education
Top-notch educational opportunities abound in Ottumwa and southeast Iowa . They include quality preschool programs , such as the new Pickwick Early Childhood Center in the Ottumwa Community School District , as well as higher education options such as Indian Hills Community College and Buena Vista University . Private schools such as Ottumwa Christian School and Seton Catholic School provide faith-based learning . And programs such as Ottumwa Job Corps Center and Iowa Jobs for America ’ s Graduates offer career-based training and work experiences that lead to jobs in the area ’ s businesses and industries .
Ottumwa Community School District
In January 2021 , Ottumwa Community School District launched its Be The Best initiative . This was the result of a research project that allowed for input from parents , staff and the community . This twoyear initiative will focus on four key areas : facilities , safety , state-of-the-art programming and reducing class sizes .“ Our district is committed to becoming a destination place for families and is striving to become the best school district in the state ,” said Superintendent Mike McGrory .
Be The Best highlights include :
• An investment of $ 21 million will be made in school facilities over the next two years . This includes $ 8 million in upgrades to four north-side elementary schools and $ 5 million in upgrades to Ottumwa High School , Evans Middle School , Liberty Elementary and Douma Elementary . In addition , a $ 5.5 million expansion project at Pickwick Early Childhood Center was completed in August 2021 with the addition of 10 classrooms to meet the needs of the district ' s youngest learners .
• Several projects address school safety enhancements . Over the summer of 2021 , new security cameras were installed at Ottumwa High School and Evans Middle School . Existing cameras were repurposed at elementary schools . Plans are in progress to create secure entrances in all buildings .
• With a strong focus on meeting the needs of all students , the district has launched several programs to advance academic achievement , including :
• A new dyslexia service is now available
• Enhanced sixth-grade language arts at Evans Middle School
• Pre-Advanced Placement courses in language arts and math at Evans
• 7-12 Alternative School
• Additional curriculum and technology resources for teachers
• Career Campus opened in August in downtown Ottumwa . The facility provides expanded opportunities in career and technical education for our students while making strong community connections that will enhance the different career strands .
• Ottumwa Schools added more than 20 additional staff to help maintain low class sizes while supporting the individual learning needs of our students . Additional teachers were hired in the areas of : Title I reading , behavior , English language arts , K-8 music , English language learners , special education , and guidance .
For more information about the Ottumwa Community School District , visit www . ottumwaschools . com .
Indian Hills Community College
Indian Hills Community College continues to change the lives of southern Iowans by inspiring learning , diversity , social enrichment and regional economic advancement . More than 86 % of Indian Hills graduates remain in the IHCC 10-county region .
The college continues to improve programs , facilities and technologies to meet the needs of current and future students . During the 2020-21 academic year , Indian Hills completed the construction and renovation of facilities on the Ottumwa and Centerville Campuses , including :
• Renovation of the state-of-the-art Health Simulation Lab located in the Rosenman Center on the Ottumwa Main Campus . The simulation lab , equipped with high-fidelity manikins , will provide simulated training opportunities for students in nursing , emergency medical services ( EMS ), radiologic technology , phlebotomy and many other health sciences programs . These efforts better prepare future health care heroes in our region .
• Remodel of the Laser-Optics Lab located in the Advanced Technology Center on the Ottumwa Main Campus . The nationally renowned program supplies laser and optics technicians to companies throughout the Midwest , the United States and across the globe .
• Construction of the Indian Hills Wrestling Facility on the Centerville Campus . The wrestling facility welcomed 50 men ’ s and women ’ s wrestlers in the program ’ s inaugural season . The men ’ s team placed eighth at the NJCAA National Tournament , and the women ’ s team took home the title finishing first at their national tournament .
• Creation of an Industrial Maintenance Training Center in a classroom located on the Centerville Campus . The center will train industrial mechanics for use in business and industry throughout the region . At the start of the academic year , 96 students were interested in the program that can only house 16 students due to space limitations .
Indian Hills has 11 career academies designed for high school students to learn skills needed to secure jobs in their communities . Indian Hills partnered with Ottumwa School District and Van Buren Community School District to open Construction Technology Academies for the 2021-22 school year . Annually , Indian Hills saves families $ 5.3 million in tuition through concurrent enrollment and high school career academies . For more information about Indian Hills Community College , visit indianhills . edu .
Buena Vista University
Buena Vista University in Ottumwa provides convenient online and hybrid bachelor ’ s degree programs . With an office located on the Indian Hills Community College campus , students receive personalized support including admissions and enrollment counseling and academic advising .
BVU has transfer agreements with Iowa ’ s community colleges , including Indian Hills Community College , helping students get the most of their hard-earned credits . Through BVU ’ s eight-week terms designed for working adults , students can complete their degree in as little as two years . Iowa Tuition Grant availability sets BVU apart from other colleges in the area , providing students with up to $ 6,800 in financial aid . Students who receive the full allotment of federal and state aid can receive more than $ 10,000 in free grant aid per year .
For more information , stop by the BVU office , email online @ bvu .
24 GOPIP Investor Directory 2021-22