Ventura School District

Ventura is a friendly community of approximately 600 people, located at the west end of a beautiful natural body of water called Clear Lake, adjacent to the community of Clear Lake. Known as the "sportsman's paradise" by locals, the area provides a number of recreational opportunities, including power boating other water sports, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor pursuits. Situated approximately two hours from either Des Moines, Iowa ( to the south) or Minneapolis, Minnesota (to the north) and only minutes from Mason City, Iowa, residents enjoy the conveniences and culture of city life without big city hassle. A variety of community sponsored events year round (Winterfest, Septemburfest, etc.) add to the traditional hometown atmosphere.

110 South Main Street • P.O. Box 18 • Ventura, Iowa 50482

Phone 641-829-4484 • Fax 641-829-3995 • www.venturaschools.org

Our mission: Provide a community of opportunity

Mr. Dan Versteeg, Superintendent of Schools

Mr Rob Cassidy, Secondary Principal • Mr. Brian Rodemeyer, Elementary Principal

Board of Directors
Larry Costello, President
Nancy Watson, Secretary
/Lynae Heinemen/Carol Prescott/Gene Toppin

The School District
The Ventura Community School District is located in Cerro Gordo and Hancock counties in North Central Iowa. The district encompasses approximately 92 square miles of rural and city residences, which include a portion of homes within the city limits of Clear Lake. The current school location overlooks the west shore of Clear Lake where students, staff, and community take advantage of one of the most picturesque settings in the state of Iowa. The district has made a serious commitment to maintain and improve facilities. In recent years, a $2 million addition was completed to the secondary building including a new gym, locker rooms and lunchroom. Previous improvements have included a media center with elevator access, science laboratories, vocational agriculture classroom area and shop area and two computer laboratories. At the elementary building, a new media center has been added that includes a computer lab. This project included a classroom for art as well as a classroom for students with special needs. The district was one of the first in the state to offer all-day, everyday and is noted for its commitment to early childhood education, small class size, and family involvement.

Both Community support and student achievement are highly regarded by Ventura Community Schools.

Quick Facts About Ventura
Community Schools
    •Total enrollment 354 students
     • 37 knowledgeable and dedicated professional
    staff, including 6 para-professionals
     •3 full-time school administrators (includes a part-time curriculum coordinator and activities director)
     • Block scheduling with two 18 week
     • semester grading periods
    • 84% of students enroll in post secondary
     education*
    • 55% of students attended a 4-year college*
    • 29% of students attended a 2-year college*

*Class of 2002 statistics

Vision of the Foundation

To provide programs and services that attract and retain students in the Ventura Community School.

Mission

The Ventura School Foundation will promote quality education programs and services within Ventura Community Schools by generating resources to provide scholarships, enhance school-based family and community services, and student and teacher enrichment programs.

foundation@ventura.k12.ia.us

Community & Family Service

Like all schools, Ventura schools provide the cultural focus for our community and parents. Whether it’s a school play, music concert, or athletic event, events at the school are a focus for our community.

The foundation wants to expand our community and family services to meet the needs of parents and community members beyond that of providing entertainment or social events. The foundation wants to support our parents through before or after school programs. Another goal of the foundation is to enrich the lives of our community members by providing adults learning opportunities or recreational activities using school facilities. Another element of this program area would be a mentoring program to connect the students with adult role models in the community.

How to Contact Us

Ventura School Foundation

PO Box 18

Ventura, IA 50482

(641) 829-4484

(641) 829-3995 (fax)

foundation@ventura.k12.ia.us

2004—2005 Foundation

Board Members

Nate Benzing

Paul Brown

Rhonda Clark

Larry Costello

Norman Held

Denise Hiscocks

Kathie Nordman

Gary Schichtl

Sarah Thein

Dan Versteeg

Marc Younge

Elementary Construction & Addition History	Elementary Room Quality	High School Room Quality
High School Construction & Addition History	High School New Building	High School Room Quality Minus Gyms & Office
High School Room Quality 1st Floor & Basement	High School Room Quality 2nd Floor	High School Room Quality 3rd Floor