Superintendent's contract extended three more years

What happened

On January 5, 2026 the board approved a contract addendum continuing Steven Cantrell as superintendent of Caney Valley Public Schools through fiscal years 2027, 2028 and 2029. The item had been listed for a possible closed-session discussion of his evaluation and contract, but no executive session was held because no member moved for one. The four members present all voted yes.

Why it matters to families

The superintendent runs the district day to day and proposes the budget the board votes on, so a three-year extension locks in that leadership. It was agreed five months before the same board recorded a $400,000 shortfall and an unauthorized loan taken in the superintendent's name.

The evidence

The January 5, 2026 approved minutes record the motion 'to approve employment of Steven Cantrell as Superintendent of Caney Valley School District to include the fiscal years 2027, 2028 and 2029', with Webb, Virden, Huffaker and Pruitt voting aye, and note that no executive session was held for lack of a motion.

The source