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PCPS Board of Education
Editor’s note: The following article on Watonga native Don Nuzum originally appeared in the Ponca City News. Thank you to all of our outstanding school board members at Watonga Public Schools, Geary Public Schools and throughout Blaine County.
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).
Don Nuzum has been a board member since 1999 and has served as board president 13 times. He has been an AllianceHealth Hospital Trustee member since 1996 and has served as chairman twice. He has also been a trustee for nine years for First United Methodist Church.
Don has been married to his wife Lori for 46 years. Their son, D.J., graduated from Ponca City High School in 1999. He is married to Melissa Nuzum and they have one daughter, Caroline.
Don’s daughter Andra Nuzum-Keim graduated from Ponca City High School in 2001. She is married to Chris Keim, a 1999 Po-Hi graduate. They have three children: Perry, Payton and Parker.
Don was the Airport Manager for the Watonga Municipal Airport from 1982 to 1988. He has served as Airport Manager at the Ponca City Regional Airport since 1988.
Why did you run for school board?
The Ponca City school system offers a first-class education along with sports, instrumental music and many other perks. I wanted to give back for the outstanding opportunities afforded to my own children and keep this school system the best in the state for the youth of Ponca City.
What kind of issues have you faced while serving on the school board?
Every year brings its own set of issues to deal with, but none have been more challenging than the Covid-19 pandemic.
What are you most proud of as a board member?
We have been very successful in passing bond elections to keep facilities upgraded and adding new venues.