OSKALOOSA — After years of evaluation and conversation, Oskaloosa Schools has found its next competitive home. Beginning in the 2028-29 school year, Oskaloosa will join the Southeast Conference, pending approval by the Oskaloosa School Board and the Conference Realignment Committee established by Iowa Legislative HF783. This is a move district leaders say better aligns with the community, strengthens competition, and enhances the experience for student-athletes.
The decision follows a multi-year process that began before Activities Director Jamie Jacobs arrived in Oskaloosa. A conference alignment committee initially determined the Little Hawkeye Conference was not the best long-term fit, though no immediate action was taken. That changed as conference membership shifted and district leaders revisited the conversation.
“This process started before my tenure,” Jacobs said. “When I joined, there was a push to reopen this committee and take another look at where we may fit in.”
The Southeast Conference, which includes Burlington, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mount Pleasant, and Washington, offers a structure that more closely matches Oskaloosa in both size and community profile. All member schools are Class 3A, creating a more consistent competitive landscape.
“The move is right for Oskaloosa schools based on school sizes,” Jacobs said. “They are all 3A schools, and they are towns and communities that reflect our own.”
That alignment was a key factor in the conference’s unanimous vote to invite Oskaloosa to join. Conference leaders pointed to competitive balance, student experience, and community relationships as reasons for their support.
For Jacobs, that endorsement speaks to the district’s broader reputation.
“I think some of the things that stood out were our fine arts opportunities, the positive experiences we’ve created, and even our media presence,” Jacobs said. “Those are things we can contribute to the conference in a meaningful way.”
Beyond alignment, the move is expected to improve the day-to-day experience for students. While travel distances may increase, Jacobs sees that as an opportunity rather than a drawback.
“Some of the best memories are made on those bus rides,” she said. “That team time and sense of community is a big part of what makes activities special.”
On the field and court, the shift brings a more balanced level of competition. Historical results suggest Oskaloosa has found more consistent success against Southeast Conference opponents compared to its current conference, while still facing meaningful competition.
“It’s not a situation where we walk in and dominate,” Jacobs said. “It’s good competition that pushes us and makes us better.”
The transition timeline is set by conference bylaws, requiring a two-year window before departure from the Little Hawkeye Conference. While the Southeast Conference has expressed openness to accelerating the timeline, Oskaloosa will not be requesting this from the LHC due to its vision culture principles. Oskaloosa voted to hold Pella Community School District to the 2-year timeline when they requested to leave the conference in October of 2025.
In the meantime, district leaders are focused on preparation. That includes building schedules, coordinating with conference schools, and ensuring coaches and programs are ready for the shift.
“Right now, it’s a lot of planning to make sure it’s a smooth transition,” Jacobs said.
For students, families, and the broader community, the move signals more than a change in opponents. It reflects a long-term commitment to creating meaningful, competitive, and connected experiences for Oskaloosa students. As Jacobs put it, “It’s a very exciting time to be an Oskaloosa Indian, and the future is bright.”
Graphic photo courtesy DWS Photography
