Superintendent Ouellette

O-A/BC-IG shared superintendent
Ouellette settles into new job
. by DEB LOGER

Beginning a new job and moving to a new home can be exciting times in our lives. They can also provide new challenges and experiences.

This is true for O-A/BC-IG's new shared superintendent Dr. Nick Ouellette, wife Julie and sons Jackson (five) and Jacob (two).

Prior to accepting the superintendent position, the family lived in Johnston where Dr. Ouellette was high school principal at Dallas Center-Grimes. Julie was employed at an insurance company.

Moving to a farm owned by Kevin and Terri Carstensen north of Odebolt has been a change for the couple that were both born and raised in urban areas. "I was born, raised and educated in Dubuque," said Nick. Julie was born and raised in Urbandale.

The couple met at Nick's brother's wedding through a friend of a friend. During their engagement, they lived in the Chicago-area. They moved to the Des Moines area in 2003 where they lived until moving to Odebolt.

The couple said the greatest change from urban to rural life is the amenities. "We have to think ahead and do a little planning so we don't have to make a trip to Denison at 3 a.m. to get diapers," said Nick.

"I've always wanted to live on a farm," said Julie. "This was great opportunity for us and we are looking forward to the experience. I work remotely from home for an insurance company and make trips to Des Moines twice a month to check in. We love the space for the boys. They have a motorized car they can drive around the large yard and we were able to get them a new swing set."

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