The school board met at the district office for the work session at 530pm. One of our student representatives was absent but all other members attended. The majority of the meeting was spent listening to and discussing the 2023-2024 Operational Plan Update given by each of our district’s cabinet members. Much detailed information was presented and I’ll do my best to explain it here. However, please clarify and ask questions if something is not clear or sounds incorrect.
Human Resources director Chris Picha
We’ve had a substitute teacher shortage, by approximately 15 subs daily, but are starting a short-call substitute pilot program which will hopefully help, plus we are offering increased pay for sub teachers. Ideally, we could hire about 20 more substitute teachers to be able to meet all of our district’s needs. The district has a $750,000 grant for the Adult Pathways program to focus on increasing the number of teachers of color into our district. In addition, there is a teacher apprenticeship program in development which is a collaboration between Owatonna and Minneapolis school districts, and I believe this will benefit our Education Assistants and Paras. Mr. Elstad noted that the OEA (teacher’s union) supports this program. There will also be an Administrative Mentorship program. Another $750,000 is for the Student Pathways partnership for 10th-12th grade students and will offer a summer camp option. Regarding our “safe and caring community” strategic goal, we have developed a Threat Assessment Team which is for prevention of problems. These team members will take a course of study and pass a test. Lastly, Ms. Picha noted that due to new legislation this year, they are working through the complicated documents and requirements for Earned Sick and Safe Time and the updated unemployment processes with the subsequent impact this will have on the district (financial and staffing shortfalls are expected).
Teaching and Learning director Julie Sullivan
At the forefront, Mrs. Sullivan is working through the requirements for the recently passed READ Act, also noted to be an unfunded mandate from the State. There are three professional development courses, and our district will choose one for our teachers to work through. These courses can require 40 hours, and up to 144 hours, of additional training for our teachers. They are looking at options for incorporating this training into the already full work that our teachers are doing. There will be five curriculum options given to the district to choose from, and this is based on The Science of Reading. Currently, our K-2 students are starting the Functional Phonics program. Progress is already underway to meet the Science Standards and the team is looking ahead to the new Social Studies requirements and changes also recently updated by the State. They have developed an Artificial Intelligence study group to begin the discussions for how AI can and will change education in the future. Soon, our students and families will receive the Desired Daily Experiences survey that was designed and developed specifically for Owatonna. This will be the second year for using this survey, which offers quantitative data only. Results from last year can be found on the district website, as will this year’s results when they are finalized. Of note, next month the board will be presented with the annual World’s Best Workforce presentation which comes from the State with specific goals and measures.
Special Services director Sarah Knudsen
They are working on a grant application for $750,000 for special education teachers, with a goal to assist teachers in moving from the Tier 1-2 levels up to Tiers 3-4. The team is hoping to help fund 30 teachers in the area (I believe this is a collaboration and not just Owatonna). Ms. Knudsen is working to improve consistency in programs and systems alignment between all the schools, specifically improving the 504 plan process and practice. She is working to integrate services (social, emotional, behavioral, mental health) into the Multitiered Systems of Support. She continues to work with the STRIDE and Discovery programs, and with implementation of Life Space Crisis Intervention training and Teach to Heal. In addition, she is looking at possible alternatives to the Crisis Prevention Intervention training as well as implementing new legislation requirements regarding non-exclusionary discipline practices. This entails ensuring that students of color are receiving the same type and frequency of discipline as white students, essentially, equal discipline practices regardless of race.
Community Education director Deb McDermott-Johnson
We now have all four School Age Care sites up and running where previously we only had staffing for two. Adult Basic Education is now more simply Adult Education (AE) and we have national reporting standards for documentation of new skills, assessments, and participation rates. We have a Career Pathways/Integrated Education and Training model, adult learning center student leadership council, and implementation of the Southern MN Initiative Foundation inclusive and equitable entrepreneur grant. They are working on community engagement through utilizing the new walking track, driver’s education class, and 2050 Community Vision Alignment. In addition, she is working on a joint educational assistant/para position model, sharing of 504 plans and IEPs between departments, and Positive Discipline on child guidance strategies. I have some learning to do as I don’t fully know what all of these programs are! Mr. Elstad commented on how Owatonna’s community education excels because of the hard work and efforts from Ms. McDermott-Johnson.
Finance and Operations director Lori Volz
School finance is much more complicated now given the multitude of unfunded mandates and changes required by the State Legislature this year. Ms. Volz is analyzing funding streams and compensatory funding, with the change in requirements for spending. Ms. Volz noted the upcoming district boundary analysis to be completed with the Teamworks organization and the growth of the Online School program. Also mentioned was the Voluntary PreKindergarten expansion which was met with transportation challenges. However, they worked this out by obtaining a van for the district, plus using the Owatonna Bus Company and the Smart Bus. She noted that our funding from the COVID pandemic will end this year, but that additional legislative funding will help to balance this loss.
Facilities, Infrastructure and Security director Bob Olson
They are working to finalize an evacuation and reunification plan in the event that any school in Owatonna needs to be evacuated, a plan will be in place for parents and guardians to know where to find their children. The Raptor Alert system is in place for some of our schools with the goal to have all schools using it next year. The old high school building is now officially a construction site and the general public is no longer allowed inside for safety reasons. The asbestos abatement process has begun and is expected to take up to 3 months. The mass demolition is expected to begin in January 2024 with finalization of remodeling of the remaining spaces completed by July 2024. There will be district wide facility assessments in the future to help with planning and budgeting the Long Term Facilities Maintenance fund.
Before adjournment, Mr. Elstad noted that this weekend is the pheasant hunting opener and the governor will be in Owatonna for a tour and to visit the nature preserve at McKinley school!
Take care everyone. There are many challenges, hurts, and unexpected difficult life events happening for all of us. We must look for the helpers, and be a helper when we can.
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 