Superintendent's Welcome

Dear Families and Community Members,

I am excited to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all of you as we begin a new school year in our district. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, your presence is deeply valued.

Ottumwa Schools has seen remarkable growth over the past several years, and we are proud and honored to serve over 5,000 students. In fact, over the last six years, Ottumwa Schools has been one of the fastest-growing school districts in the state, which reflects the trust and confidence our families and community place in us.

At the heart of our educational mission is our motto: “Be the Best.” But what does it truly mean to “Be the Best”? It involves more than pursuing academic excellence; it focuses on developing well-rounded, compassionate, and responsible individuals who are prepared to succeed in a constantly changing world as productive citizens.

Our district’s vision is clear: we aspire to be the best school district in Iowa. To achieve this, we are committed to removing barriers to student success. This commitment takes many forms, such as adding more resources to our schools, reducing class sizes by adding staff members, ensuring appropriate grade configurations throughout our district, and providing state-of-the-art facilities. Our goal is to personalize the learning environment for every student. 

Excellence requires continuous improvement, and we take that to heart. We are listening to our stakeholders—parents, students, teachers, and community members—because your input is invaluable to our improvement. Together, we will work collaboratively to enhance our district.

As we begin this new school year, let us remember that our collective efforts shape the future of our community. We are here to support each student's journey, encourage their growth, and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. Every single student matters. They are why we are here.

I look forward to another year of working together to realize our vision of excellence and to become the best district in Iowa. Thank you for trusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Together, we will make significant strides and create lasting positive impacts and cherished memories.

Here's to a fantastic school year ahead!

With Warm Regards,

Bradley A McCloskey 
Superintendent