Rep. Dean Fisher, president of the board of directors for Tama-Toledo Christian School (TTCS), has been leading the charge in bringing a new, private K-8 school to Tama County. The school, which has been in the planning stages since May of 2023, is set to open in August of 2025 in the former Catholic church building located on Oswego Street in Tama. Despite appearances of stalled renovations, Fisher assures that progress has been ongoing behind the scenes and will soon become more visible to the public.
One significant milestone for TTCS was the recent approval of the school’s building plans by the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s office. This approval allows construction to ramp up considerably, with work on the interior of the building expected to begin soon. Fisher expressed excitement at the quicker-than-expected approval, indicating that construction will move forward rapidly in the coming weeks.
In addition to construction progress, TTCS has been actively working to limit startup costs by acquiring low-cost, used classroom furniture. The school plans to furnish four classrooms, a lunch area, library space, and office and reception areas. The board is also in the process of hiring an administrator and collecting resumes for teaching positions, with a preference for applicants holding valid Iowa teaching licenses.
TTCS has also been diligently working through the private school accreditation process, completing three out of the five required modules. These modules cover various aspects of school operations, including business formation, financial policies, marketing, academics, and final touches such as signage and supplies. The completion of these modules is crucial in ensuring that the school meets all necessary standards and requirements.
Fundraising efforts have been successful for TTCS, with a recent dinner event bringing in $27,000 towards the school’s startup costs. The board’s next fundraiser is planned for the fall, with a focus on providing more details about the school to interested families. Those interested in becoming future TTCS Eagles can contact the school via email or phone to be added to the list of interested families.
Overall, the progress made by TTCS in bringing a new private school to Tama County is impressive. With construction set to ramp up, fundraising efforts proving successful, and accreditation modules being completed, the school is well on its way to opening its doors to students in the near future. Interested families can stay updated on TTCS’s progress through the school’s Facebook page for more information and future updates.