Board member Wright recognized for service at SPS Board of Education meeting

Mar. 18—The emotion could be felt in the room as the Stillwater Public Schools Board of Education recognized one of its members — who has served the area in education for decades — as she stepped down from her seat on the Board on March 12.

Board member Melody Wright (Ward 4) cited personal reasons for leaving. She made the announcement officially in November 2023, but this was her last meeting.

"My husband and I are in a state where we need to be more available for our family," Wright told the News Press.

Wright taught two years at Meridian Technology Center out of college, worked eight years at Oklahoma State University in the former College of Education as an assistant to the dean and taught 21 years at Stillwater High School — a total of 31 years of public education.

Wright, a 40-year resident of Stillwater, taught more than 20 different subjects at SPS, including topics such as Financial Literacy in Business and Computer Applications — her favorite.

Her children attended SPS, and she was involved in everything from coaching youth sports to parent teacher organizations and booster clubs.

When she retired 10 years ago, the opportunity came up to take the Board position, and she felt like it was "a good time to step up."

But just after she signed up in 2020 to serve, COVID-19 hit. Elections, usually held April 2, were postponed until June 30.

"My first year was all the turmoil of COVID and I don't know if it could have been any different," Wright said.

Wright worked for six different superintendents during her time serving on the Board.

"I feel real good about the culture that has been put in place with our leadership," Wright said. "We've got great board members that are pillars of the community. ... Great things are happening. I couldn't have asked for a better time to leave, as far as I'm concerned."

During the Board meeting, Wright shared the accomplishments she had been a part of while serving.

"What I am most proud of is SPS's efforts to keep elementary class sizes at or below 20 students as mandated by HB1017, yet disregarded if the district is bonded to capacity, which Stillwater has been and will continue to be," Wright said.

"Ask any elementary teacher — especially the younger grades — if class size makes a difference and the challenges they face when students are added to their classes throughout the school year."

She said in Fall 2019, before she began serving on the Board, 67% of elementary class sizes were over 20 students, with 14% over 25 students.

"I am proud to say this past fall, only 16% of our elementary class sizes were over 20 students and none were over 25 students," Wright said.

"I realize with all the uncertainties of State funding as well as COVID-related federal funding ending, this may be a challenge in upcoming years, but my hope is that SPS will continue to do everything possible to keep elementary class sizes at 20 or below."

Wright told those at the Board meeting that she wanted a seventh elementary school, and she did not want to replace the current high school with a brand-new ninth-12th grade building.

"Among many concerns, I did not want to demolish the southern portion of the current high school building because it is not even 30 years old — which would have been a waste of taxpayer dollars," Wright said.

"The overwhelming approval of Bond 2023 for a new tenth-12th grade high school utilizes the newest part of the old high school for the nine grade, while maintaining current district-wide facilities, compromises I can accept."

Wright also said the global pandemic "brought the need and funding for all students to have access to technology and wi-fi no matter where they lived or their socio-economic status," a goal she said was accomplished through pandemic funding.

Another issue that concerned Wright was the need for recruiting and retaining teachers.

"For decades, SPS teachers and staff stayed with the district and job openings were rare," she said. "The past couple of years, and during a challenging time to hire teachers, the district's work place culture has made a dramatic change for the better and appears to be curbing the mass exodus of staff."

Wright said the partnership with higher education and aggressive recruitment efforts were working and encouraged the Board to "keep it up."

Other accomplishments Wright was proud of were the efforts the district made to encourage students' involvement in a variety of extra-curricular activities across all grade levels, and the additional support staff for high-risk students.

As a former high school teacher, Wright said she could see the accomplishments of many students, but one of her favorite memories on the Board was the student recognition portion of Board meetings, where students' achievements are highlighted.

"When I first started on the Board, we didn't quite do it to the extent that we do (now)," Wright said. "I think it's great for the community to see what all the kids are doing."

Another favorite memory was visiting the schools individually.

"We have great things happening in our schools," Wright said. "And it's not perfect, nothing is, families aren't perfect — but Stillwater Public Schools, this is a truly unique opportunity. ... This is a great place."

Wright said she will miss being a part of everything. When she retired 10 years ago, she didn't fully walk away, but this time, she is.

"I did not take my responsibility lightly and I hope my decisions as a Board member reflect my commitment to the community," Wright said.