To honor the thousands of individuals who serve as school board members throughout
Oklahoma, January has been designated as School Board Recognition Month.
School Board Recognition Month seeks to help build awareness and understanding
about the importance of those individuals who are willing to serve in this important role,
committing their time and talent to serve. School board members influence the lives of
students, the working environment of educators, and the quality of services provided by
local schools. They are vital in establishing a vision for their district, and they help to
implement that vision to allow the district to move forward.
Board of education members are often required to make tough, sometimes unpopular
decisions. It can often be a thankless task, yet members voluntarily tackle the job of
governing school districts.
Serving as school board members for Marietta Public Schools are Judy Sanchez-
Fernandez, Allen Woody, Brett Harris, Denice Halstied, and Megan Wilson. Of the five,
Sanchez-Fernandez, Halstied, and Wilson are MHS alumnus.
“I serve on the Board of Education because this school district has always been a huge
part of my life,” said Wilson, the board’s newest member. “I’m a proud alumnus, and
now I get to watch my own children walk the same halls and learn from the same
community that helped shape me. That connection makes this work very personal.”
As the current board president, Sanchez-Fernandez also serves as a way to give back
to the community that has given so much to her, believing that her role on the board
allows her to contribute to the long-term success of the school system.
“What keeps me going is a deep sense of purpose and responsibility to our district and
the community that I serve,” she said. “Knowing that my efforts can positively impact
students, support educators, and contribute to a stronger and more connected
community gives great meaning to my role as a school board member.”
Halstied serves because of her love and concern for the students, parents, and
teachers, providing advocacy to ensure that students have access to the resources
necessary to ensure success.
“I consider it my civic duty to serve out community in this capacity,” said Halstied. “The
pride I feel when I see the students and teachers adapt to the fast changing world is
what keeps me going. I hope to continue to have a helpful heart and be available to
those who seek assistance.”
Marietta’s board of education is comprised of different people from different walks of life,
but they serve with a common goal: to make Marietta Public Schools great.
“Our board members are fully committed to our community and our school,” said
Superintendent Brandi Naylor. “They understand the responsibility of the role and work
hard to ensure a strong learning environment for students and a positive workplace for
staff. We appreciate the time and effort they give to Marietta Public Schools.”