 W. Broadway.
“Every effort is being made to complete projects with a minimum of disruption to the classroom,” Superintendent Mike Garde said.
Pershing Elementary fifth-grader Heather Kuperus said she welcomes the four extra days.
“I think it would be fun,” she said, adding that she most likely would spend those extra days at her house. “Probably playing outside with my dogs, Scooby-Doo and Zig-Zag.”
Heather’s father, Don Kuperus, said Muskogee Public Schools still start too early for his liking.
“I’m originally from Minnesota, and we don’t start until after Labor Day,” he said.
The delay moves the start of Muskogee Public Schools from a Thursday to a Monday.
Jeremy Kerns, who has two daughters at Tony Goetz Elementary School, said the move makes sense.
“A few days delay, I don’t think will make much difference, but starting school on a Monday rather than a Thursday makes it easier on the parents,” Kerns said.
Garde said he appreciates the cooperation of district patrons.
Teachers will report Aug. 11 and 12 for convocation and staff development.
“The successful passage of the bond issue has enabled us to make $15 million in facility changes that will revolutionize the learning environment at our schools, especially the Muskogee High School campus,” said Wayne Johnson, district maintenance director. “These changes are vital in order to develop Muskogee Public Schools as the premier district in both facilities and technology, but as with any major project, there are challenges.”
Construction is running behind even though supplies and furniture were ordered before the end of the last school year. Contracted work began the day after school let out in May. School officials said several factors affected arrival of goods, such as floods in the Midwest, where many products are made, and the unexpected downturn in the economy.
Technology upgrades also are taking longer than expected. The district is using all resources — including technicians, volunteers and students trained in the PC Tech program — to complete the jobs. Personnel are working 50-hour weeks to upgrade network and software for the 3,500 computers in the system.
All technology, including desktop computers, computer labs and Promethean boards, was removed from the classrooms for construction projects, requiring hours of equipment reinstallation, a district press release said.
Tony Goetz Elementary Principal Gary Smallwood said new furniture and carpeting being installed in the school will improve the learning environment. He was particularly pleased with larger computer desks.
MPS manager of decision support, Bob Holton, said a significant amount of data must be rolled over to the district’s new attendance and grading program, Power School.
The bond issue has added major technological improvements, making the system 210 times faster than before and adding $3 million in equipment.
Hilldale, Fort Gibson, Okay, Wagoner, Warner and Muskogee County HeadStart will start classes Aug.14.

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