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Ottumwa students, staff outline expanded courses and work-based learning as graduation rate cited at 91%
Summary
Student council members and district presenters described new course offerings, increased student engagement and plans to expand AP, pre-AP and work-based learning across grades 6–12; the board approved the 2024–25 high school program of studies.
Student leaders and district presenters used the Ottumwa Community School District board meeting to highlight curriculum changes, student engagement gains and plans for expanded college- and career-ready offerings, and the board voted to approve the district’s high school program of studies as presented.
Members of Ottumwa High School’s student council told the board the council had grown substantially and described student-led initiatives. “My name is Griffin Hayek. I’m a sophomore and I’m the student council president,” Griffin Hayek said during a brief presentation about concession-stand improvements, pep assemblies, the fall festival and student-led planning for the winter formal. Student council members said the concession-stand changes teach job skills and raise funds for council activities.
District presenters then described instructional and programmatic changes behind the program of studies. They said the district has worked to vertically align coursework from sixth through twelfth grade, add rigorous options such as pre-AP and AP courses, expand dual-enrollment opportunities and strengthen work-based learning pathways (including a proposed health sciences line tied to Indian Hills course offerings). The presenters cited gains in survey measures of school climate, belonging and safety and referenced the Iowa School Performance Profile data showing the district’s graduation rate at about 91 percent.
Board members asked no substantive follow-up questions during the presentation. After the staff and student presentations, a board member moved to approve the program of studies; the motion was seconded and approved by the board.
The approved program of studies emphasizes more AP and pre-AP offerings, expanded concurrent enrollment and additional internships and pre-apprenticeship opportunities to prepare students for college and the workforce. District staff said work will continue during the coming year to implement the courses and pathways, and the board thanked student presenters and staff for the report.
