PCPS names new Director of Special Services

The Ponca City Public School District has name a new Director of Special Services.

Doug Stafford is replacing Pat Morris, who is retiring after 31 years with the district.

"I am looking forward to a new adventure working with, and alongside the outstanding students, staff, parents and community member in the Ponca City Public School District," Stafford said. "I’m encouraged by the abundant evidence of education. I am looking forward to building relationships to provide the best resources and programs for students with special needs. My family and I are excited to call Ponca City home!"

Superintendent Dr. David Pennington said replacing Pat Morris was hard.

"We are excited and feel very fortunate to get Mr. Stafford," Pennington said. "We were worried about replacing Pat Morris, but we think we have found a quality individual in Mr.Stafford. I look forward to working with him."

Stafford has more than 18 years of experience as an Oklahoma educator.

He taught special education in Broken Arrow, Enid and Hennessey.

While in Enid, he was also seventh through ninth grade middle school assistant principal, ninth through twelfth grade assistant principal and sixth through eight grade principal.

During his tenure in Hennessey he was fifth through eighth grade principal.

Mr. Stafford attended high school in Hennessey, Okla., received his Bachelors of Science in special education at the University of Central Oklahoma and got his Masters of Education in secondary education and administration at Northwestern State University.

Some honors Stafford has receive include:

Hennessey Teacher of the Year

Masonic Teacher of Today

Global Life Inspiration Award

2013 OASSP/NASSP Middle School Principal of the Year.

Doug and his wife Kim have been married for 20 years.

Kim and him have two daughters, Taryn,9 and Victoria, 14.

Stafford’s first day with the district is July 1.