Three New Principals Named for PCPS

Three new principals have been named for the 2022-2023 school year, pending board approval. New hires include Ann Neilson, Laura Glowacki and Jera Kiespert.

Ann Neilson will be the new principal at Trout Elementary. She replaces Carla Fry, who is retiring after 22 years with PCPS. “I am so excited to be the principal at Trout Elementary next year! They are doing many wonderful things that I cannot wait to be a part of. I look forward to getting to know the children, staff and parents, and working together for our students’ success,” said Neilson.

She has served as a fifth grader teacher at Woodlands Elementary since 2013. Prior to that she was a fourth grade teacher at Garfield Elementary School for two years. She received a Bachelor of Art degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2011 and a Master of Education degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2021.

Laura Glowacki is the new principal at Garfield Elementary. She replaces Katy Thomason, who has taken a special education position in another district. “I am so excited to be the new principal at Garfield Elementary. I look forward to continuing to support our students, staff and families. We will have an incredible 2022-2023 school year. Go Garfield Wildcats!” she said.

All of Laura’s teaching experience has been for Ponca City Public Schools. She has been an instructional coach at Garfield Elementary, teacher at the Washington Pre-K Center and Woodlands Elementary and a PLC facilitator at the Washington Pre-K Center. She earned an associate’s degree from Northern Oklahoma College, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1999 and a master’s degree in 2021 from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Jera Kiespert is the new principal at Roosevelt Elementary. She will replace Dane Sallaska, who is returning to his hometown of Stillwater to be a principal at Will Rogers Elementary School. “I am thrilled and honored to serve the students and staff at Roosevelt Elementary. I look forward to being their new principal and joining such an exceptional team,” she said.

Jera has been the elementary school principal for Frontier Public Schools since 2017. Prior to that she served as middle school principal from 2015-2017 at Frontier and assistant principal/secondary choir director from 2013-2015 for Frontier Public Schools. From 2003-2013 she was the general theory/choir director for Highland West Junior High in Moore. She earned an associate’s degree from Northern Oklahoma College, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master’s degree in 2012 from the University of Oklahoma.

PCPS Superintendent Shelley Arrott said, “I am excited about the new leaders at Garfield, Roosevelt, and Trout. Each brings specific talents that lend well to enhancing the amazing teams we have at all three sites. It is so wonderful when educators are able to continue to grow and expand their professional horizons in our community.”