The Guthrie Board of Education on Monday received an update on the district’s response to two threats reported at Guthrie Junior High last week and approved an agreement to install solar panels at Cotteral Elementary School.
Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson said the district learned of rumors involving two separate threats Wednesday. Guthrie police contacted those identified in the threats and began investigating.
By Thursday morning, investigators had gathered enough information to notify junior high parents by 11 a.m. A message was sent by noon after further communication with police.
“In both instances, those identified with the threat were not present at school,” Simpson said. “At no time were students in danger.”
Simpson said student and staff safety remains the district’s top priority and that officials will share information as soon as possible when facts are confirmed.
Simpson also reported that enrollment is up at Guthrie High School, which has a large freshman class, while elementary enrollment has declined. He said residential growth in the district has helped offset the decrease, reflecting broader statewide and national trends.
On Oct. 26, Simpson and Guthrie High School representatives will participate in a legislative roundtable at the Putnam City Administration Center with representatives from Putnam City, Piedmont and Deer Creek. The discussion will focus on similarities and differences among districts and ways to improve education statewide. Sixteen legislators had committed to attend, including Rep. Colin Duel and Sen. Chuck Hall.
The board also heard concerns about State Question 847, which would lower the cap on property taxes. Simpson said the change could slow local revenue growth for schools and other entities, with no identified plan to replace potential losses.
The board approved the district’s 2026-27 operating budget. Chief Financial Officer Dr. Michelle Chapple explained that the annual budget is based on an estimate of needs prepared by district auditors and approved by the Logan County Excise Board. Local revenue, primarily from property taxes, accounts for a significant portion of district funding.
Other items included discussion of a proposed artificial intelligence policy, which Simpson said the district hopes to adopt ahead of the 2027-28 state deadline, and a proposed policy outlining how the district investigates allegations of sexual abuse, assault or misconduct involving students. The latter requires employees to report such allegations to law enforcement and coordinate with authorities.
The board approved a student survey through ThoughtExchange following a recent parent survey. Simpson said results from the parent survey will be presented at the board retreat.
Board members also approved calling an election for Board Position No. 5 before Nov. 20. The four-year position is currently held by Tina Smedley. The board approved its 2027 meeting calendar and Amendment No. 2 to its agreement with Cenergistic LLC.
The board also ratified an agreement with Brightwell Capital Partners to install solar panels on the roof of Cotteral Elementary.
Simpson said the district previously explored solar installations at three sites but encountered delays following tax code changes. The district continues to seek investors for Guthrie Upper Elementary School and the high school, with a potential investor nearing consideration for the high school project.