8/28/2023 Regular School Board Meeting

Since I was not able to connect to the school board meeting to attend virtually, I watched the video recording and will summarize the meeting here. Here is the video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUyyCxhP5w0. Most of the audio is difficult to hear but I will do my best to accurately report on the meeting.

First, the Schoolhouse Closing Public Hearing as required by MN Statute 123B.51. This is a public hearing “regarding the necessity and practicality of closing the Owatonna High School building located at 333 E. School St. Owatonna, MN.” The is to allow any person to “give testimony for and against the proposed closing” before the school board. One community member spoke with a suggestion to consider building “tiny houses” on the school property after the old buildings are gone.

Mission Moment by Superintendent Elstad was used to recognize all the district employees that have put in hours of work and extra work to help prepare the new high school for opening to students this week. This includes administrative staff and the custodial team, the teachers, the technology team and the nutrition staff. Many thanks for all the hard work this summer!

Public forum had one community member speak about the importance of school systems and apprenticeships. I do believe that our Career Pathways program is moving forward with many similar concepts already!

Mr. Sebring reported on the Superintendent Evaluation Summary and discussed some of the comments made in the annual survey. Various positive comments are noted including: encourages creativity and innovation, Vision Cards, advocates for growth and professional development, strong communication skills, providing every learner what they need to be successful, is a tireless advocate for our students. Thank you Mr. Elstad for your hard work for Owatonna schools!

A policy review report was given by Mrs. Jolayne Mohs. Several policies are review only, however she noted that policies 419 and 506 required quite a bit of time by the policy committee to review and update and be sure that new MN Statutes are followed. Policies to review at this time include 102,406, 410, 413, 414, 415, 418, 419, 504, 506, 507, 509, 515, 522. A second reading and a vote for approval will be held in the near future. Ms. Deborah Bandel asked about the discrimination policy, and questioned if our district is allowing transgender students to participate in the sport of the gender that they identify with. Mrs. Mohs responded that the policy discussions didn’t specifically address this but were to make sure that our policies follow the state and federal mandates. She stated that “all means all.” No further questions or discussion was noted on the policies.

Mr. Elstad gave the administrative report, and first recognized the sudden and unexpected death of varsity hockey coach Dave Fromm last week. Much of the Owatonna community and many hockey communities are grieving. Rest in peace Coach Fromm, you will be missed greatly. He also noted that completion of the round-about at the corner of Bixby Road and 18th St SW will be completed in November 2023. The delay is due to the Canadian Pacific Railroad, and he cautions that all drivers and pedestrians be extra mindful and careful navigating their way to and from the high school this fall. The auction has begun for items at the old OHS buildings, starting with the 1921 building and A/B plazas. The first phase will remain online until 9/6/2023 and the final date to make a bid is when the item is presented online for 20 seconds on 9/7/2023. Phase 2 and 3 of the auctions will hopefully be completed by the end of September.

Several votes were taken by the board, all passed 4-0.

1. Resolution to Close the Owatonna High School Building
2. Teamworks (third party) proposal: attendance area development (to assist with developing new school boundaries, allow for transparency in the process with a design team, input team, and communication strategies)
3. Teamworks proposal #2: continuous improvement through school analytics (for data gathering and strategic planning)
4. Designation of 12/11/2023 at 6pm as the Truth in Taxation hearing date/time for formal approval of the tax levy, which is needed when any entity intends to increase local tax rates.
5. Increase of adult lunch meal price from $4.95 to $5.00. Breakfast price stays the same $2.25.
6. Extended trip request from choir director Paula Asmus for the OHS Concert Choir to travel to the Twin Cities.
7. Two-year Compensation and Benefits package for 10 individual director/supervisor (non-cabinet) employees in our district.
8. Two-year Compensation and Benefits package for 35 individual non-affiliated employees in our district.
9. City Council Chambers Lease Agreement, allowing the school board to use the city chambers for school board meetings. The lease is for 3 years beginning 11/1/2023, but can be stopped by either party at any time. There is no cost to the district in this lease agreement.
10. Gifts to the district, including refurbished lampposts that were originally donated to the OHS by the 1920 and 1921 graduating classes, now replanted at the new high school.

Meeting adjourned! Enjoy the smiles and moments of excitement that come with the start of a new school year!