Jay Green
When teaching students about the district’s Six Essential Learnings, Ottumwa staff can simply look down the halls for examples of compassionate role models.
Next Wednesday, district staff will pay $5 to wear jeans to work in support of Jay Green. Green, the principal at James Elementary and a long-time educator in Ottumwa, is having a kidney transplant on April 14. Green has been diagnosed with adult onset polycystic kidney disease. The disease results in cysts growing on and taking over the kidney. Green only has 10% kidney function at this time and is close to requiring dialysis.
After searching for donor options, it was determined that Green’s wife, Cindy, is a match.
After surgery, Green will be required to stay in Rochester for one month during his recovery. “In order to help with the cost of housing, the district will come together as a team to support our friend and colleague,” said Mindy Young, an instructional coach and organizer of the event.
For Green, the fundraiser is humbling. “Ottumwa has been good to me,” said the Corydon native who has called Ottumwa home for over 20 years. “The experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve met, it shows the kind of community we have. It’s a good place to live.”
Friends of the Greens are also hosting a dinner and silent auction on April 9 at Evans Middle School from 12-3 p.m. That event is open to the public.