A Message from the Superintendent

Dear Ottumwa Community,

This past weekend, I attended several events that reminded me how fortunate I am to live in this community. 

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to experience two fantastic community gatherings. Thank you, Bridge View, for hosting and allowing our school district to participate in Family Fest. This event was to show appreciation for the incredible support Bridge View Center receives from the community and the Southeast Iowa region throughout the year. With vendor booths and an overwhelming number of programs designed to support our community members, it was a fantastic event with a great turnout! We are truly fortunate to have Bridge View as a valuable resource in our community.

After an enjoyable time at Family Fest, I headed over to the Grand Opening of the Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center. This state-of-the-art, 66,000-square-foot facility will be an incredible asset to our community and the surrounding area. Designed to serve and benefit all ages, the facility is truly impressive. Our district saw the benefits of this facility to the community and district athletic programs and thus contributed to help make this project a reality. Our students will reap the benefits for years to come. Whether it’s softball, baseball, track, soccer, basketball, or volleyball, our coaches and athletes now have access to a first-class resource that will profoundly impact our athletic programs.

This facility was made possible through donations, sponsorships, and grants—not local tax dollars. This speaks volumes about what can be accomplished when individuals come together with a shared vision to improve their community. 

I want to give a special shout-out to several key individuals without whom this project would not have been possible. Thank you, TJ Heller—your vision was the driving force that brought this project to life. Thank you, Representative Hans Wilz, for advocating for our great community to the tune of a 2.5 million Destination Iowa grant for the project. And thank you, Brian Morgan—your dedication and commitment made this center a reality.

I encourage our community to embrace this facility and focus on its opportunities. Many community-minded businesses, foundations, and individuals made this event center a reality to solely enhance and advance our community. 

To community members who were not initially supportive of the facility—I invite you to visit and tour this center. Let’s celebrate this wonderful addition to the Ottumwa community and support it to ensure its long-term success.

Ottumwa Schools Superintendent