Steve Zimmerman
After being gone for 10 years, Steve Zimmerman will return to his roots next fall.
Zimmerman was approved by the Board of Education to be the next principal at Evans Middle School. He begins his duties on July 1. Zimmerman replaces Missy Carson-Roark, who has accepted a position in Davis County.
"I started my educational career at Evans 25 years ago," said Zimmerman, a former middle school science teacher. The COE graduate earned his Masters from Drake University and moved to Ottumwa High School as a Dean of Students and most recently, Assistant Principal. His skills as an administrator have been recognized at the state level, where he has been nominated twice for Assistant Principal of the Year.
"It was ironic my first interview for middle school principal was across the hall from where I first started teaching."
Zimmerman hopes to re-establish culture and focus on reading and math scores to improve achievement. To improve school climate and culture, he plans to establish a school community council made up of students, teachers and parents; do community outreach monthly to promote the learning happening at Evans; increase opportunties to bring the public into the school; host monthly parent meetings; and involve outside organizations such as United Way.
He also plans to work with staff to develop a common vision for the school. "I want to sit down with all staff and find out what is going well and what can be improved," he said. This process will provide ownership for all staff.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Steve Zimmerman into the position as Head Principal of Evans,” said Superintendent Nicole Kooiker. “We look forward to his leadership, guidance, direction, and focus on student achievement. He is already establishing some new ideas to improve culture and climate, get parents actively engaged, and establish a school community where everyone is working together.”
