Dan McGuire’s first Ottumwa experience was during RAGBRAI, camping in Greater Ottumwa Park and riding up North Court on his way out of town. Today the district announced he has been selected as the next educational leader of Ottumwa High School, starting in July.
“We are excited to announce that pending Monday nights board approval, OHS will be welcoming Dan McGuire as the next principal,” Superintendent Nicole Kooiker said in an email to staff over the weekend.
McGuire comes to OHS with a wealth of experience and expertise. He taught biology, anatomy, and physiology for 21 years, at both the middle and high school levels. Leadership roles include science department chair, dean of students, middle school assistant principal, high school assistant principal, and principal. He has served as principal of Moline High School since 2012. In 2017, he was named Principal of the Year for the Black Hawk region of the Illinois Principal’s Association and considered for the state Principal of the Year. He also coached track, wrestling, and football, serving as head coach of the later for 10 years.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and his master’s in Education Administration from Western Illinois University.
“Ottumwa intrigued me” when he first visited, McGuire said. “The demographics are very similar to Moline. I like diversity and the uniqueness of our kids, it represents the real world.”
His experiences in Ottumwa, both two years ago and recently, were positive. “It was an enjoyable experience,” he said. “People are friendly.” He even walked up North Court hill to reminisce his RAGBRAI ride.
“Ottumwa is a town where I think a lot of good things are going on,” McGuire said. “There are also a lot of good things happening in the district. I hope to continue to take steps to make it greater.”
“His positive attitude, visibility, communication, experience, and relationship-building skills will be a tremendous asset to Ottumwa High School and our community,” said Kooiker.
