Shelley Bramschreiber
OHS Associate Principal, Shelley Bramschreiber, will be recommended to the Board of Education on January 10 to be named the next principal of Ottumwa High School (OHS). She replaces Mark Hanson, who has decided to retire. Hanson, a former Iowa High School Principal of the Year, has served Ottumwa Schools exceptionally well. His leadership has provided Ottumwa High School with a solid foundation to be the best.
“Shelley is absolutely qualified for this position,” said Hanson. “She knows OHS well, she knows Ottumwa, she is an outstanding curriculum and instruction person, and I believe she is going to do great things at OHS.”
Bramschreiber started her career with Ottumwa Schools in 1994 as a math teacher at Evans. From 2004-2009 she served Ottumwa Schools as a math specialist with the Great Prairie Area Education Agency. In 2009, she was recruited to return to Ottumwa Schools to be part of the newly formed Freshman Academy at OHS. She has been an administrator at both Evans and OHS since 2013. Bramschreider will become the first female principal at Ottumwa High School starting July 1, 2022.
As associate principal, her responsibilities include overseeing programs that support under-resourced students, virtual learning, career academies, and high school curriculum and instruction. “I’m passionate about curriculum and instruction,” she said. “I want to ensure our teachers have the resources they need to be the best in the classroom for our students.” She has also worked to ensure smooth transitions for students between OHS and the ACA, the district’s alternative program.
She has been a part of the Ottumwa community for the past 30 years. “I understand how important OHS is to our community and the critical role we play in preparing our graduates to become successful community members,” she said.
“We appreciate the work Mark Hanson has done to create a positive learning environment for both students and staff,” said Superintendent Mike McGrory. “I expect the transition of leadership to be a smooth one. The associate principal position was designed to provide a higher level of leadership, allowing Shelley to focus on curriculum, instruction, and building climate and culture. She is well-prepared for this role.”
“As principal of OHS, Shelley will provide students and staff with continuity into next school year,” said OHS math teacher Brooke Fischels. “She is an advocate for our students and families, which will secure our success under her leadership.”
Bramschreiber is excited to lead OHS into the future. “I have two sons who are OHS grads,” she said. “I’ve taught here, been an administrator, and have been a part of the district for over 20 years. I’ve been part of the excellent things happening and want to continue to be a part of our efforts to become one of the best high schools in the state.”