Oskaloosa Schools entered the school year with a new activities director, a weight room under construction, and a clear commitment to strengthening student experiences. One trimester in, the early results point to steady growth, stronger competitive performances, and a cultural shift built around coaching development and student opportunity.
When Jamie Jacobs stepped into the activities director role at Oskaloosa High School, she inherited a simple goal: build an environment where more students feel connected. Early numbers show the momentum is real.
Oskaloosa recorded 349 students in competitive fall activities, which represents a significant portion of the high school population and a number that does not include drama, student council or other noncompetitive programs. “We’re excited to see that kind of engagement,” Jacobs said. “Participation is a five-to-thrive focus for us, and we’re seeing students step in because they feel welcomed and supported.”
The fall season showcased that commitment. The district produced 11 state qualifiers, 15 students earned postseason honors, and seven programs or individuals earned Division I ratings, the highest distinction possible. The marching band earned two top honors for color guard and drumline. Oskaloosa also celebrated an All-State musician, earning the distinction of being one of the top 2.4 percent of instrumentalists statewide. In swimming, Rachel Brown was named the conference’s Girls Swim Coach of the Year.
Jacobs said these accomplishments speak to Oskaloosa student talent, but also to the effort behind the scenes. “Our students are competing hard, and our coaches and directors are investing deeply,” she said. “The growth is happening across the board.”
A major part of that growth is structural. This winter marks the launch of a new coaching evaluation system built by Associate Activities Director Brett Doud, who recently completed evaluator training in Des Moines. The tool aligns with national coaching standards and shifts the district away from teacher-based evaluation models for coaches.
“This isn’t about finding fault,” Doud said. “It’s about improvement. Coaches will meet with Jamie or me weekly in season and monthly out of season. You always know where you stand, what your strengths are, and where you’re growing.”
Jacobs called the system a cultural cornerstone, designed to raise expectations while providing coaches with ongoing support. “The buy-in has been incredible,” Jacobs said. Nearly 40 coaches attended a professional development session on the Monday before Thanksgiving to hear Newton-based athletic leadership expert Scott Garvis speak on culture. “The day I stop learning in education is the day I need to get out,” Jacobs said. “Seeing our coaches show up with that mindset was powerful.”
Students are seeing a shift as well. The district’s new weight room, equipped with 12 racks and expanded instructional space, has quickly become one of the school’s most used facilities. More than 300 students use the space regularly, representing more than half the high school’s population.
“Every day I walk in there, I smile,” Doud said. “It’s a safe, high-quality environment where students learn how to lift, read a program, and understand long-term fitness. This isn’t just for athletes. It’s a classroom first.” Eighth-grade PE classes and summer programs also use the room, reinforcing Oskaloosa’s focus on lifelong skills.
Jacobs said seeing staff use the weight room alongside students has helped strengthen relationships. “When kids see teachers or coaches lifting, it creates a positive, engaging environment for everybody,” she said.
As participation rises and competitive success builds, Oskaloosa is also evaluating long-term conference alignment. With area schools announcing their intent to leave the Little Hawkeye Conference, Jacobs and Doud are leading a data-driven review of future options.
“We want the best environment for students for the next 10 years, not just the next season,” Jacobs said. The district’s committee includes parents, coaches, staff, community members and student input. “Competitiveness matters, travel matters, values matter,” she said. “The data will guide us.”
Despite the uncertainty, Jacobs said Oskaloosa will stay intentional, transparent and student-focused. “Confidence grows when you’re in competitive environments where you can succeed,” she said. “We want our students entering postseason play believing they can go toe to toe with anybody.”
One trimester in, the message is clear: participation is climbing, students are earning honors across activities, and the district’s culture is shifting toward high expectations and continuous growth. As winter competition begins, Jacobs said the goal is simple… keep building. “We’re proud of where we are,” she said. “And we’re just getting started.”