Dawn Mills named interim principal for Union Elementary School

Dawn Mills has been named interim principal at Union Elementary School for the remainder of the 2018-19 school year.

Mills is currently serving as assistant principal at Lincoln Elementary. The current Union Principal Dr. Trina Resler has resigned her position to pursue an educational position in Hawaii.

“I am honored to be asked to be the interim principal for Union Elementary,” Mills said.   Many years ago, I read a quote by Victor Frankl that says ‘Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.’ I truly believe that our attitude is what gets us through life.   I try to be a team player and feel this is where I am needed to help Team Ponca.   Every opportunity is a chance to learn and grow, so while I am helping Union finish the year without having to worry about changes that will occur with a new principal, I will also be looking for ideas that I can use at Lincoln in the fall.   Every building has its strong points, and Union will continue to be a great school because of its strengths and the awesome staff and students, no matter who their principal is.”

Mill’s first official day at Union will begin on Monday, April 15. A letter to Union parents/guardians from Teri Vogele, PCPS Elementary Curriculum Director, stated in part, “The PCPS District wants you to know that the education of your children is our top priority. We also strive to keep parents informed of changes that need to be made throughout the year in a timely manner. Union’s current principal, Dr. Trina Resler has recently resigned her position to pursue employment with another district. To ensure the best possible learning atmosphere and the safety of the students at Union, the district has made the decision to move one of our district employees, Dawn Mills, the Assistant Principal at Lincoln Elementary, to serve as the lead principal at Union for the reminder of the school year. Mrs. Mills is a certified administrator with over 25 years of experience in education. She is a long-time employee of the district and has served the students of Ponca City as a math teacher and the lead principal at Trout Elementary. We are confident that Mrs. Mills will do a wonderful job filling this position for the remainder of the school year. Meanwhile, the district will be conducting interviews to fill the position of lead principal for the upcoming school year to ensure the best possible candidate is hired for the open position.”

“I have had a wonderful experience in Ponca City,” said Dr. Resler. “Mrs. Arrott and her BOE staff have been an excellent support team and she is an exceptional leader. Union is such a special place and I have been so fortunate to have been a part of it. I will cherish the relationship and the knowledge I have gained while with Ponca City Schools. Aloha!”