Ashley Brink
Ashley Brink has been named the director of the Pickwick Early Childhood Center. The offer was approved by Ottumwa's Board of Education at the May 11 board meeting. She replaces Michaela O'Connell, who has accepted a position with the Linn-Mar school district, effective July 1.
Brink most recently served as the Child Development Assistant Director for Sieda Community Action. She oversaw the management of all Head Start sites, including Pickwick Early Childhood Center. Since the school opened in 2018, her role included maintaining a strong relationship with community partners; managng, coaching, and capacity-building a blended staff; managing daily operations, ensuring fidelity of Department of Human Services and Head Start Preschool Performance Standards and best practices; providing instructional leadership; and developing policy and systems.
According to Superintendent Nicole Kooiker, the interview panel for the position consisted of eight team members representing all stakeholders in our partnership. "We interviewed some excellent candidates, and after much discussion and consideration on what is the next best move for Pickwick, the interview team made a unanimous decision," she said.
"The team is excited to have Ashley transition into this role and continue to lead Pickwick into excellence in a seamless manner that will provide strong leadership and support," said Kooiker.
