With New Superintendent in Place, Geary Schools Host Community Meeting

GEARY – A few dozen members of the Geary community gathered in the Stegall-Long Field House on Thursday, July 29, for a meeting with the district’s new administration as Superintendent Sean Buchanan looks to get the schools pointed in the right direction.

Buchanan fielded questions and comments from the crowd and introduced new district leaders during the 45-minute session. Christa Burns is returning as high school principal, but Jaryn Meyer has moved into the Dean of Students position and Joy Osborne is joining the district from Mustang as the new elementary school principal.

“We’re going to have (Meyer) doing lots of things for our district this year,” Buchanan said. “She’ll also be our district’s activities director.”

Buchanan said the district is now fully staffed after seeing some major turnover during the summer. The district lost 23 teachers, including every coach in the athletics department, but has rehired every position and will not be dropping any sports or extracurricular activities.

Buchanan said he wants to be approachable and accountable to the Geary community.

“The reason I wanted to have this meeting is, in the short time I’ve been in this role, I’ve had people tell me that they didn’t feel like they could come into the superintendent’s office and talk or be heard,” he said. “So I would like to know from you all what we can do to better serve your kiddos as a staff.”

Communication is key, Buchanan said, lamenting the lack of civil discourse in the broader world and encouraging community members to stay engaged with him and each other.

He also touched on past controversies like the failed bond issues to construct a new school, and whether masks will be required again this fall. Buchanan explained that state law now prohibits mask mandates in Oklahoma schools, superseding any federal guidance to the contrary.

He also said the decision on future school construction will be left firmly to the community. “It’s my job to show you where your kids are going to school,” Buchanan said, “and it’s your job to decide if you’re OK with it or not.”

Buchanan said he intends to hold another community meeting after the school year begins.