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History of Pansy Kidd Middle School

Our school's name honors Mrs. Pansy Ingle Kidd, an extraordinary educator whose influence helped shape Poteau’s educational history.

In 1912, Pansy Ingle arrived in Poteau after graduating from Indiana University with a Master’s Degree in English and Library Science. She began her career as a third-grade teacher and dedicatedly served until 1915, when she married Frank Kidd. At that time, a school board regulation prohibited married women from teaching, forcing her to leave the classroom.

When that regulation was finally repealed in 1921, Mrs. Kidd joyfully returned to teaching, a profession she would faithfully serve for the next four decades. Throughout her career, she taught Science, Math, and English and served as a Librarian, Counselor, and Principal. Her flexibility, professionalism, and passion for students earned her the affectionate title “Dean of Poteau’s Teachers.”

Mrs. Kidd also played a key role in organizing the first Junior High School in Poteau. In recognition of her extraordinary service and impact, that school was later named in her honor, Pansy Kidd Junior High, now known as Pansy Kidd Middle School. After 42 years of service, Mrs. Kidd retired in 1960. She continued to live in Poteau until her passing in 1978. Today, our school proudly bears her name as a lasting tribute to her legacy of dedication, learning, and love for children.