Glenwood Community School District Taps Bellevue, Neb. Principal To Lead West Elementary

With 37 years in education and more than a decade as a principal in Bellevue, Neb., Ron Oltman is bringing a deep well of classroom, coaching and leadership experience to his new role as principal of West Elementary School in the Glenwood Community School District.

Oltman, 60, was offered and accepted the West principal position March 13. Pending Board of Education approval, he will take over the position being vacated by Kara Huisman who resigned last month to accept the district’s Director of School Improvement position.

Glenwood Superintendent Dr. Nicole Kooiker said Oltman was one of three interviews conducted March 10. From the beginning, his leadership abilities stood out.

“Ron demonstrated several qualities that strongly stood out during the process,” said Kooiker. “He is highly positive, builds strong relationships with others, brings valuable experience, and will contribute a calm, steady presence to our district.”

A Nebraska native, Oltman has served the last 14 years as principal at Birchcrest Elementary in the Bellevue Public Schools. A self-described “farm kid,” Oltman grew up just outside Filley, Neb. before going on to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University.

He began his career in the classroom as a physical education, health and driver’s ed instructor while talking on coaching duties from football and basketball to volleyball and track coach at various stops before transitioning into his administrative role.

Glenwood’s reputation preceded it when Oltman saw the West position open up. It was an opportunity in a district he had long respected.

“I’m at the time in my life where I can do some things a little differently than some can where I needed to find a really good fit,” Oltman said. “And for me, the Glenwood Community Schools was a great fit.”

The Glenwood community and its close connection to the district was also a selling point.

“I’m a small-town guy and I’ve been in every size school, and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve ever done,” Oltman added. “This is another opportunity for me to hopefully use my talents to help create good humans all the way around.”

Oltman is a big believer his job in education is “developing quality character people” in and outside the classroom.

“I think people would tell you I have a big heart for any student who wants to do things the right way and those students that need a little extra support and help pushing through in a positive way always,” he said. “I see every spectrum of what education is about and society in itself is challenging.

“Any way that I can help a student to further their process of being a good human in the world and having positive character, that’s what I’m about. I believe the curriculum side is important but its maybe not as important as the humanistic side.”
Oltman’s focus is on leading West Elementary, but he didn’t completely rule out coaching, if called upon. He has no doubt his coaching background influenced his management style and he doesn’t see that changing.

“I think every educator and coach are kind of the same. We’re doing different things sure but we’re still teaching. I operate my building with a team aspect in everything we do. We’re only as strong as every one of our parts. It’s always an all hands on deck team process. The expectation is we’re only as strong as everyone is; it’s everybody, never just one person. I plan to lead that way, in the team aspect.”