The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Ottumwa High School now has a principal for the 2010-2011 school year.

Mark Hanson, no relation to current principal Steve Hanson, will assume the position on July 1.

Hanson currently serves as the principal of Iowa City High School, a position he has held for the last nine years.

Hanson will be taking on a task of lowering the dropout rate at Ottumwa, which ranked highest in Iowa this year.

“Hopefully we will be able to keep more and more students in school and that’s what needs to happen,” Hanson said. “I just want to be able to carry on the initiatives that have started and hopefully be able to add some twists of my own to the school and make it the best place it can be,” Hanson said.

He said he has some idea to help ensure students get the most out of high school and they are feeling comfortable.

“Actually try to get into parents, make home visits and really try to establish a relationship between the school and the home. And that’s what I would like to be able to do here in Ottumwa, to really get to know my families,” Hanson said.

Hanson said he is excited for this opportunity.

“I believe that I can have a positive impact on students and am looking forward to working with the staff of Ottumwa High, and know that we will do everything possible to put students in a position to succeed,” Hanson said.

The current principal, Steve Hanson, has previously accepted the position of the high school’s School Improvement Leader. This opened the principal’s position.

Mark Hanson said he and Ottumwa Superintendent Jon Sheldahl worked as principals in the Burlington area a while back.