Jenks Public Schools 2022-23 Annual Report

Annual Report 2022-23

Mission

Jenks Public Schools, inspired by a tradition of excellence, is committed to the shared responsibility of preparing all learners for productive, responsible citizenship in an ever-changing world.

Values

Compassion, Courage, Inclusiveness, Integrity, Perseverance, Respect, Responsibility, Self-Discipline, Sportsmanship, Teamwork

Jenks Public Schools, a community of diverse learners, creates opportunities for all through a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Letter from the Superintendent

At the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, our employees were challenged to consider what it means to have the heart of a Trojan. Many wrote down a word or phrase to remind them of the characteristics necessary to teach and lead, while having a heart for students and bettering our

I’ve seen our staff and students demonstrate the heart of a Trojan on more occasions than I can count during my years at Jenks Public Schools. However, what I witnessed throughout this year made me realize how truly fortunate we are to have so many people who don’t simply say they care, but put words into action by fully devoting themselves to creating exceptional experiences for students.

In our classroom teachers, I can clearly see how having the heart of a Trojan means building real connections and fostering genuine relationships with students. It means valuing caring above curriculum and empathy over test scores. For our support staff and hourly employees, the heart of a Trojan looks like humility. Hundreds of professionals, who could be working somewhere else, choose to serve students and families in difficult roles that often take place behind the scenes or on a one-on-one basis. They give and give of themselves because they understand the importance of public education and how every student deserves compassion, kindness, and equal opportunity. Our administrators embody the heart of a Trojan in their courage to lead and willingness to listen. So much has changed in our world over the last few years, but on the heels of a global pandemic, our administrators did not shy away from making difficult decisions to move our District forward while continuously adapting to the ever-changing needs of today’s students. They are constantly processing feedback and data to give our students and staff members the best possible outcomes.

At every grade level, in every corner of this District, I see the heart of our people. Those hearts can be both tender and tenacious. Relentless and resilient. Full and fierce. JPS is thousands of individuals and one collective heartbeat that keeps us pushing onward in our pursuit of excellence.

When I consider everything we stand for and everything we hope to achieve as a District, I sincerely believe it all comes down to heart. As you will learn when you turn the pages of this report, the pulse of Jenks Public Schools is stronger than ever.

Dr. Stacey Butterfield, Ed.D

Jenks Public Schools

Our Schools

Elementary Sites

Pre-K-4th Grade

School Day: 8:30 a.m.-3:10 p.m.

East Elementary

Enrollment: 1,453 students

Northwest Elementary

Enrollment: 1,035 students

Southeast Elementary

Enrollment: 891 students

West Elementary

Enrollment: 2,010 students

Intermediate Sites

5th & 6th Grade

School Day: 7:45 a.m.-2:25 p.m.

East Intermediate

Enrollment: 833 students

West Intermediate

Enrollment: 1,082 students

Secondary Sites

School Day: 9:15 a.m.-3:55 p.m.

Middle School

7th & 8th Grade

Enrollment: 1,833 students

Freshman Academy

9th Grade

Enrollment: 919 students

Alternative Center

9th-12th Grade

Enrollment: 141 students

High School

10th-12th Grade

Enrollment: 2,501 students

Total District Enrollment: 12,698 Students

NORTHWEST ELEMENTARY

WEST

ELEMENTARY

WEST INTERMEDIATE

CENTRAL CAMPUS FRESHMAN ACADEMY

ALTERNATIVE CENTER

HIGH SCHOOL

Ave

EAST ELEMENTARY

EAST INTERMEDIATE

MIDDLE SCHOOL

SOUTHEAST ELEMENTARY

Board of Education

Term expires 2023

Term expires 2024

| Ward 1

Term expires 2026

Term expires 2025

Terry Keeling Member | Ward 2

Term expires 2027

The Jenks Public Schools Board of Education establishes policies and procedures for the operation of the school system. The Board evaluates the needs of the District and community while acting within the framework of Oklahoma and federal laws. Each member of the five-person Board must live within the District boundaries, and each member is elected to a five-year term by patrons of the Jenks Public Schools District. Board members must follow a strict code of ethics, and in order to enact school policy, members are expected to study issues relating to public education and familiarize themselves with students, staff members, and school sites within the District.

