Dear Newcastle Parents and Guardians,
With the start of the new school year just around the corner, I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself and update you on progress made on the bond projects over the summer.
My name is Dr. Cathy Walker, and I am excited to be the new superintendent for Newcastle Public Schools. The community has been so welcoming as I have relocated and transitioned to a new role. I have been a proud public educator for more than 30 years. During those years, I taught sixth grade science, was a middle school assistant principal and principal and most recently served as the assistant superintendent of educational services for Stillwater Schools.
I have two daughters, Kayla, who is an OSU alumna and recently graduated from DePaul University with her master’s in public relations and advertising. She resides in Chicago and works for Zeno Group, a global PR agency. My youngest daughter, Sarah, is a senior at Oklahoma City University and will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. My daughters are thrilled I have become part of the Newcastle community and look forward to visiting.
Last fall the Newcastle community passed a $77,025,000 bond for new construction and a $2,725,000 for new buses. This is a huge investment for the district made by the community. The projects supported by this bond include: a new road and safety improvements at the elementary school, additional classrooms and a new front entrance at the middle school, and a new cafeteria, classrooms, and front entry at the high school. Other items purchased with the bond will be technology, textbooks, maintenance items, restrooms at the track, air conditioners for the high school gym, and a new road behind the middle school and early childhood center.
Several bond projects have been completed during the summer. There is a new drop off and pick up road behind the elementary school. This should help ease the traffic congestion and make the drop off and pick up process more efficient. Additionally, the district purchased seven new buses.
The next project will be the installation of a new front entry way at the middle school and the addition of new classrooms, which are scheduled to start this school year. Finally, air conditioners have been purchased for the high school gym. We were unable to get them here before the start of school so temporary air conditioning units have been installed. The permanent units are scheduled to be installed after basketball season. I will be updating you monthly on the progress being made on each project, so you know exactly how the money is being spent. You can also access our website for updates.
I am excited about the new school year and look forward to welcoming students on August 8.
It is a great day to be a Racer,
Dr. Cathy Walker
Newcastle Superintendent of Schools
