Our April work session began on time at 5:30pm at the Chamber Board Room. After the call to order and Pledge of Allegiance, Ann Mikkalson started the work session with an update for the Owatonna Online Program. The online program is attracting a lot of attention from cities all across Minnesota due to its full-service programming that includes special education and social work services. The program offers flexibility for families, excellent access to teachers, and high standards for education.
Ms. Mikkalson reviewed several areas of focus for our K-12 online students, plus the work that teachers are doing through Professional Learning Communities that help with collaboration and maintaining consistency. Owatonna is working closely with other school districts to help guarantee successful partnerships.
Superintendent Elstad noted his gratitude for all the great work that Ms. Mikkalson has done with the online program, and that she is moving on at the end of the school year to take a position as a principal in a small southern MN school district. Congratulations and best wishes Ms. Mikkalson!
Kris Busse, the city administrator, presented the annual report for the 2023 year as given by the Owatonna Partners for Economic Development (OPED) https://owatonnadevelopment.com/ . OPED promotes development, unity, and collaboration for existing and new Owatonna businesses, housing, industry, project development, and helping students connect with local businesses for internships, job shadowing, work experiences and as future employees. Superintendent Elstad meets weekly with the OPED civic leaders.
The Owatonna Area Business Development Center presentation by Sean Williams will be rescheduled for a future meeting.
Board forum began with our student rep noting the Speech team sections meet this week Thursday. The Robotics team has partnered with the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Our schools have begun MCA testing. Chair Sebring commended the OMS Orchestra and their conductor for their recent service providing orchestra music in several senior centers in the area. A great experience for our students and local senior citizens to be able to enjoy one another’s company and contribute to Owatonna’s safe and caring community.
Superintendent Elstad gave several updates. He continues to closely monitor and stay up to date with MN legislation as it affects education. There are two more upcoming administration changes including Ann Mikkalson as noted above. Another principal will be resigning at the end of the school year. While Mr. Elstad noted the name, I believe a formal announcement will be made in the future and the personnel report will be approved by the school board. He also notes the ongoing work with the elementary school boundary changes and has been working with families and discussing their questions. Overall, it appears that the community feels that the changes have been well communicated, allowing for adequate time and input to consider the many factors that needed to be included in the process. Mr. Elstad is preparing to put together some data of the district which will entail student assessment scores among other things, hoping to have this information for the school board August retreat. I would like to see the data that will tell us if our district policies are effective, which should ultimately prepare our students for adulthood including college or entering the workforce (data such as academic assessments, attendance rates, graduation rates, disciplinary issues, etc.) The school district will be an upcoming campaign leader for the United Way of Steele County which helps raise funding for various programs in the community https://www.unitedwaysteelecounty.org/. In the last few weeks, interviews were completed for the next student represenative to join the school board as a nonvoting member. The board usually has one junior student and one senior student. The position has been offered and accepted to a current sophomore and the board will meet him in May when we also say goodbye to our current senior student!
Just before the next board meeting on April 22, 2024, at 5pm, we will be opening the time capsule that was found in the bricks of the 1921 building. Finding the capsule was a surprise and therefore no one knows what, if anything, is still there. This event is open to the public so please feel free to join us at the Chamber Office board room at 5pm on 4/22/2024!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 