PCPS Board of Education spotlight - Judy Throop

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PCPS Board of Education spotlight - Judy Throop

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 22:20
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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 Judy Throop was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but moved to Ponca City when she was three. She attended Ponca City Public Schools and graduated from Po-Hi. She graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma

State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She taught for 33 years, finishing her last 14 years in Ponca City at Lincoln Elementary.

She is married to Ralph Throop and they have two daughters, Heather Throop and Amber Orr. Her daughters both attended and graduated from Ponca City Public Schools. She has two grandchildren, Gracie and Jackson Orr. Gracie is a ninth grader and Jackson is a sixth grader.

Why did you run for school board?

Since retirement I have gotten involved in Ponca City. I am a member of the Chamber of Commerce as a citizen and a coordinator for Meals on Wheels. I am also a member of P.E.O., Delta Kappa Gamma and a member of Albright United Methodist Church.

After I retired, I decided that if my board district became available I would run for school board. After teaching all of those years, I felt that there should be an educators’ perspective on the board. In 2004 I ran and was elected and have been on the board ever since. I am also on the OSSBA as a director for District 3. The OSSAA is the Oklahoma State School Board Association. This association helps school districts in Oklahoma.

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

Covid has been the hardest issue I have faced on this board. We have been lucky that we have not been shut down as much as the other districts. We have offered both in-person and virtual learning for our students. I think Covid has really hurt learning not just in Oklahoma but all over the country.

What are you most proud of as a board member?

I am proud of everything and every decision I have made on this board. We have passed bond issues that have really improved our district and facilities. I am so thankful that our community has been very supportive.

I am proud of everything and every decision I have made on this board. We have passed bond issues that have really improved our district and facilities. I am so thankful that our community has been very supportive.

Judy Throop

Ward #3