OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Ottumwa High School has a new principal who will begin his duties on July 1. Mark Hanson, the principal at Iowa City High School for the past nine years, has accepted the position at OHS. “My family is really excited about coming to Ottumwa,” said Hanson. “I look forward to getting started serving the students and families of the district.”

Hanson is a 29 year veteran to education. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in English from Iowa State University where he also played Division I tennis. He spent 11 years as a high school English teacher before serving as an associate principal at Waterloo West, a principal at Burlington High School, and in his current post as principal at City High. “We feel very fortunate to have Mark join the district’s administrative team,” said Superintendent Jon Sheldahl. “His professional experience and excellent communication skills make him a great fit for OHS.”

Education is in Hanson’s family.  His wife, Mary, is also a teacher. One son is a teacher and coach in Burlington and his youngest son is a junior at Iowa majoring in art education. Hanson looks forward to serving a community with only one high school. “I know there is a lot of support for the schools in Ottumwa,” he said. “I’m anxious to begin meeting parents and helping all students succeed.”

Hanson replaces Steve Hanson, who will become the high school’s School Improvement Leader. He will be responsible for leading professional development at OHS and overseeing the implementation of the Iowa Core Curriculum. Sue Meadows continues to serve as the district’s Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction K-12.

Two other district administrators have retired. Greg Pixley and Roger Cox will not be replaced, resulting in the reassignment of several building principals. Building changes include Deb Cook, who will serve as the principal at Eisenhower Elementary; Gary Gullion will serve as an associate principal at Evans Middle School; Jay Green will serve as principal at Wildwood Elementary; Dawn Sievertsen will serve as principal at James Elementary; and Dana Warnecke will serve as principal at both Agassiz and Pickwick Elementary Schools. Cook will continue to supervise special education and early childhood. Gullion will continue to supervise fine arts and Sievertsen will supervise TAG and ELL.

Press release from Ottumwa School District