The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (EBF) School District received a grant through the Legacy Health Endowment at the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation to create wellness rooms specifically designed for teachers, providing them with spaces to take meaningful breaks without leaving the building. 

Now complete and part of daily life, these wellness rooms have transformed teacher lounges at all four EBF schools: EBF Junior/Senior High School, Fremont, Blakesburg, and Eddyville Elementary. 

The rooms feature comfortable seating for relaxation, a giant coloring page for collaboration, and other stress-relieving amenities. These spaces not only offer a place to rest but represent a shift in how educators are supported. By providing these quiet retreats within the school, teachers can decompress and return to their classrooms feeling recharged and ready to continue their important work. 

“We’re incredibly proud of what these spaces have become and the positive impact they have on our teachers,” said April Glosser, Curriculum Director for EBF School District. “This is a testament to the power of community investment, and the partnership with the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation has truly made a difference.” 

The project also gave students the opportunity to contribute. EBF Junior/Senior High School’s building and trades program students played a key role in the renovations, gaining hands-on experience while improving their school environment. 

This initiative has positively impacted over 100 staff members across the district, leaving a lasting legacy of support for the educators who shape the future of EBF students.