Superintendent Mike McGrory presented a two-year plan to the Ottumwa Board of Education January 27, and then at a press conference on January 28 that marks what he calls "a watershed period for Ottumwa Schools." His plan, developed after listening to staff, parents, and community, will have "a far ranging impact on education" in Ottumwa.
The plan is based on two studies, one done by Estes Construction that provided a facility condition assessment of district school buildings. The other is a research project recently completed by Flynn-Wright that highlighted the findings of three surveys, including those from families who are open enrolled out of district, current district families, and staff.
"The leadership of the school board has set the tone for excellence," said McGrory. "They are dedicated to doing whatever is necessary whether it is providing additinal resources, staffing, programming, or upgrading facilities, for us to become an elite school district."
The plan will be implemented immediately, with funds for teachers available this spring. Work continues on the expansion of Career and Technical Education at the Market on Main facility and architects will begin working with northside building staffs to develop plans to update those facilities. Camera installation will be completed this summer.
An outline of the plan includes:
- $13 million Facilities Investment
- $8 million in northside elementary building renovations to maintain small, personalized atmosphere
- $5 million renovations to OHS, Evans, and southside elementaries
- School Safety Advancements
- New security cameras at OHS and Evans
- Secure entrances for every school building in the district
- Repurpose existing security cameras at elementary schools
- Behavior management supports, including school counselors, diversity advocates, and curriculum/instruction leads with behavior management emphasis
- Ensuring Class Size Targets Met
- Additional staff to include: K-5 teachers, Title I reading teachers, 6th English Language Arts teachers, K-8 music teachers, K-12 English Language Learner teachers, and K-12 special education teachers
- State of the Art Programs
- Dyslexia services
- Personalized Learning pilot at Evans Middle School
- Pre-Advanced Placement (AP) in Language Arts and Mathematics
- 7-12 Alternative School
- Expanded Career and Technical Education at Market on Main facility
- Additional $300,000 in Staff Curriculum and Technology Requests
Questions can be directed to Superintendent Mike McGrory at 641-684-6597 or [email protected].