OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Ottumwa will hold its first annual "State of the Schools" address at a business luncheon next week.

The event is open to the public and will feature Superintendent Dr. Davis Eidahl as the keynote speaker. Dr. Eidahl will touch upon the current state of education in Wapello County, as well as feature key points for progress.

"Probably talk a little bit about strategically, what the school system and school board is looking at in the years to come and really give us, like I say, a real good overview of what's happening and some ideas they may have coming into the future to make sure that our educational systems are very progressive educational opportunities," said David Barajas, Executive Director of the Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation.

The public will have the opportunity to provide feedback and opinions on Ottumwa's education system. Barajas hopes that the event will stress the importance of education and jobs in the educational field.

"The president, obviously, has a State of the Union, the governor has a State of the State," he said. "Now we're doing the State of Education here in Ottumwa... very important to make sure people put education at the very top of their minds."

The luncheon is sponsored by the Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation, the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation and the Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce.

It will be held on Thursday, March 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bridge View Center. Tickets are $15 a person or $120 for a table of eight. Those interested in attending can RSVP at 641-682-3465 or info@ottumwaiowa.com