Ponder ISD serves approximately 1200 students in grades PK-12 on three campuses. The District has seen many physical changes within the recent past.  In 1999 a new high school campus was built and four new classrooms were added to what was the elementary campus.  In November 2001, a $16 million bond proposal was approved by voters which allowed for the addition of a new elementary campus, administration building, renovation of the elementary campus for conversion to a junior high school, new vocational agriculture facilities, and improved athletic facilities.  In 2007 a $13.4 million bond package was approved by the voters to build a new gym at the Junior High School, a new choir and band facility, football concession building, football field house, football stadium with press boxes, softball press box, baseball press box, additional paving of driveways, parking, and sidewalks, plus other items. (View the 2007 bond election brochure.)

 

Ponder Elementary is a pre-kindergarten through fifth grade campus with a strong academic program that includes fine arts and physical education. The elementary campus is housed in a building that opened in the fall of 2004. The school's principal is Janell Wilbanks.  Mrs. Wilbanks was a kindergarten and second grade teacher in Northwest ISD for 15 years. She holds a Master's degree from the University of North Texas with extended graduate studies in Early Childhood Education from Texas Woman's University.  The assistant principal is Mr. William Reed.

 

Ponder Junior High School opened in the fall of 2005 as a sixth through eighth grade campus campus. This school is housed in the newly renovated building that was originally the elementary campus. The school's principal is Ted Heers. Mr. Heers was most recently the assistant principal at Ponder High School and has taught as well as coached at many schools across the state. He holds a Master's degree from Texas Woman's University and a Bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.  The assistant principal is Mr. Patrick McLarty.

 

Ponder High School is a ninth through twelfth grade school that stresses small class sizes and high academic achievement. High school students also excel in a variety of sports, UIL academics, One Act Play, Art, Student Council, Peer Assistance Leadership, TMSCA and Agricultural Science activities. Other electives include Business, Computers, Journalism, and Foreign Language courses. PHS offers the Minimum, Recommended, and Distinguished graduation programs. The school's principal is Shawn Simmons. He most recently served as Assistant Principal at Ponder High School.  The assistant principal is Mr. Joey Waldo.