PCPS Board of Education spotlight - Robin Riley

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PCPS Board of Education spotlight - Robin Riley

Thu, 01/13/2022 - 03:55
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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 Robin Riley has served on the Ponca City Board of Education for over 10 years. He is a member of both the Finance and Property Committees and has served two terms as board president.

He retired in 2005 from ConocoPhillips after 35 years in the telecommunications industry. He is a lifelong Ponca City resident (except for spending four years at Oklahoma State University and another three in Ardmore with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company). He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1967 and from Oklahoma State University in 1971.

Why did you run for school board?

I always had an interest in school activities and after retirement I knew I had the time to dedicate to the board. I spend quite a bit of time in researching and reading the issues and wanted to be able to have the necessary time to immerse myself in PCPS activities.

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

We have faced many issues during my tenure as a board member. Being a board of education member is much more than hiring a principal, superintendent or football coach. We have faced both financial and staffing shortfalls, personnel issues, lawsuits, budget preparations, bond issues, safety concerns for all students, as well as upkeep to our properties … and of course the impact of the teacher walkouts.

What are you most proud of as a board member?

There are two major items that stand out during my tenure on the board. First, our response to the Covid crisis that has been on everyone’s mind for the last two years. PCPS has, in my opinion, been the flagship school in our response to the Covid pandemic. The other major item that I am most proud of is the hiring of Shelley Arrott as the school superintendent after the retirement of Dr. David Pennington. She was, and is, the ideal candidate for the job and speaking for the entire BOE, we wouldn’t trade her for anyone else in the country.

My philosophy has always been, ‘Do what is best for the student.’ This is the yardstick that I use to make decisions and how to vote.

Robin Riley

Ward #1