Ponca City Public Schools announce administrative changes

The Ponca City Public School district announces administrative changes for the 2017-18 school year.

Shelley Arrott was named as the new superintendent July 1, replacing Dr. David Pennington who retired.

Curtis Layton has been named the new Executive Director of Human Resources for the district. He is replacing Arrott, who served in the position for several years.

“I am excited about the new role I have at Ponca Schools,” Layton said. “This new adventure has started off fast and furious. I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Layton earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, with a double Major in Spanish, from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. He also earned a Master in School Administration from the University of Phoenix. He has worked in education for 27 years.

Amy Swartz was hired as the new Director of Special Services for the district, replacing Jill Henderson, who accepted a high school principal position in Altus to be closer to family.

“I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to continue my work in special education, but in a new capacity,” Swartz said. “I am looking forward to forming new relationships and fostering existing ones with staff, students, and their families as we continue to provide support for our students to achieve success.”

Swartz has been in the district since 2007, serving as a teacher and Special Services Compliance Coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from OSU and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva.

Trenton Murner is the new principal at West Middle School, replacing Curtis Layton. He started in the Ponca City School district in 2015 as assistant principal at the high school and has been in education for 15 years.

“I am extremely honored and blessed to be the principal at West. I am excited to work with the West staff, students and parents in the coming year,” Murner said.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Chadron State College, Chadron, Nebraska, and his Master of Educational Leadership from OSU.

The new principal at East Middle School is Denton Long. He came to the district last year as assistant principal at East. Prior to coming to Ponca City, he served as a teacher and coach for 10 years in school districts in Oklahoma and Texas.

“I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to be working with the excellent faculty, staff, and students at East Middle School,” Long said. “I know that faculty and staff will work tirelessly to grow and support our students and prepare them for the rest of their education. Go Wildcats!”

Denton earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from East Central University and a Master of Education from the University of Texas at Arlington.

“I’m so excited to continue my journey in education as the new Assistant Principal at East Middle School,” said Stacey Sattre. “I am looking forward to working with the wonderful staff, students and parents.”

Sattre is replacing Denton Long. She served as an Instructional Coach and has been in the district since 2006.

Sattre earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from OSU and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from the University of Central Oklahoma. She also earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a second Master in Educational Leadership for Administration, both from the American College of Education in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Jennifer Dye has been named the new Assistant Principal at West Middle School. She is replacing Tamara Chaney, who retired in May.  Dye has 18 years of educational experience, all in Ponca City, serving in many capacities. She has been an Instructional Coach, Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Facilitator, and teacher.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching and instructional coaching and am excited to offer my experience and dedication to the students and faculty of West Middle School,” Dye said. “I look forward to building positive relationships with students, staff, and families. I want all students to have a positive self-image and academic success.”

Dye earned her Bachelor of Science in Family Relations and Child Development, Option in Early Childhood Education from OSU. She also earned a Master of Educational Administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Bob Mellen has been hired as the new assistant principal at the high school, replacing Trenton Murner.

“I have been very fortunate to have experienced many wonderful opportunities and relationships during my educational career thus far, and I am excited about the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and community of Ponca City,” Mellen stated.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, and his Master of Education Administration from Wichita State University.  He has been in education for the last 34 years, working in several capacities including school principal, assistant principal, athletic director, administrative assistant, and teacher.

From left, Jennifer Dye, Bob Mellen, Denton Long, Stacey Sattre, Trenton Murner, Amy Swartz, and Curtis Layton