Meet the New Douma Elementary Principal

Ottumwa Community Schools is pleased to announce that Jim (James) Fineran has been named the principal at Douma Elementary for the 2024-25 school year. Mr. Fineran will fill the position vacated by David Eaton, who will be transitioning to Instructional Coach at Eisenhower Elementary. 

Jim Fineran has served as building principal at Fremont Elementary in the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (EBF) Community School District since 2020. Before that, he was the Special Education Director for EBF for five years, while also teaching the Strat II program that he developed at the Junior/Senior High School. 

Fineran has spent nearly twenty years in education, working in various capacities such as teacher and administrator. "We are excited to welcome Jim Fineran to the Ottumwa Community School District," said Mike McGrory, Superintendent of Ottumwa Schools. "His dedication to educational excellence and student achievement will undoubtedly make a positive impact and elevate Douma into the future. I want to extend my thanks to the interview committees; their insights and feedback were invaluable throughout the selection process." 

"I appreciate the opportunity the Ottumwa district has granted me to lead Douma Elementary," said Fineran. "I am excited to surround myself and grow with the leaders, and staff that Ottumwa Schools employs. I am excited to collaborate with the parents, students, teachers, and community of Douma to strengthen and Be The Best Ottumwa has to offer!"

Fineran is set to assume his new role as Principal of Douma Elementary on July 1, 2024. This administrative announcement is pending board approval on April 8, 2024.