The Board of Education approved the name Robert Ontiveros Elementary School, honoring business leader and community advocate Robert “Bob” Ontiveros, who founded Group O and grew up in Moline’s Floreciente neighborhood. The school will carry the Owls as its mascot.
Bob Ontiveros’ story began in Floreciente, where he and his wife, Blenda, launched Bi-State Packaging from the back of their family station wagon in 1974. The small business grew into Group O, now one of the nation’s largest Hispanic-owned companies with more than 1,000 employees across 40 locations. Among his many recognitions, Ontiveros received the Order of Lincoln, Illinois’ highest award.
The district also noted Ontiveros’ contributions as founder of the Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Mercado on Fifth.
The new school is scheduled to open in fall 2027.
