Barb Schwamman

I believe in giving staff the tools they need to do what is best for kids in a positive, ‘can do’ attitude where we move forward and change to get better each day!

Barb Schwamman has been Superintendent of Schools of the Osage Community School District since July 1, 2015 and completed her 3rd year as a shared superintendent of both Osage Community Schools and Riceville Community Schools in northeast Iowa.   Before taking over in Osage, Barb served as PK-8 Principal at South Winneshiek from 2007-2015. Previously she taught/coached at Howard-Winneshiek(2000-2007) Hampton-Dumont (1996-2000) and Newman Catholic (1995-1996). She earned her principal certification from the Iowa Principal Leadership Academy and Superintendent Certification from UNI, a MA from Viterbo University and BA from University of Northern Iowa Elementary and Early Childhood Education.  (2000-2007) Hampton-Dumont (1996-2000) and Newman Catholic (1995-1996). 

At Osage, Barb has been instrumental in a number of educational initiatives that have helped Osage become a leader in collaborative learning with the Iowa Big North Program (Osage, Charles City, New Hampton, RRMR, North Butler, RIceville, and Turkey Valley), Business Partnership Program, and in building a PK-12 Computer Science pathway working with Code.org and NewBoCo.  Barb has made numerous building and grounds updates with the Osage Schools a $12 million dollar renovation and expansion project. 

Mrs. Schwamman is an active member of SAI, having served 3 years on the Executive Committee, and currently serves on Central Rivers AEA Advisory Board. She serves on the Mitchell County Economic Development Board, Osage Chamber of Commerce Board, Osage Kiwanis, and is a member of the Board of Control for the Iowa High School Athletic Union representing the NE Region.   She was elected as the Rural Schools Advocates of Iowa NE Legislative Rep. She spent 10 years on the Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation Board.  Barb serves as a mentor to new administrators and aspiring principals and superintendents.  She is an adjunct professor for Drake University teaching summer classes to pre service principals. She has presented at numerous conferences.  Barb was a candidate for Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year in 2012. In 2018 she was awarded a Computer Science Teacher’s America national Administrator Impact Award. Barb was nominee for 2020 Iowa Superintendent of Year and recently a nominee for 2021 Iowa Superintendent of Year.

She has been married to her husband, Pat for 25 years, and has two children, Lucas and Libby.  This active family can be seen at many sporting events and extracurricular activities.  In her free time Barb likes to garden, golf, and travel.

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People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.

John Maxwell