Ozark School District Abc Program

Having taught at Ozark High School for eight years, I can fully appreciate the fine tribute a colleague offered for the quality of the school. The school has many excellent, devoted teachers. It has exceptional extracurricular programs as well. But since a new superintendent took over in 2018, the entire district has suffered a steadily deteriorating teaching environment. The superintendent is tyrannical. He seems a fine fellow to most teachers. And he likely is . . . to everyone who defers to him and for as long as things go precisely his way. But when anyone points out that he has exceeded his authority or that there are important issues the district is neglecting, he attempts to silence them. If they don't immediately comply, then he drives them out of their job through direct harassment, manufacturing false charges against them, or both. This happens over and over. The teachers who don't leave are intimidated into silence. He has established this approach as the new administrative expectation for the district. Those teachers who don't yet see it would do well to remember Pastor Martin Niemoller's caution "When they came for the . . . I did not speak out because I was not a . . ." You look the other way at your own peril. It is said that "Today's teaching environment is tomorrow's learning environment." Without a wholesale change of district leadership, his influence will handicap the district for many years to come. The students will ultimately pay the cost of this dishonest, retaliatory, abusive teaching environment.

Unless you are a native of Ozark Missouri be prepared to be sickened and disgusted by the way this school operates. Of course there are a few hidden gems of teachers who have huge hearts and integrity; but the core of how this school works is disgusting. There is constant bullying from students as well as the staff, public belittling of the students, etc. I had meetings with staff, principals, numerous times… and nothing would ever be done. Just a lot of talking to me. It was a traumatic to say the least. Wish I could give zero stars. Thanks to the two teachers who were compassionate.

Staff and SRO's actively participate in harassment & bullying of students. Actively engaging in disruption of education, corruption, and contributing directly to the school to prison pipeline. Absolutely disgusting the way they target their students and disrupt the education of children just to satiate their uncontrollable need to have power over others and be in control. I'm just glad my nephew is white, I can't imagine what he'd be treated like if he wasn't. Captain of the school police is known for allegedly being massively corrupt, and I've heard rumors about his crooked practices for years - I had no idea we'd be seeing them firsthand. I've never heard of a grown adult man being arrested and denied bail/bond for charges like graffiti or threats - in fact, I've never even seen a man I've reported for threats be charged or even talked to by any police officer. Yet my MINOR nephew is being charged and held for something he didn't do with no option of going home. Those involved refused to provide any proof to his attorney until the trial court date - which is illegal under MO Supreme Court RULE 4-3.4. Interesting since that's not what is happening.

Very gloomy. Did not like the architecture

I am a teacher at Ozark and think this school is fantastic. The opportunities for students abound and the school's mission is student centered. Combine that with a great administration and top notch staff, the school is just a great place!