With a heavy heart, I must inform you of the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Nicole King. Unfortunately, Nicole lost her life last night following a prolonged and brave struggle with health problems.
Nicole was a dedicated member of our district, serving as a teacher for over twenty years in our district at Wilson and Horace Mann Elementary. Her passion for education and commitment to our students was evident in everything she did, including being involved in mentoring and our summer school program.
Nicole's loss is deeply felt by all who know her. Her warmth, kindness, and infectious enthusiasm will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Dr. Jeff Hendred shares on her passing:
“Nicole “Nici” King was an advocate for students since the day she started teaching. For all the years I knew of her work at Wilson Elementary and especially working with her at Wilson, she has given everything she has within her to see students succeed. When I was principal at Wilson, people would ask me if Nici King still taught there. When I told them she did, they raved about how good of a teacher she was and how much love she showed. In the latter part of her career, Nici started planning for the future beyond retirement. Her plans involved starting a non-profit tutoring program in an abandoned building on East Main Street. She was going to call it the "School House” Project. She started raising funds for the project with the intent of remodeling the building. She also played an instrumental role in the OEA, for example, securing donations for the OEA back-to-school picnic. She will be greatly missed. Her house on South Ash Street, just one block from Wilson School, will be a place that brings back sweet memories of Nici. Her commitment to education and students was unparalleled.”
Her former colleague, Jennifer Gabel, shares:
“Nici was the most caring, dedicated, compassionate educator I had the pleasure to work with. She cared for her students like they were their own. She always had a smile or song to share. I will miss seeing her singing a song and dancing through the hallways here at Wilson. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of calling her friend.
Her former colleague, June Schneckloth, shares:
“Nici King was a wonderful, compassionate teacher who loved children. She would do anything for any child. She was always looking out for everyone else. She was a great friend. Always generous to friends and strangers. She would often be found at every garage sale in town, looking for others. She showed up at my door a few times, offering items she had found. Nici was loved by all who met her and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.”
As we mourn Nicole's passing, let us also celebrate the legacy she leaves behind. Her contributions to our district will continue to positively impact our students and staff for years to come.
During times of grief, it is essential to remember that seeking care and support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let us come together as a community to support one another and find solace in our shared memories of those we have lost.
Nicole will be cremated, and arrangements are pending. As soon as we have more details, we will forward them to the staff.
Sincerely,
Mike McGrory
Superintendent, Ottumwa School District