Our regular monthly recorded school board meeting began with all 7 members present at 5:30pm.
HIGHLIGHTS for tonight’s meeting:
Mission Moment: Superintendent Elstad recognized the work of our 4 Instruction Coaches at the elementary schools. These coaches assist our teachers with curriculum and teaching methods, essentially coaching teachers to do the best work they can.
Bond presale report was given by Matt Hammer from Ehlers. The upcoming bond totaling $7.77 million is for financing health and safety projects previously approved by the board. The bond will be brought to the board for final approval at the next regular meeting on March 24, 2025.
First reading policies: 519, 624,709, no questions or comments discussed
Second reading and approval of several policies, of which I asked to separate policies 601 and 606.5 from the rest. The group of policies approved together by 7-0 vote include 418, 603, 604, 609, 613, 606, 619, 707.
I asked to separate policies 601 and 606.5 as these are policies that I had previously voted no and continue to vote no for the reasons listed:
601 School District Curriculum and Instructional Goals: definitions in the policy, specifically E. “Culturally Sustaining” and I. “Institutional Racism,” make opinion statements rather than fact, making this policy one that I am not comfortable approving. Stated in E. “Culturally sustaining” is the phrase “…communities continue to be harmed and erased through the education system.” Definition I. “Institutional Racism” implies that institutional racism exists, and this concept is a theory/opinion that I do not agree with.
606.5 Library Materials: while I believe the recent updates offer improvements, I still believe that this policy lacks input and oversight by the school board. Final responsibility for selection of library materials is given to the Library Media Specialist, with oversight from the superintendent. The school board is left unaware (and has no input) of any and all selection of materials, and if any material is presented for an informal or formal reconsideration process (and thus reported to the state) the board is still unaware of these materials. Mr. Elstad assured that if there were any major issues, the board would be notified. However, in 4 months we will welcome a new superintendent, and this will bring several unknowns. This policy does now include a statement allowing parents to request certain library materials NOT be available to their children (such as Being Jazz, Maus, Sold, Tricks, just a few in our OMS and OHS libraries). Therefore, if parents know of a specific book or library material that they do not want their child to have access to, they can request this at the school.
Policies 601 and 606.5 were approved by 6-1 vote.
Achievement and Integration (A&I) grant: Owatonna schools qualify for this grant as we are considered a “racially isolated” district. This grant money will be applied to 3 specific goals for our Free and Reduced Lunch Population (FRLP) qualifying students: graduation rates, participation in rigorous coursework, and improved MCA Reading scores.
The board approved 7-0 the resolution to make recommendations for reductions in staff/programming. Due to the financial deficit going into the next few years, Superintendent Elstad previously presented a report recommending a $1.8 million reduction in programs/staff for the 2025-2026 school year. Tonight’s resolution authorized the superintendent and administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions. In working with each school’s principal, decisions will be made and staff will be notified in the first few weeks of March. The specifics will be outlined in the personnel report for the March 24th regular meeting.:
Superintendent Search: there were no internal applicants, so the process was opened for external applicants to apply. Mr. Sebring explained the process. The closing date for applications is Friday 2/28/2025. Each school board member will review applications in the district office next week. At the March 10th work session, we will determine which applicants (no names will be given) will be invited for a first interview. The first interviews will take place March 17-18 and 2 applicants will be chosen for a final interview to take place on March 19-20. A final decision will be made in the evening on March 20, 2025. Chris Picha is compiling a list of interview questions, and any school board member may submit questions to Ms. Picha for review. In one month’s time, we will hopefully know who our next superintendent will be.
That’s for tonight folks. Take care.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 