Mark Hanson
Several community leaders were on hand to congratulate Mark Hanson today at OHS.
Mark Hanson, principal of Ottumwa High School, has been named the 2015 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year by School Administrators of Iowa.“Mr. Hanson’s leadership is evident within the school,” said SAI Executive Director Dan Smith. “For example, during his time at Ottumwa, faculty and staff have provided activities to get more parents involved with the school, 10 standards for student success were implemented, and the graduation rate has increased,” Smith emphasized.
Hanson credited his students and staff for the award, calling it a team effort. “At Ottumwa High School, our staff has worked very hard to create a culture of achievement. Through our work on the growth mindset and our continued work on school climate, we have improved our academic results over the past two years. I have always believed that academic strides could not occur without a culture change first. We have worked steadily on culture and academics side by side for the past four years and with our move toward professional learning communities, we feel we are in a position to make great improvements in the future,” Hanson said. "I'm proud to be principal of The Ottumwa High School."
Hanson has led Ottumwa High School since 2010 and was previously principal at City High School in
Iowa City. He began his career as a social studies and English teacher for Waterloo Columbus High
School. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in English from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in secondary administration from the University of Northern Iowa.
He was nominated by his peers, selected as the recipient by a committee of Iowa secondary principals
and will be recognized at a governor’s awards ceremony in May. SAI, a statewide organization founded in 1987, represents more than 1,800 Iowa educational administrators. SAI's mission is to enhance PreK-12 education through effective leadership by school Administrators
“Mark has a tremendous heart for each and every student and believes that all can be successful,” said Superintendent Davis Eidahl. “His leadership has not only impacted the achievement and culture at OHS but has also influenced the entire district.”
City Administrator, Joe Helfenberger, noted Hanson's caring spirit. He also shared that the high school's 10 Standards of Success will be displayed at city hall as a reminder to the community. "Hanson makes a positive impact in our community," he said.
