Oskaloosa Elementary School is proud to welcome a new leader with deep roots in the community as its new associate principal, pending school board approval. A seasoned educator and administrator with nearly four decades of experience, John Steddom brings a wealth of knowledge and a lifelong connection to Oskaloosa to the associate principal role. Born in Oskaloosa and now returning to serve the district where his journey began in Kindergarten, Steddom is eager to support students, staff, and families while building on the school’s tradition of excellence.
Steddom is most recently the principal at Madison Elementary in Pella, Iowa. He began his career in education in 1985 as a secondary language arts teacher in northwest Iowa. After earning a master’s degree in school counseling in 1990, he served as a school counselor in the Southeast Polk and West Des Moines school districts. His leadership journey continued with a second master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University in 1995, followed by earning his superintendent license in 1998. Over the years, he has held a variety of administrative roles, including assistant principal positions in Urbandale and Newton, and head principal at Des Moines Christian School for 12 years, and currently in Pella. His wide-ranging experience across grade levels and school settings has prepared him well for his new role as associate principal at Oskaloosa Elementary.
“There’s just a good buzz around Oskaloosa right now, a good vibe,” Steddom said. “There are so many great projects happening in the community. I’m excited about the opportunity to come back, reconnect with my hometown, and play a part in the school’s mission. Osky has always meant something to me. It’s where I was born, where my family is, and now it’s where I get to contribute as part of a dedicated team focused on kids.”
Steddom will be working with Kailey Hills and Katie Trainer, who will be taking on their principal duties at Oskaloosa Elementary School this summer. Also on the leadership team at OES is Steven Sattz, another associate principal, with expanded responsibilities next year with the district's special education. “I'm excited about the administrative team. Katie and I have worked together prior; I hired Katie several years ago at my school to teach preschool. Kailey and I have connected over the last few years while she's been an assistant principal. Steven Sattz and I worked together before he came to Oskaloosa, so I know Steven a little bit already, too.”
As he steps into his new role at Oskaloosa Elementary, Steddom is focused on building strong relationships from day one. “Oskaloosa Elementary is a big school with a lot of students and staff, so my top priority is getting to know everyone and becoming integrated into the daily rhythm of the building,” he said. “The sooner I get up to speed, the sooner I can be helpful to Katie and Kailey and support the great work already happening here.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome John to our team,” said Oskaloosa Elementary Principal Katie Trainer. “He brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to students and families, and a genuine connection to the Oskaloosa community. I’ve had the privilege of working with him before, and I know he’ll be a tremendous asset to our school and is #ALLIN on our vision culture.”
Steddom’s return to Oskaloosa is more than just a new role, it’s a homecoming. Born in Oskaloosa and still deeply connected through family and community ties, he says he’s “#ALLIN” when it comes to supporting students and staff. Steddom and his wife, Linda, who works in the Education Department at Central College, live on an acreage near the Marion-Mahaska County line, where they enjoy gardening, camping, and caring for their pets. Their daughter, Nicole, is an attorney in Oskaloosa, and both of their mothers live nearby, making the move to Oskaloosa Elementary a natural fit for both family and purpose.