For more information on Board of Education meetings, policies, and procedures go to: jenksps.org/page/board-of-education

Melissa Abdo President | Ward 3

Ron Barber Vice President | Ward 4

Chuck Forbes Member | Ward 5

Tracy Kennedy Member

2022-23 District Teacher of the Year

Kelly Fulkerson

Kindergarten Teacher | Northwest Elementary

Kelly Fulkerson, kindergarten teacher at Jenks Northwest Elementary, is the 2022-23 Jenks Public Schools District Teacher of the Year. Fulkerson was selected from a group of 10 JPS Site Teachers of the Year by a committee of JPS administrators, school board members, and Jenks teachers who previously qualified as finalists for Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year.

“It is so humbling and shocking to receive this honor because so many incredible teachers were nominated,” Fulkerson stated. “It’s overwhelming and affirming to know that what I do is highly regarded by my colleagues but also by people around the district. Jenks sets the bar so high for all of us as teachers, so this gives me such a feeling of accomplishment and just motivates me to do even more for my students.”

An educator for 22 years, Fulkerson has been at Jenks since 2013 when she started as an Early Childhood Assistant for pre-kindergarten before becoming a kindergarten teacher. She taught at Jenks East Elementary for six years and has held her current position at Jenks Northwest Elementary for four years. Prior to her time at JPS, Fulkerson was a Head Start Lead Teacher at Tulsa Public Schools and worked for a decade in California where she founded a preschool program. Fulkerson follows a simple philosophy in her classroom of “cooperation follows connection.” She loves and lifts all students to create a sense of community within a fun, collaborative learning environment.

“Teaching is what I was meant to do,” Fulkerson said. “Teaching represents hope, potential, inclusion, and growth. The growth I get to see in my students is just one of the reasons I love teaching kindergarten. I get to play a role in this important year in their lives. I love how funny my students are and how much love they have to give. I am blessed to be a part of their educational journey.”

Fulkerson is the first elementary teacher to earn the distinction of District Teacher of the Year since Brenda Turner won the award in 2013. The JPS Teacher of the Year has qualified as a finalist for the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year award in seven of the previous nine years.

“Kelly Fulkerson is an incredible representative for Jenks Public Schools and for the entire teaching profession,” remarked Dr. Stacey Butterfield, Superintendent of Jenks Public Schools. “Spend just a few minutes in her classroom and it will be abundantly clear how much she loves her students and how uniquely gifted she is at forming relationships. She is continuously adapting and innovating her teaching techniques, and we are so proud of all she has accomplished.”

“I believe I’m a good teacher because I have great kids,” said Fulkerson. “It really is all about them.”

Student Demographics

13% English Language Learners

17% Gifted & Talented Students

15% Special Education Students

40% Receive Free & Reduced Price Meals

50% White

16% Asian

13% Hispanic or Latino

8% American Indian or Alaskan Native

7% Black or African American

7% Two or more ethnicities

Class of 2023

833 Graduates

20 National Merit Finalists (most of any HS in Oklahoma)

55 Distinguished Service Graduates

$35.9 million in total scholarship offers (highest total in JHS history)

$12.3 million in accepted scholarships

2023 Test Scores

2022-23 Classified Employee of the Year

Leo Martinez

Facilities Management

Leo Martinez is living his American dream.

After leaving Puerto Rico and arriving in Oklahoma in 2015, Martinez started working multiple jobs with the goal of one day moving his family to the United States. As he learned English and built a foundation for himself, his wife, and four children, Martinez landed at Jenks Public Schools. He was hired in the Facilities Management department and quickly moved to Site Maintenance at Jenks High School. His infectious personality, paired with his constant smile and humble attitude, made him a favorite among students and colleagues.

Martinez returned to the JPS Facilities Management department in 2017 and works tirelessly to improve campus grounds, repair buildings and equipment, and maintain a safe learning environment for all students. For his dedication and drive, in addition to his work ethic and generous spirit, Martinez was selected by a committee of his peers as the 2022-23 Classified Employee of the Year.

“I’m so happy in this job because of the great people I get to work with,” stated Martinez. “The best part is getting to work with the kids. I feel a big responsibility to them, to help keep them safe and keep everything working for them. I love Jenks Public Schools, and winning this award is a great moment in my life.”

Martinez represents more than 750 classified employees and support personnel across Jenks Public Schools. By working directly with students and also working behind the scenes, these employees play a critical role in the success of JPS students and school sites.

