$300,000 Supports Teaching and Learning

As part of the district's Be The Best Initiative, Ottumwa teachers received a $300,000 boost this spring to support instruction.

To provide state-of-the-art programming, the $300,000 initiative was designed to provide additional curriculum and technology resources for teachers. This winter, teachers were asked to submit requests for purchases that would improve classroom instruction and the delivery of a world-class education. Requests ranged from individual teachers, groups of teachers/grade levels, and buildings, ranging from less than $100 to over $100,000.

Pk-12 teacher leaders were instrumental in reviewing all requests and making equitable decisions based on alignment with district priorities, number of students impacted, and sustainability requirements. "As a result, students and staff across all parts of our system have been granted resource requests that will serve to support us all as we continue to strive to Be The Best," said Amy Taylor, Douma principal who was part of the review process.

"The district team made every attempt to approve the majority of requests," said Brooke Fishels, OHS teacher leader. "I was impressed by all of the proposed technology upgrades and equipment that truly will benefit our students. Every building and grade level PreK-12 should see an impact!"

The district's music program will benefit from the addition of SmartMusic. "SmartMusic will greatly impact the learning needs of my band students," said Kylee Martin, 5/6 band instructor. "SmartMusic is a web-based music program that allows our students to interactively engage with our curriculum. This includes: audio examples, accompaniment tracks, as well as music tools to enhance the learning experience and meet the needs of every student. I am very excited about this being available to my band students in the upcoming school year."

More than 30% of the approved requests have been purchased to date. Some items, such as digital licenses, will be purchased for the 2021-22 school year.

"It is exciting to know that many resources are already being used with more yet to come," said Ramona Parrish, a curriculum and instructional leader at Eisenhower. "The educational impact of this investment will be seen for years by hundreds of students in all curricular areas through more engaging classrooms and enriched academics. Teachers are excited and eager to use their knowledge and new resources to engage, educate and empower all students in the Ottumwa Community School District to Be The Best!" 

Expenditures and resouce by building includes:

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO