PCPS Board of Education Spotlight

In salute and gratitude to the more than 2,700 Oklahoma school board members, January 2022 has been designated as School Board Recognition Month.

School Board Recognition Month honors the efforts of thousands of men and women who help to shape the direction of Oklahoma public education and their collective focus on student achievement. School board members voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing school districts while preserving the core of our democratic values.

Five board members serve the Ponca City Public School district including Anna Roland (Ward #4), Don Nuzum (Ward #5), Judy Throop (Ward #3), Robin Riley (Ward #1) and Nancy Zimmerschied (Ward #2).

Board member Nancy Zimmerschied is a proud member of the Hispanic network and currently serves as the board president. She has worked at Jupiter for 13 years and has three children. Veronika is currently working towards becoming a registered nurse, Devin is a senior at Po-Hi and Alex is a sophomore at Po-Hi. Her husband, Randy, is a repair man for Phillips 66 and they have been married for 19 years.

Nancy graduated from Ponca City High School in 1997. She also currently serves on the softball and soccer booster boards.

Why did you run for school board?

I have always been a part of the various activities and sporting events with my children. After many years of PTA and booster clubs, I decided to run for school board. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve on this school board.

What kind of issues have you faced while serving on the school board?

Without question that is the current pandemic we are all facing. We had to come together and do things to put things in motion to protect not only the children, teachers and staff … but to also protect Ponca City. Another issue I’ve faced was during the teacher walk out. A change was long overdue for education in Oklahoma and it was thrilling to get to watch our teachers stand up for their students and themselves. Power to the teachers!!

What are you most proud of as a board member?

I am so proud of OUR district! We have the best kids, teachers and staff. We also have the best Superintendent in the State of Oklahoma!