The school board work session meeting was held at the district office with all school board members attending. First to present to the board were 4 members from the Owatonna Existing High School Task Force. From a Press Release dated April 12, 2022, the task force that began meeting in November 2021 made recommendations to the school board in April 2022 that included maintaining ownership and operations of the C Plaza, gymnasium and locker room spaces, VoAg building, and some surrounding parking spaces. They suggested a Development Agreement with FOHS (Former Owatonna High School), LLC to consider potential developments of the other spaces, and then a call back to action after approximately 180 days (as requested by the developer to allow ample time to form partnerships and a plan). The task force created these summarized criteria for projects on the existing high school property: 1. be financially responsible 2. benefit the community as a whole 3. benefit the surrounding neighborhood.
The task force last met March 16, 2023, we were given a copy of their meeting minutes to review. Each of the 4 presenting members recognized the old high school building for its tradition, history, memories and beautiful architecture. However, after initial enthusiasm for a potential renovation, then much deliberation and discussion, they now recommend that Owatonna end negotiations with FOHS, LLC. The meeting minutes report, “The proposal lacked secured funding… The proposal had no assurances… The proposed phased purchase of the property would leave the district unable to proceed with their projects until all portions of the building have been bought or not (therefore the district would have to maintain utilities costs of approx $35,000/month for many months)… The Task Force has concerns of FOHS selling the property to other developers…” Therefore, the Task Force recommends that the district “proceed with the District’s project on their own timeline. The project should demolish the portions of the building that will not be used by the District and retain the green space.” The members of the task force recognized during the meeting that this decision endured a very long and challenging process, but they asked us all to keep an open mind. During the review process, task force received much concern from the surrounding neighborhoods about the negative effect of the proposed projects on them. The members noted that the FOHS projects had too many unknowns, was not proven to be “actually feasible” and appeared “fiscally irresponsible” for the district. More simply, they did not meet the criteria noted above.
Honestly, this is not what I expected to hear. When I toured Owatonna 7.5 years ago deciding whether or not to move here, it was the beautiful old high school building that made a big impression on me. I love this old building, and I’ve only lived here for 7 years. Mr. Elstad, the task force members, and the school board each recognized that there are many memories and emotions tied to this old building. Regardless of the decision for the future of this building that will be made by the board in the near future, Mr. Elstad noted that there will be memorable pieces of the old building taken to the new high school. There will be “goodbye tours” of the old building for anyone who desires to walk through. There are students creating memory projects to share with the community. Moving to the new high school will be exciting, but also in part a grieving process for some.
Next, we had a presentation by Dr. Jamie Bates the principal of the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) and Owatonna Online. Dr. Bates moved to MN last summer and started her work here for the 2022-2023 school year. In past years, our ALC graduation rate has been average among ALC schools in the state at approximately 20-21%, but she is bringing this rate up to >67% this year! She states that the biggest need her students have is support, and this is individualized per student depending on needs. As Mr. Elstad pointed out, one of the greatest benefits the ALC has is the option for flexibility in learning. Dr. Bates has also found that the parents of her students have been wonderful allies in helping their children and working with the school. In addition, Owatonna Online has grown and improved over the last few years. Our Director of Teaching and Learning, Michelle Krell, has been instrumental in bringing forward this program, and recognized the great teamwork and efforts by Dr. Bates and Ann Mikkalson in this process. Owatonna online incorporates Owatonna curriculum through Pearson online for elementary aged students and Edgenuity online for our secondary school students. This has been a great option for students that work best at home or need self-paced learning. Families are able to choose from 2 different pathways with different levels of teacher support. Online school also can incorporate IEP, English Learners, social work services, and counseling services for its students, which is not often available in other online programs. Online students can attend field trips and service activities with ALC students if desired. Currently our online program has about 130 students enrolled, approximately 70 of those are open enrolled from other districts and this number is expected to grow as Northfield and Faribault are closing their online programs soon.
The board had ongoing discussions regarding the book, The Governance Core, that we are reading together. This conversation focused on governance efficacy, coherence, and culture.
We closed the meeting with brief updates during the board forum. The facilities committee had a recent meeting and the new OHS construction is still on time, on budget, and preparing for early completion in July 2023.
We have much to think about and consider. Enjoy the sunshine, take care and keep in touch.
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 