June 12,2023 Special/Closed Sessions and Work Session

The school board meeting on June 12,2023 began with a Special Meeting due to the need to approve an updated copier/printer lease agreement and an updated personnel report. The board approved a 5 year lease agreement with Marco after reviewing comparative results and recommendations from Lori Volz, our director of finance. The new company Marco has been determined to offer improved services and equipment for less cost to the district.

The personnel report (new hires, job transitions, terminations) was also approved as changes in staff are numerous with the transition from the school year into summer classes and sports plus planned changes for the fall of 2023.

The board also held its first Closed Session of 2023 in order to discuss upcoming labor negotiations with teachers’ unions for teachers’ contracts. While these sessions are closed to the public, they are recorded.

Immediately following the closed session, the board began its work session. Superintendent Elstad informed us about the new Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship that will be available for the 2025 OHS graduates and beyond. This will be a “last dollar scholarship” for students and will pay full tuition for 2 years of post-secondary education at Riverland College. The scholarship will have requirements including volunteer work and students will have to be in good standing with the high school (grades, attendance, behavior, etc). All students applying for this scholarship will complete the FAFSA, but can get assistance with this if needed. The scholarship sounds like it will be very attainable and an amazing opportunity for our students. The $100,000 seed money will come from the Learn to Earn money in the district. Other companies and organizations in Owatonna can participate to help fund the scholarship this may help our graduates with gaining future employment in our community with reputable companies.

During board forum, it was noted that some of the equipment and furniture from the existing high school will be donated to a start-up school in Tanzania through the Mount Kilimanjaro Rotary, I believe. These items will be loaded into a large container and shipped to Africa in the coming months. This project has been developed and organized by our Superintendent, Mr. Elstad. Thank you, Mr. Elstad, for your work and consideration of children not just in Owatonna, but across the world.

Mr. Elstad made note that the school board will be discussing the many legislative updates affecting all Minnesota districts at our work session in August.

Finally, I’d like to invite you all to attend the next Regular School Board meeting on June 26, 2023 at the district office. As per usual for Regular meetings, there will be a public forum. With the announcement of the “family friendly” Drag Queen show on July 8, 2023 at an Owatonna park, I’ve heard much debate among parents and community members. While I am unaware of anything even similar to this occurring in our libraries and schools, the concept of gender ideology and sexuality education is becoming more prominent and relevant anywhere you go. If this is something you feel strongly about, please let the board know, especially as curriculum is being developed over the summer months in preparation for the new school year.

Enjoy those precious summer moments in the weeks to come! Soli Deo Gloria!