Mark Hanson
When the class of 2017 walks across the graduation stage, Ottumwa High School principal Mark Hanson will sing his last graduation song. Hanson, principal since 2010, announced his retirement to staff today. He will retire at the end of the 2016-17 school year.
Hanson will leave his mark on a number of changes, including school culture and climate, something he is very proud of. An indicator of this change came with the Iowa Safe and Supportive School program. When the district applied to participate in 2011, they scored a 17 out of 36. After four years, the district moved the needle to 26/36. “This was a testimony to students, staff, and parents about how things had changed,” said Hanson.
He came to Ottumwa with 29 years of education experience. That experience helped with efforts to improve the graduation rate. When he arrived in Ottumwa, the rate was in the mid 70s. Last year, the school hit an all-time high of 89.9%.
“Curriculum and instruction are better than it was when I got here,” Hanson said. “The staff places a high premium on quality and we’ve hired some great people.”
A few of the initiatives that were started under Hanson’s watch include:
- Stepping Towards Success – a program recognizing students who have turned their life around. “Many of these students have gone on to college,” said Hanson.
- Silver Cord – a program that allows students to wear a silver cord at graduation for completing 200 hours of community service during high school.
- Best Buddies – a program that facilitates friendships between regular and special education students. “This program bridges the gap between those students,” said Hanson.
- Interact Club – links students to their community through service projects.
- Welcome Center – welcomes new students and families to the school and provides follow-up to ensure students are transitioning well. “It’s a terrific asset for us,” he said.
- Extra-curricular opportunities have increased – for example, there are 23 students in Future Educators this year.
“I’m lucky to work with a great team at OHS,” Hanson said. “The people here really care about kids. Sometimes you have to make hard decisions but we try to keep the interest of kids first.”
What he’ll miss the most – pep assemblies. “I’ve never been in a place that had better pep assemblies,” he said. “That will always be a great memory for me.”
He also appreciates the students who have walked the halls during his tenure. “They come from every background. They become like sons and daughters to you. You only want the best for them.”
His plans for retirement are to stay in Ottumwa, at least for now. “I want to stay involved with kids if I can. I can be a good influence and motivate them to do the right thing.” Passions to pursue include coaching tennis and/or basketball, teaching college courses in education, music education with church youth, and politics.
“It has been a great seven years here,” he reflected. “I will always be grateful for the chance to come here and be principal.”
