Inola schools welcome students back with new facilities, safety upgrades

Inola Public Schools is kicking off its new academic year on Wednesday, marking the first day of class for students and staff. The district says there’s a lot to look forward to this fall, from classroom readiness to major facility upgrades across campus.

Superintendent Jeff Unrau says teachers and staff spent the last few days preparing, with professional development sessions and a back-to-school bash that allowed students to pick up supplies before the first bell.

Campus Improvements Funded by Bond, Donations

Thanks to a recent bond issue, Inola is making progress on several large-scale projects. Crews are working to complete new softball and baseball facilities, and a donation helped the district install a new parking lot ahead of the school year.

Unrau says safety improvements were also a top priority. The district has hired an additional school resource officer, bringing the total to two full-time SROs—one for each of the district’s two main campuses.

"We will have a full-time SRO on both campuses at all times," Unrau said.

Unrau says everyone is a little nervous, but in a good way, and they're all excited to welcome students back.

T-Mobile Contest Brings Major Athletic Upgrades

One of the most anticipated changes involves the district’s football field, which is undergoing a major transformation after Inola was named the winner of the T-Mobile Friday Night Lights contest.

Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Brett Thomas says the district is getting a brand-new football field, stadium lights, video board and track. After weather delays earlier this summer, crews are working quickly to wrap up construction.

"The kids are excited. The community is excited," Thomas said. "Everything is brand new—and when you get new things, it's exciting."

The field is expected to be completed by August 15. The new lights and video board, located in the stadium’s north end zone, should be installed next week. The upgrades come just in time for the first scrimmage on August 22 and the first home game on September 5.

The track will also be resurfaced, but that project is scheduled to begin after the football season ends.

School Day Begins at 7:55 A.M.

District leaders say everything is ready to go—from classrooms and staff to maintenance teams who made sure the buildings were clean and prepared.

Classes officially began at 7:55 a.m. Wednesday, setting the stage for what the district hopes will be a successful school year.