Ottumwa High School alumnus Tammy Davis has been named Principal of Eisenhower Elementary School. Davis brings over two decades of experience in education, most recently serving as Principal at Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District since 2020. She began her teaching career with North Mahaska in 2004. Davis succeeds Dawn Sievertsen, who has accepted a new position at William Penn University.

“I’m looking forward to becoming part of the Eisenhower team and supporting its continued success.” Ms. Davis stated. “I am particularly drawn to Ottumwa Community School District because of its Be the Best initiative. I am eager to contribute my leadership skills to further that mission and partner with staff, families, and the broader community to ensure each child thrives.”

At Ottumwa High School (OHS), Joe VandenBerg will transition into the role of Assistant Principal following the resignation of Aaron Deutch. VandenBerg has been part of Ottumwa Schools since 2011, serving as a teacher and, most recently, as a Behavior Strategist at Fahrney Elementary. “Mr. VandenBerg will be an amazing asset to OHS as we pursue our goal to Be the Best! I am excited to have him join our administrative team,” said Ottumwa High School Principal Shelley Bramschreiber.

In addition to his experience in the classroom, VandenBerg is well known in the community for his leadership as Head Coach of the Ottumwa High School Girls Basketball Team, a role he has held since 2019 and will be concluding as he embraces this new administrative position. “I would like to thank Mr. McGrory, Mrs. Bramschreiber, and the entire administrative team at OHS for this opportunity,” said Joe VandenBerg. “I'm excited to begin building relationships and collaborating with both staff and students as soon as possible. There are so many incredible initiatives and activities happening at Ottumwa High School, and I’m eager to contribute and be a part of it all.” 

Kelli Phillips will assume the role of Assistant Principal at Fahrney Elementary. Phillips has been with the district since 2009 and has held several leadership positions, including Principal at Pickwick Early Childhood Center and Curriculum and Instructional Leader. Most recently, she has served as Ottumwa’s PK-5 School Improvement Leader, where she played a critical role in guiding academic growth and instructional excellence across elementary schools.

“I am excited to join the Fahrney team and work alongside the students, staff, and families to support and celebrate the growth and success of every student." Mrs. Phillips stated.