Purcell Junior High has a new assistant principal.

The Board of Education officially hired Daniel “Rowdy” Cole for that role to assist Principal Carol Testa.

Cole and his wife, Sonya, have six children and five grandchildren. They reside in Payne.

Cole, who is a native of Hooker, has taught and coached at several schools including Moore, Epic Charter School and most recently in Norman.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Rowdy Cole to Purcell Junior High,” Superintendent Dr. Sheli McAdoo said. “His extensive background as an educator, coach and leader, combined with his passion for student success, will be a tremendous asset to our school.”

Cole earned his degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1991 and his education certification in 1993. Most recently he earned his Master of Education in leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Board members, in their regular monthly meeting at the administration building Monday evening, approved fund-raisers for FFA, the high school library, high school STUCO, show choir, after prom and for the track throwers.

The were shown the parent/student handbooks for the coming year and the high school curriculum guide.

Meal prices were approved by the board including a 10 cent increase for reduced and full-pay meals.

Breakfast at all sites is $2.30; lunch at the elementary and intermediate buildings is $3.50; lunch at the junior and senior high schools is $3.75; reduced prices at all sites is 40 cents for breakfast and 50 cents for lunch. Adults will pay $2.70 for breakfast and $5.25 for lunch.

The board authorized a trip to Branson for the choir December 29 through January 1.

In her report, Dr. McAdoo showed the board pictures of all the bond projects in the district.

This year, due to state law, Purcell will have a bell-to-bell ban on cell phones or any other personal electronic device.