Gail LoPresto, a longtime Putnam City Board of Education member, was honored Saturday with an All-State School Board Award during the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) annual conference in Oklahoma City.
The All-State School Board Award is an honorary board made up of five of the most outstanding school board members in the state during the year.
“Ms. LoPresto is a dedicated board member and a strong advocate for improving public education in Oklahoma,” says Dr. Jeff Mills, OSSBA executive director.
LoPresto joined Putnam City’s school board in July 1997. By the time her current term ends in 2015, she will have served district students, families and taxpayers as a school board member for 18 years – longer than any other Putnam City school board member in history. During her tenure on the school board, she has served as president for three years and vice-president for two years.
LoPresto’s presence in the district is not limited to board meetings. She is often in attendance at evening open houses, athletic events, school plays, concerts and other school events across the district. She’s also been a PTA member for 27 years, serving as an active member and officer of PTAs at every level in the district. For six years, she took regular time out of her work week to mentor to students in district schools.
Paul Hurst, superintendent in Putnam City since July 2008, says LoPresto’s experience and personal qualities make her an excellent board member.
“She’s a leader, especially when times are tough. She attends many school events and makes herself available for conversation with parents, students and faculty. She is a passionate advocate for children. She asks questions. She speaks up for what she believes is right while remaining a voice of reason and a steadying influence. She is exactly the kind of person that school districts should have on their boards,” says Hurst.
For LoPresto, simply being a Putnam City board member is all the reward she needs.
“Serving Putnam City students, teachers and patrons as a board member has greatly enriched my life. What could be more rewarding than playing a part in the education of young people?” LoPresto says.
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For More Information
Steve Lindley, Communications Director
(405) 495-5200, x1204
(405) 812-6119
slindley@putnamcityschools.org