Our regular meeting took place per usual beginning at 5:30pm. These are the HIGHLIGHTS of the meeting! Several recognitions were noted including our student ExCel Award winners and Triple “A” Award nominees, and our principal Justin Kiel won a leadership award for his work at McKinley Elementary School. Congratulations!!
Our enrollment summary is notable for increasing enrollment in our district, primarily in the Owatonna Online program which is attracting students from across the state. OPS enrollment is up to 5121 total, 357 in Owatonna Online (up from 215) as of the recent report. Hopefully this will help with looming budget deficit.
Superintendent Elstad reported that he is beginning to work again in his legislative efforts with Mr. Sexton and Mr. Jasinski. He specifically works toward equalization of funding, addressing the many unfunded mandates passed by legislation last year, and working to increase funding for special education and our Grow Your Own program.
In the Admin Report (see link on the website agenda), several principals mentioned that students are finishing, or have finished, their winter Fast Bridge reading and math assessments. I asked if we could get an update and Mr. Elstad noted that he will discuss this with Mrs. Sullivan, our director of teaching and learning.
Several policies were reviewed for a first reading: 418 Drug-Free Workplace/School, 601 School District Curriculum and Instructional Goals, 603 Curriculum Development, 604 Instructional Curriculum, 605 Library Materials, 609 Religion, 613 Graduation Requirements.
In light of a recent personal discussions regarding legalized marijuana and children’s exposure to secondhand smoke/vapor, I asked about our policy coverage to protect students from the odor that makes its way into our classrooms. Because marijuana has the potential to cause negative cognitive effects and physical symptoms such as headaches and nausea, a strong odor is disruptive to the classroom environment, for students and staff. This could fall under policies 418, but also 807 Health and Safety, or 533 Wellness. Mr. Elstad noted that policy 504 Student Dress and Appearance also covers this issue. MN Statute states that it is illegal to use marijuana in a vehicle and in a place where a minor could inhale the smoke/vapor. In this case, as mandated reporters, any public school staff could call Child Protection Services and file a report if they feel that a child’s health may be compromised.
Regarding the Library Materials policy which was recently created and approved by the board, a revised version was needed due to recent legislation. This new version has an added paragraph that states any parent or guardian may request that a specific book included in “library materials” not be seen or checked out by their child and the school must comply. Another new paragraph states that, “the school board must report…” to the MN Dept of Education any book or material that is challenged in the district. As previously when this policy was first created, I mentioned that the absence of school board involvement in the selection materials and reconsideration process seems lacking to me, and I would like the school board to be involved in the processes. Mr. Elstad confirmed that the district does report all challenged material to the MN Dept of Education already. I requested that the board be notified when this occurs and what the challenged material is. The policy committee members confirm that they will review and discuss at the next policy committee meeting.
The last highlight is an update for the Superintendent search. The school board had a Special Meeting 1/22/2025 to discuss the process. Sheri Allen from TeamWorks assisted our discussion and led us in conversation regarding identifying ideal characteristics for our next SI and how we may elect to proceed. At this Regular Meeting, we voted to start the process with an internal search, accepting applications from only our school district. If needed, we will then open the process to include external applicants. Initial interviews are planned for 2/13/2025 and then follow up interviews on 2/18/2024. A community survey will be sent to parents/guardians soon, if not already. Please watch for this and fill it out to help the board in selecting the next Superintendent for OPS! June 30, 2025 will be Mr. Elstad’s last day and we expect to have our next Superintendent hired by then.
In follow up to the last post, also watch for the email notification of the MN Student Survey. You may opt your children out from this survey if desired. Please contact the principal of your school to do so.
One last note, I do not have any children of my own at the middle school these days, but I have been notified that the driving around the school has become very unsafe. The principal is working to make this safer, but until major changes take place, please be careful, slow down, and follow driving rules so NO ONE is hurt.
Well, a long post, even just for the HIGHLIGHTS. Thank you for reading. Please keep in touch.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 