The Poteau School Board used part of its meeting to recognize staff and student programs across the district.

Val announced Support Employee of the Month Sheila Nichols, summarizing Nichols's duties (federal claims processing, substitute coordination, insurance reconciliation and other office responsibilities) and praising her positive attitude. Montoya Seymour received a site recognition for consistent support work and service to students and staff.

Site Teachers of the Year were named: Raelynn Myers (primary), Shannon Bullard (upper elementary, special education), Elaine Janeway (PKMS), Bridal Perry (SCC art teacher), and Nikki Cruz (Poteau High School, librarian/English/journalism). Winners joined for group photos and the board thanked sponsors, including First National Bank and Central National Bank of Poteau.

Separately, an adult-education representative said the Poteau Adult Learning Center was recognized by the state for performance: out of 32 adult learning centers in Oklahoma, Poteau achieved a 79.4% rate on the state's performance measure (the state also awards programs that meet a 40% gains threshold; only 8 programs reached that threshold this year). The district speaker said the center has served nearly 5,000 students since 2010 and that funding comes through the office of career tech. The Poteau Education Foundation reported $4,500 in fall teacher grants across nine recipients and plans for scholarships in spring.