For the second time in two years, Superintendent Mike McGrory has presented a vision to transform Ottumwa Schools into the best school district in the state. Last night's board presentation, coined Vision of Excellence, is the second phase of the district's Be The Best Initiative. The board of directors unanimously approved the recommendations.
The recommendations are based on the district's need to upgrade existing facilities, expand curricular and extracurricular opportunities, and create more personalized learning environments across all grade levels. To gauge support, the district surveyed students, staff members, and the community in January. After receiving overwhelming support, McGrory's Be The Best Phase II recommendations include:
- Starting in August 2022, all southside kindergarten students will attend Pickwick Early Childhood Center.
- For the 2022-23 school year, Douma will become a 1-2 building.
- Construct a new 3-5 elementary school, located on the Douma campus. After construction is complete in August 2023, southside students in grades 1-5 will attend school at the current Douma location.
- For the 2023-24 school year, OHS will become a 10-12 building, Evans will become an 8-9 building, and Liberty will become a 6-7 building.
"This vision will transform the educational experience of our students and will have both immediate and long-term impact," said McGrory. "Almost 1,200 people responded to our most recent survey. We empowered, listened to, and collaborated with our stakeholders to formulate the recommendations."
We are excited to have such overwhelming support from our community on this vision as we strive to Be The Best district in the state.