Our work session began just after the CACR presentation ended, at approximately 6pm. Two main topics were reviewed: current and future enrollment at OPS and Superintendent Elstad’s 90-day action plan update.
Lori Volz, our director of finance and operations gave the enrollment presentation. The slides can be reviewed from the School Board page, then Board Meetings, then Agenda and Minutes. https://www.isd761.org/our-district/school-board/meeting-dates
Currently our total enrollment reported for Owatonna Public Schools (OPS) is 5025 (actually 5041 by the time of the meeting.) However, in reviewing the chart Lori presented, it is noted that the junior and senior classes have 470 and 454 students respectively, while the kindergarten and first grade classes have 281 and 282 students respectively. There is a steady decline in each class size from 12th grade down to kindergarten. Because we have tuition agreements for our Owatonna online school with Moorhead, Northfield, and East Grand Forks, this brings us 77 students from those districts. Our total online enrollment is 265, most of which are high school students, but also some from elementary and middle school. Ms. Volz noted that there are substantial financial benefits from our online program which is now recognized across the state. Open enrollment has increased over the last 2 years. Our percentage of Free Reduced Price (FRP) students has decreased this year from 45% to 41.9% of our students. This number affects our federal funding and compensatory aid.
Elementary class sizes range from 18 to 28 students per class, depending on grade level, bringing the average elementary class size to 22. Each elementary building sits at about 80-88% capacity. The average middle school class size is 25.8, while the average high school class size is 25.3 (not including music classes which are larger by design.)
Average Daily Membership (ADM) is a calculated number based on grade level and number of students which is different from actual enrollment numbers. However, as with declining enrollment numbers, the ADM also declines from 12th grade down to kindergarten. Our district’s total ADM has been fairly steady over the last several years, averaging about 4800 each year with this school year (2024-2025) being 4781.
Projected enrollments beyond the next 2 years is difficult, as SI Elstad noted, explaining that many changes can occur in a community that are unpredictable (new housing, new employers, business changes, etc). This will cause positive or negative enrollment numbers depending on the changes.
How can OPS continue to work within our fiscal responsibility, attract the best teachers, continue to provide multiple services to our students, and bring in other students to Owatonna through open enrollment and Owatonna Online schooling?
Superintendent Elstad highlighted his 90-day Action Plan using each strategic direction. Regarding “21st Century Learners,” he continues to work with Riverland Community College for an ongoing partnership and programming. Within “Safe and Caring Community,” he continues his work with a team in developing a crisis plan, including threat assessment and reunification plans, and training of staff. Thirdly, for “Equity” he is working to identify the district’s financial needs to determine potential “right-sizing realignments.” Lastly, for “High Quality Teaching and Learning,” SI Elstad continues his work with Chris Picha in monitoring and oversight of the teacher apprentice program. He also noted that the Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship fundraising continues with local businesses. They are planning to begin the scholarship program for students in January 2025.
Much information to digest over the last few weeks! Finance and Policy committees will meet this week. The next regular school board meeting with open public forum is 11/25/2024 at the city chambers board room, usual time of 5:30pm. Have a great week, be thankful, be kind.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 