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Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 6:59 PM
TriCity Insurance Agency

New staff: Stephens, McDonald, Helvey, Golam, Young

MATC MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT / From the desk of Mike Eubank

New staff joins Mid-America Technology Center

Ashley Stephens is a Teacher Assistant in her third year in education. She enjoys working with students and building meaningful relationships. In her free time she loves spending time with family and friends and reading.

Bradon Ray McDonald is a Maintenance Assistant with two years of experience in the field. He holds EPA Universal and OSHA 10 certifications and was inspired to apply full-time after working with the school over the summer. Outside of work, he enjoys building and painting Warhammer models.

L oyd Helvey is the school’s new Groundskeeper. He is new to the role and was inspired to apply by the people he works with. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and fishing.

Abir Golam is a Teacher Assistant in his first year in the field. He holds a master’s degree in computer science and is passionate about supporting student learning and helping students build skills for successful careers in tech. Outside of work, he enjoys going to the gym, watching movies, and traveling.

Business Partner Spotlight –B & H Construction

With operations throughout the Midwest & Southern States, B&H Construction specializes in underground utility work, including directional boring, trenching, welding, and testing for fiber, water, gas, sewer, and geothermal systems. Founded in 1982, B&H serves projects of all sizes with a focus on safety and reliability. B&H Construction provides underground utility solutions that power everything that makes America run.

Mid-America Technology Center has been proud to call B&H Construction a partner for more than 20 years. When the partnership began, B&H had fewer than 200 employees. MATC has been with them every step of the way as they have grown their now 650+ workforce. Over the years, MATC has provided Operator Qualification training and testing, poly pipe fusion training, safety training, and other professional skills for its employees.

Teacher Spotlight –Erin Richardson

Erin Richardson has been inspiring students as a Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) instructor for 15 years. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science from the University of Oklahoma.

She presents at regional conferences and contributes to our campus professional learning community, Mastering Methods. As a certified MAX Teaching: Train the Trainer Instructor, she supports educators in using strategies that strengthen literacy and student success. She is part of the lead team for the annual Oklahoma CAD Summit, connecting students with industry professionals.

Erin’s CADD program focuses on project-based learning and collaboration, including a house-building project. She also serves as a SkillsUSA advisor, with students qualifying for state drafting competitions every year. Erin looks forward to expanding co-teaching opportunities and creating new connections for her students, helping prepare them for successful futures in design and construction.

Staff Spotlight –Brandie Harrington

Brandie Harrington serves as the Practical Nursing Secretary and is a dedicated, tech-savvy professional with experience in education, administration, and healthcare support. She previously worked as an office manager and lead daycare teacher, blending organization with hands-on instruction. In her current role as secretary and registrar for the Practical Nursing Program, Brandie supports faculty and guides students throughout their academic journey. She enjoys watching students grow in their health trades and takes pride in encouraging them to believe in themselves and their abilities. In her free time, Brandie enjoys crafting and listening to music Program Spotlight – Cyber Security

The Cybersecurity program provides students with structured, hands-on training aligned to industry standards and workforce expectations. We utilize the TestOut curriculum, students complete rigorous instruction in computer hardware, operating systems, networking and cybersecurity, with coursework aligned to CompTIA A+ and Security+. Students progress through assessments, quizzes and lab-based activities designed to build technical proficiency and problem-solving skills.

Instruction is supported by real-world professional experience, allowing students to understand how concepts are applied in practical real-world situations. We put this knowledge to the test in contests like Cyber Patriot and SkillsUSA. The program emphasizes technical knowledge, professional conduct, integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement and learning.

Board of Education Update

We are excited to announce an agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the addition of signs and flashing beacons to slow traffic on State Highway 59 in front of the school. After years of requests and work on this project, Director of Operations -Johnny Tyler accomplished getting this agreement in December.

The Board heard presentations from Nicole Barlow- counselor, Paul McCay – advantage coach, and Brooke LeMay – advantage coach, on their recent training at the Dignity Index Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah.

They also had a presentation from Mendi Dawley – HR Director and Amy Cornforth – Director of Instruction on their participation in OkACTE Women in Leadership class of 2026.

The board accepted resignations from Randy Henderson and Tommy Blackwood and approved the FY 26-27 contract for Superintendent Mike Eubank and Assistant Superintendent Dallas Krout. The board approved the purchase of a Ditch Witch trailer mounted vacuum system for the Broadband Technician program using federal ARPA grant dollars.

The board approved replacing two rooftop HVAC units on the Main Building and replacing the light inverter on the STEM building. We were proud to recognize the MATC board during School Board Recognition month. Each were presented with a custom made MATC cutting board designed by our carpentry program and an MATC coffee mug.


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