Invitations honoring Pryor’s history, discussions about future growth, and celebrations of student success were all on the agenda at the November 3, 2025, Pryor Public Schools Board of Education meeting.
Jefferson Elementary Principal Robert Beattie personally delivered invitations to Dr. Muller and each board member for Jefferson Elementary’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, scheduled for November 20, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend and explore Jefferson’s rich community legacy.
Planning for Future Growth
With continued enrollment increases projected across the district, board members discussed how best to meet the needs of a growing student body. Among the considerations is the construction of a new middle school located across from Tiger Stadium, designed to serve 7th and 8th-grade students.
“We currently have around 450 7th and 8th graders. This plan allows for growth for up to 650 students,” Dr. Muller stated.
Eric King and Luke Griffin with GH2 Architects presented site and floor plans for the proposed 107,000-square-foot facility. The preliminary design includes a gym, band room, woodworking studio, and two wings of classrooms. A centrally located storm shelter would provide student safety, while an enclosed courtyard would offer secure outdoor space separated from 9th and Oklahoma streets by the two-story classroom wings.
A Spring 2026 Bond Proposal would be submitted to the community to fund the project. Importantly, the proposal would not increase tax rates for district stakeholders.
Pryor High School Update
Following the district planning discussion, Pryor High School Principal Valerie Hiett shared updates from the high school. She reported that enrollment stands at approximately 850 students, with about 70 students attending classes at the PHS Innovation Center. Hiett highlighted the successful relocation of the Alternate Learning Center (AL) and the implementation of the Bell-to-Bell No Cell Phone Policy.
“Moving the AL Center has been extremely successful this year,” Hiett said.
She explained that relocating AL students to the main campus has provided greater access to the Success Center, which offers additional resources and credit recovery classes to support graduation pathways. Students in the AL are also participating in more field trips and earning CareerTech Education credits.
The “Power of Disconnecting”
Additionally, Hiett spoke about the “Power of Disconnecting,” noting noticeable changes since implementing the new cell phone policy. The rule prohibits students from using cell phones or other digital communication devices from the opening bell to the end of the school day.
“We have seen so much growth in our students because of it. Teachers are reporting to me that their students are getting more work done, and students are actually talking to each other and their teachers,” Hiett said.
It’s not just educators who have noticed the difference. Hiett shared that an 11th-grade student described the school as having a “more relaxed feeling” where students are “talking more.” Without the constant electronic buzz, teachers are seeing students stay focused and more engaged in classwork—without the rush to finish just to “check their phone.”
Hiett added that she has observed more socializing during lunch, with students playing cards, laughing, and engaging in genuine conversation. Media Specialist Sheri Henning’s data supports Hiett’s observations—library checkouts have more than doubled, rising from 610 in the first nine weeks of 2024 to 1,191 in 2025. Hiett said this surge in library use reflects a broader student culture shift: the library space is evolving into a vibrant social hub where students feel more relaxed, connected, and less anxious.
The Pryor Board of Education continues to celebrate district successes while engaging in long-term planning to ensure the best possible future for Pryor students.
