Monday’s meeting began with a Special Session in order to complete 2 votes, both of which were approved 6-0. The first was the approval of the 2023-2025 salary and benefits agreement with the Owatonna Principals’ Association and for the Chair and Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the school board. The second was the approval of the 2023-2025 salary and benefits agreement with Owatonna Nutrition Services staff and for the Chair and Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the school board. Meeting adjourned.
Immediately following the Special Session, we proceeded to the work session agenda. The first item was a presentation by Washington Elementary School’s principal Libby Zeman and a few of the staff at the school including a kindergarten teacher, the teaching and learning coach, the speech pathologist, and the new math interventionist. The school is working on “Celebrating All” through team engagement, literacy and math developments, the Best Buddies program, and ensuring students feel valued. Our K-2 teachers are working through Functional Phonics, and the school has the addition of a Reading Corp Tutor volunteer that has been working with 37 students one-on-one (17 of whom have exited the program). The math interventionist is doing small group work with students which is helping them grow, learn, and enjoy math work. The Best Buddies program pairs students with students that are in the STRIDE program (student with disabilities.) They meet monthly for activities and can continue the relationship into middle school and high school if desired. Staff have used survey data to encourage student engagement and a feeling of being valued at school. This includes reinforcing listening skills and showing kindness, buddy activities, celebrations, class projects and dress up days (as determined by the student council.)
Superintendent Elstad reiterated the recent steps taken to ensure the best decision possible for the changes in elementary attendance school boundary lines. The input team has met twice and the design team is drawing up conclusions. The board will be given the final presentation in one week at the Regular Meeting 3/18/2024.
Lots of information shared during Board Forum. Our student reps discussed Speech Team meets, with Owatonna recently earning first place at our home meet, with 2 upcoming meets this week. Robotics is traveling to Iowa for competition, and there will soon be an interview for the Rotary sponsored leadership camp. Our students are looking forward to spring break beginning March 22 through March 31! Also discussed was the recent visit by educators from Japan who toured our schools with Dr. Meagher. They are especially interested in our STEM and STEAM programs–WOW–from Japan to Owatonna, Minnesota!
The Facilities committee met and continue to report construction is “on budget and on time” for the new district office remodel project at the old C plaza. The demolition crew is working to recycle whatever materials they can from the old buildings, and there is some preparation for the possible sale of the current district buildings on Bridge Street and Rose Street. The Owatonna Education Center is making final preparations to house the WeePals daycare beginning in April and likely ending in November.
Superintendent Elstad gave a legislative update briefly discussing the SRO amendment which has passed through the House and is currently pending the Senate vote. There is also discussion of the READ Act 2.0 which may allow for some funding for the programs required. Soon, there will be announcements introducing our new ALC principal and our new Lincoln School principal, both to begin employment this summer (I believe).
Lastly, we viewed a short video showing the completion of a project that Mr. Elstad states began about 2 years ago. The video revealed the packing and loading and delivering of some tables and chairs from the old Owatonna high school to schools in Tanzania. So very heartwarming to see these children in Tanzania, all in uniform, sitting in the chairs from OHS!
Reminder: the next school board meeting is in ONE week, 3/18/2024, due to upcoming spring break March 22-31, 2024.
Enjoy Spring!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 