JPS would like to thank Leo Martinez and all classified employees for their contributions during the 2022-23 school year!

Staff Demographics

874 Teachers

752 Support Staff

67 Administrators

11.4 Years of average teacher experience

45% of certified staff members hold an advanced degree

Evidence of Excellence

Home of Champions

Jenks captured state champonships in six sports during the 2022-23 school year. Girls Golf won backto-back titles, while Girls Soccer earned its first title since 2009. Girls Swimming continued its dominance in the pool with its third crown in the last four years, and Girls Tennis returned to the top of Class 6A for the first time since 2017. The Boys Soccer team won state in dramatic fashion by defeating Broken Arrow on penalty kicks, and Boys Tennis capped of a three-peat with #1 singles player Brett Keeling closing out an undefeated high school career. Jenks teams have won 205 OSSAA state championships-most of any school in Oklahoma.

Starting Strong

In its first year of existence, the eSports team at JHS completed an undefeated season and cruised through the playoffs to take home the Oklahoma eSports League state championship.

Among the Best

The Oklahoma State Department of Education named Julie Cryer, music teacher at Jenks Middle School and Assistant Band Director, as one of 12 finalists for the State Teacher of the Year Award. Cryer has taught music and band at Jenks for 15 years and has spent 23 years as an educator. The selection of Cryer marks the seventh time in the last nine years an educator from Jenks Public Schools has been named a finalist for the state award.

Raising a New Record

Jenks High School Student Council raised over $80,000 during the annual DUB Week fundraiser. STUCO officers organized a variety of events and opportunities for students, staff, and community members to raise funds for the Jenks Community Food Bank and the Jenks Public Schools Foundation. The total dollar amount is the most ever raised during a Jenks DUB Week.

2023 Bond Election

Voters in the Jenks Public School District approved two separate bond propositions on Tuesday, February 14 totaling $17,200,000 by a margin of 82.2 percent to 17.8 percent. Jenks' voters have now approved 59 of the past 60 bond issues for Jenks Public Schools.

“These bond dollars are essential to the day-to-day operations of our district, but the passage of this bond also allows us to build for the future as we assess the needs of our growing student enrollment,” stated Dr. Stacey Butterfield, Superintendent of Jenks Public Schools. “We are so appreciative of our parents, employees, and all members of our community who voted and showed their support for our students and schools. It is not lost on any of us just how fortunate we are to be surrounded by people who believe in our mission and vision. These bond dollars will be spent responsibly as we continue to build top-notch facilities and provide the very best resources for our students and staff.”

Bond dollars from the approved propositions will be used for the following purposes:

• District-wide equipment

• District-wide facilities management equipment/repairs

• District-wide printing improvements

• District-wide safety improvements

• District-wide technology

• District-wide textbooks and media equipment

• Phase I tennis facility upgrades

• Phase II artificial turf replacement at Allan Trimble Stadium

• Phase II video board replacement at Allan Trimble Stadium

• Phase III Freshman Academy classroom renovation/upgrades

• Phase III softball field improvements

• Sharp Center weight room renovation

Thank you for your support of Jenks Public Schools!

A Foundation For Success

The Jenks Public Schools Foundation serves the students of JPS by funding programs and projects to enhance the educational experience for all. As a non-profit organization, the JPS Foundation works alongside parents, educators, local business leaders, and community members to gather financial support for a variety of learning opportunities and initiatives across the District.

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the JPS Foundation raised a total of $395,888.19 to fund the following programs:

Alumni Engagement

Artists in the Schools

Author at Work

AVID

Bookmobile

Growing Through the Arts

ICAP

Junior Achievement BizTown

Jenks Wild

Linda George Memorial Scholarship

Operation Aware

PrepYou Senior Conference

STEM Learning Labs

Vision of Excellence Awards

Writer’s Workshop

Through events like the Annual Foundation Dinner & Auction, Hometown Huddle, Jenks Movie Night, the Foundation Golf Tournament, and many more, the JPS Foundation fosters connections between the District and the greater Jenks/South Tulsa community. These events provide investment opportunities for individuals and businesses while generating a sense of purpose and Trojan Pride in all attendees and volunteers.

Learn more at www.jenksfoundation.org

Financial Information

Total General Fund Revenues: $109,044,091.34

General Fund Expenditures by Object: $106,655,696.58