10/19/2026
Idabel Public Schools would like to provide clarification regarding two recent court filings involving the district and two individuals who have served as principals in our school system.
In May 2023, the Idabel Board of Education promoted two teachers, Mr. Jake Jackson and Mrs. Stephanie Ratcliff, to principal positions within the district. During a review of payroll records this school year, the district discovered an administrative error in the calculation of their salaries for the 2023–2024 school year.
Specifically, the salary adjustments associated with their promotions were implemented one month later than intended, resulting in each individual receiving one month less of the applicable salary increase than they were entitled to receive.
This error was discovered by the school district, and the district took the initiative to correct it.
Because Oklahoma public school employees operate under annual employment contracts, and the 2023–2024 contract year has already closed, the district was advised that the appropriate legal process for resolving the matter was through an agreed-upon court proceeding, sometimes referred to as a "friendly lawsuit."
While these filings may appear concerning when viewed in public court records, they do not represent an adversarial dispute or allegations of wrongdoing by either employee. Rather, they are a cooperative legal process intended to allow the district to correct a payroll error and ensure that both individuals receive the compensation they earned.
Mr. Jackson continues to serve as a principal with Idabel Public Schools, while Mrs. Ratcliff currently serves as a principal in another school district.
Idabel Public Schools values the service and contributions of both individuals. We believe that when an error is identified, the responsible course of action is to acknowledge it and take the necessary steps to make it right.
We appreciate the opportunity to clarify this matter for our community and remain committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of district resources.
One Family, One District. Warriors First and Always!
