In partnership with students, staff, and the community, Ottumwa Community Schools is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where all students and staff can belong and thrive.
Ottumwa CSD is committed to a safe, supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment for each student. Please see our updated Anti/Bullying/Anti-Harassment/Anti-Discrimination policies as well as the statement issued by Superintendent Mr. McGrory.
Since 2000, Ottumwa has become a community of diverse cultures and heritages. Due to these cultural experiences, our students and community experiences, our students are better prepared for life after graduation when they attend school or work in a setting that reflects society. Diversity enriches the climate and strengthens the effectiveness of our schools. All aspects of education are enhanced when there are a variety of viewpoints and perspectives that spring from economic, racial, and ethnic diversity.
Today, Ottumwa serves families that speak more than 40 languages. In an ethnically and culturally diverse world, students must be equipped with a global perspective if they are to interact effectively with all people, regardless of background.
The district is actively engaged in ongoing equity training and learning opportunities for students and staff. Our current work is supported by the creation of an Equity Advisory Committee that will meet three times a year to:
- Discuss the district’s Equity and Curriculum audits
- Provide feedback on equity policy and procedures
- Review state and federal guidelines and recommendations
- Advise on issues of equity
View our Equity Plan, presented at the February 13, 2023 board meeting.
Defining Equity & Cultural Competence
In the Ottumwa Community School District, all learners will have access to rigorous and challenging learning opportunities, which lead to measured growth and high achievement without predictable links to race, culture, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Learners will acquire an awareness of their own cultural identity and value racial, social, cultural, and ethnic diversities so as to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Vision for Equity at Ottumwa Schools
Ottumwa Community Schools serves a community rich in diversity – in every measure of the term – and strives every day to engage, educate, and empower our students and staff so that they think, learn, achieve, and care.
Equity Policies at Ottumwa Schools
Policies related to equity and inclusion at Ottumwa Community Schools are included in school district board policies. Please click the links below to access the district's equity policies.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
It is the policy of the Ottumwa Community School District not to discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.
There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the district’s Equity Coordinator, Maria Lantz, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, 115 N Ferry St, Ottumwa, IA 52501, Telephone: (641) 684-6597, Email: (maria.lantz@ottumwaschools.com); or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661-7204, Telephone: (312) 730-1560 Facsimile: (312) 730-1576, Email: OCR.Chicago @ ed.gov
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