School History

The first school building in Ponca City, Oklahoma to bear the name Roosevelt was at 613 East Grand Avenue. It contained the whole school system-elementary and high school. In 1929 over a city block of ground was purchased, and on January 30, 1931 the second building to bear the name Roosevelt was completed at a cost of $72,659.65 at 815 East Highland Avenue. It was a buff brick building. In 1954, an addition to the building was made at a cost of $24,065.00.

In the 1960’s, the Ponca City Garden Clubs furnished flower bulbs and the Camp Fire Girls earned points for planting them. Thus the beautiful flower beds in front of the building. For many years, East Junior High Athletic Department used the space under the north stairs as a change room because they practiced on the Roosevelt grounds.

In 1964 the annex, which housed the District Maintenance Department, was added to handle food storage for the lunchrooms. In 1988 the annex was converted to four classrooms. A blue metal building was purchased from Marland School District in 1990. This building houses six large classrooms.

Principals who have served Roosevelt are Joe Hurt, Elizabeth E. Wright, Tom Hanes, J. Win Payne, Edna Thomas, Perry Pederson, David Shelton, and Tom L. Sipe. One U.S. Senator, a State Representative, and four Mayors of Ponca City have attended Roosevelt Elementary School along with many community leaders and leading businessmen.