School board members honored

Ponca City Public School board members were honored at their January meeting for School Board Recognition Month.

“School Boards Lead So Students Achieve” is the theme this year for this annual event celebrated by local and career tech school districts in Oklahoma. More than 2,700 elected school board members are honored by their schools and communities.

Ponca City Board members were presented with gift baskets including Po-Hi shirts and mugs from the Po-Hi Student Council and DECA, along with cookies, candies and homemade cards from all schools across the district.

Liberty and Union made big cards signed by all students, and Woodlands made a poster board signed by students. West Middle School is sending cards directly to board members’ homes.

“Ponca City Schools are joining with other districts throughout the state to recognize the important contributions school board members make to their communities," Dr. David Pennington, Ponca City Public School superintendent said. "This is the time to say thank you to school board members for the tough decisions they make, their commitment to receive board training on their own time, and working tirelessly for the future of our kids.

"School board members voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing school districts while still preserving priorities for school budgets and speaking out for the best interests of all children, " Pennington said. . "Their tireless efforts play a significant role in the continuing success of students. Most people don’t fully understand the scope and far-reaching implications of board members’ responsibilities. They are the local community’s voice in its schools.”

In the Ponca City Public School District, school board members must develop policies and make decisions on complex educational and social issues impacting the entire community. They bear responsibility for an annual budget of more than $36 million, 5,300 students, some 775 employees and 48 buildings.

Members of the Ponca City Public School Board of Education are Marvin Clark, President; Judy Throop, Vice President; and members Dr. David Kinkaid; Don Nuzum, and Robin Riley.

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Pictured from left are Robin Riley, Dr. David Kinkaid, Don Nuzum, Marvin Clark (seated). Judy Throop was not present for the picture.