***Yesterday when I wrote this post, I forgot to mention the passing of Cindy Voss, a beloved paraprofessional who worked in our district. I didn’t know Cindy, but I’ve heard wonderful things about her; she was loved by many and will be greatly missed. I’m so sorry for this loss and I pray for comfort for all those that knew her.
Our regular school board meeting began at the district office at 5:30pm. After the call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda, Superintendent Elstad used Mission Moment to recognize our schools’ principals and assistant principals. He noted that October is principal appreciation month and they are “the glue that make this operation run.” I have no doubt that our principals work very hard, care for our children, and make many difficult decisions for our students. Thank you to all of our principals!
A community member used public forum to share her thanks to the board and district leadership for the new high school, the technology, the services, the programs, and opportunities that Owatonna students have. It is much appreciated to hear good news… thank you!
A few comments were made during board forum. The policy committee continues to review our policies. The finance committee is working to set up meetings for November and December. The City Chambers space should be available for our next board meeting in November. Governor Walz visited Owatonna for pheasant hunting opener. This is Red Ribbon week, sponsored by SHOC, which is a student organization that helps educate our students about the dangers of drug use. National Honor Society sponsored a blood drive. The high school newspaper (Magnet) led by Mrs. Wagner, was given a second-place award for the best school newspapers in the state. I asked our student board representatives if there were any rumblings or discussions among students regarding the attacks on Israel. They noted that there seems to be an awareness of what’s going on, but no concerns for arguments, safety, or classroom conversations at this time. Mr. Elstad noted that while our district never condones violence, we do not typically make any statements regarding international news.
Mr. Elstad gave the Administrative Report, confirming that the new City Chambers space should be available to us for our next board meeting and there will be a ribbon cutting at the space soon. He is preparing for the State of the School address which will be virtual again this year as this seems to work best for most people. The Learn and Earn team continues to work developing the Owatonna Scholarship which will give students the opportunity to earn college courses at Riverland at no cost. The goal is to have this available in 2025. He is planning to meet with our state legislators to discuss financial assistance and the new unfunded mandates. Our community education director is working to formalize a plan for the public to use the walking track at the high school. There will be 2 upcoming open house opportunities at the new high school: November 2, 2023 which is the opening night of the fall play, and November 14, 2023 which is the All Bands concert, both are 5-7pm. Online registration is advised for these and is available on Facebook and the New High School link on the district website.
The consent agenda was approved which includes the minutes from the previous 2 meetings, the disbursement reports, and the personnel report.
The board approved 3 items in 7-0 votes:
- policy revisions for policies 513, 514, 524, 602
- MSHSL Form A Resolution: this is financial assistance through a grant which helps cover student activity fees
- Gifts to the district: specifically recognizing the Music Boosters of Owatonna and Jersey Mike’s, but also other donations that helped with homecoming.
NEXT board meeting: November 13, 2023 at the City Chambers office! In preparation for the upcoming World’s Best Workforce presentation next month, I have been reviewing the proficiency reports on the Minnesota Report Card. These are based on MCA scores. There has been a lot of confusion about whether or not students that opt out of MCA testing negatively impacts our proficiency rates. The Minnesota Department of Education has confirmed that opting out does not negatively affect the MN Report Card statistics (though it does affect the North Star accountability system).
Owatonna Public Schools district 2023: Math 46.7%, Reading 48.3%, Science 29%
Owatonna High School 2023: Math 37.2%, Reading 55.5%, Science 32.6%
https://rc.education.mn.gov/#mySchool/orgId–10761000000__groupType–district__p–3
These numbers absolutely have to improve and this will be my primary goal moving forward into 2024.
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 