A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT MCGRORY
Ottumwa Community Schools continues to make strides towards becoming the best district in the state. Our Be The Best initiative has demonstrated significant improvements in our student enrollment for the 2021-22 school year.
Ottumwa Community Schools is excited to announce a significant growth in student enrollment for the 2021-22 school year. Our PK-12 certified student enrollment increased from 4,701 students to 4,887 for a total increase of 186 students. This increase represents the most students served by the district in over a decade!
Additionally, the district's net open enrollment out has leveled off and reversed the large annual increases of students leaving the district for neighboring schools. This trend demonstrates the renewed trust the community has in Ottumwa Schools.
An increase in student enrollment will have a tremendous impact on our ability to serve our students and provide them the best education and school experience possible. Increased student participation in Ottumwa Schools means additional financial resources for ongoing and future significant investments in student learning and support, facilities and technology. These resources will be in addition to an already healthy financial outlook for Ottumwa Schools.
The resources generated by our enrollment increase will further advance the visionary Be The Best initiative that includes some highlights this school year:
- $21 million investment in facilities improvements and upgrades in all schools
- Recruitment and retention of the best and brightest teachers, counselors, and staff
- Commitment to reduced class sizes and free three- and four-year-old preschool
- $750,000 in new instructional materials
- Expansion of academic programs from Career Academies to Pre-AP and AP courses
- Increased supports for student social emotional learning, athletics, and activities
- State leader in developing dyslexia friendly classrooms and reading interventions
Ottumwa Community Schools would like to thank all of our stakeholders including our Board of Directors, community partners, staff, students and families of Ottumwa for being part of the best! Our combined efforts in establishing Ottumwa as a destination for families and a place for students to receive the best learning opportunities will make our community strong and vibrant for years to come.
We invite our entire community to spread the good news! The district views this as one of many positive trends currently occurring throughout the district. These positive trends will lay the groundwork for a bright future for our community, district and stakeholders. With your continued support we are on our way to becoming the best district in the state.