Kristi Ridgway
Douma principal, Kristi Ridgway, will become the next principal at Horace Mann Elementary. Superintendent Mike McGrory recently made the annoucement to staff. "Kristi was a teacher and an instructional coach at Horace Mann prior to being selected to be the principal at Douma," said McGrory. "She has done an outstanding job leading the incredible staff at Douma and will bring this same quality leadership back to Horace Mann."
An Ottumwa High School graduate, Ridgway began her career in 1999, teaching at Horace Mann before accepting a position as a Curriculum Instructional Leader. She was named principal at Douma in 2021. She has her master's degrees in both elementary education and administration.
Education is in her blood. Both of her parents were teachers in the Ottumwa district. That tradition continues with her three daughters. One is teaching at Evans and the other two teach elementary students in the district.
She plans to continue to build a positive culture and climate and support ongoing building improvements, including a secure entrance. “I'm looking forward to helping with the Iowa Assessments again and aligning K-5 curriculum across the grade levels to ensure our students are learning and meeting the standards.”
Ridgway has a long history with Horace Mann and looks forward to this new challenge. She is certain she will continue to grow in her role as Horace Mann principal. "I’m excited for this opportunity,” she said.