(Cushing, Okla.) The Cushing Board of Realtors heard from Cushing High School Principal Jim Lauerman at their regular monthly meeting held, Feb. 11, 2015 at Mi Casa Restaurant in downtown Cushing.
After taking care of board business, realtor Loretta Palmer introduced Lauerman, who updated realtors on school renovations and answered questions from attendees.
Lauerman was pleased to report renovations to the Dora Hobbs Performing Arts Auditorium at CHS have been completed, however the roof replacement is still underway. He said one of the exciting changes still in the works is a new locker room for the Cushing Tigers. Lauerman said in all the years he’s been in Cushing, there has never been a locker room for the visiting team. The new locker room construction is currently underway between the Ag building and the gym.
“You can probably ask Coach [Barrett] Shupe anything about its progress,” Lauerman laughed, “I think he’s watched every nail and screw go in.”
Lauerman also talked about the new middle school currently under construction, “Theoretically, it will be ready by June.”
(view the construction by clicking here: Cushing Middle School Construction)
The new middle school will house grades 5 thru 8, with separate areas for grades 5 and 6 and 7 and 8. Other changes underway, a remodel of the current middle school to accommodate grades 2 thru 4; Harmony, kindergarten and 1st grade, and Sunnyside for Pre-K. Harrison, Deep Rock and Wilson properties will be closed and possibly sold.
When asked what realtors might do for the school system, Lauerman said since there is already a teacher shortage throughout the state of Oklahoma, the lack of adequate housing in Cushing compounds the problem when the need for new teachers arises in Cushing. Lauerman told realtors they could help by letting him know when houses become available – especially rentals.
In addition, he thanked them for their support of bond issues. Lauerman spoke of the value of having the fieldhouse (a prior bond issue) to host wrestling tournaments, basketball tournaments, etc., and the sports complex for other events.
“These things bring people and business to Cushing,” he said.
Lauerman also suggested realtors might help by supporting *Payne County Youth Services, a non-profit agency that helps children in crisis with counseling (individual and family) and emergency shelter.
“You’d be surprised at how many kids in Cushing are virtually homeless,” Lauerman said.
Overall, Lauerman had nothing but praise for Cushing and its people. “I came here 37 years ago and this is my home,” he concluded.
The Cushing Board of Realtors meets the second Wednesday of each month. Officers are: Tanya Rhoten, President; Megan Crumpton, Secretary; Lee Roy Kalka, Treasurer; Kay Koble, Parlimentarian and President-Elect; Gerald Jolley, State Director and 1st Past President; and Linda Rogers, 2nd Past President.
*Over 40 percent of those served by Payne County Youth Services are from Cushing. Learn more about Payne County Youth Services by clicking here: Payne County Youth Services
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